Hailey thinks she is finally having her happily ever after but she learns she is wrong. So she swears off men and her search for love just as Gabe arrives at Wynthorpe Hall. He is the new woodsman and he and Hailey hit it off right away, although they both have baggage from their past to face.
This quickly became my favourite Heidi Swan novel. The characters are engaging and likable. I especially liked Hailey, she is feisty and funny and I loved seeing her character develop throughout the novel. Another favourite character is Angus. He’s the owner of Wynthorpe Hall and Hailey’s boss. Angus kept me entertained as he organised a Winter Wonderland at The Hall, with his crazy and sometimes ridiculous ideas (including hiring reindeers). There are many more characters that kept me glued to the pages and that, if you read Heidi Swain’s previous novels, you’d already be familiar with.
The beautiful and atmospheric setting got me right into the Christmas spirit and the story is heart-warming and engrossing. Unsurprisingly, Heidi Swain has created another brilliant and entertaining novel, the perfect read for this Christmas season.

Another great book by Heidi Swain. This is a nice cosy Christmas read. The characters are people you can relate to and are keen to read more about. A perfect easy read for settling in front of the fire with a hot chocolate and devouring in one sitting.

Another lovely visit to Wynbridge. Loved the less-than-conventional heroine and her issues. Very well handled.

Hayley is engaged and to be married soon, but at her engagement party she discovers that her boyfriend hasn't been faithful to her. As things are also not at the nicest at home, she decides to take an offer of moving into Wynthorpe Hall, a place that she's been working in for a long time already and that she loves. She just wants to forget and move on. But, as is turns out, she's not to be the only one new resident to the Hall. Jamie's friend Gabe is joining the family too. They're both not interested in a relationship but they feel comfortable in each other's company - however, can it be that fate has other plans for them?

I have a confession to make. Even though I have some of Heidi Swain's book, this one, "Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland" is the first novel by this author that I've read. I've heard such great things about Ms Swain's books and I thought, well, it's highest time to read it. I was a little afraid, to be honest, as the novels are part of series, set in the charming Wynthorpe Hall and the surrounding village, afraid that I'd missed too much and won't be able to keep on track. But no worries, guys, it really felt as reading a stand - alone book. There were enough background info to deduce what's happened in the past to understand the whys and whats of the characters.

Our main character Hayley was a quirky, fierce girl who knew what she wanted. I'm sure it was properly explained in one of the previous books, the whole situation with her family and especially father but I was just thinking, oh boy, what must have happened for him to be so cruel towards his daughter, to be so cool, rejecting and not interested. The relationship between Hayley and her mother was also a bit enigmatic for me, it didn't seem to be lots of love there, and it made me really sad. I definitely have to read the other book to get into the heart of their story. Hayley was hard on the outside, she had a big mouth but let's be honest, she was really soft inside and she had a heart in the right place. And it was not a wonder that she was like this, what with her past that made her so out of reach and also short - tempered but if you get your time to get to know her, you'll understand her motives. She may not be the easiest character to immediately like but this feeling comes really quickly, and I truly fell for her.
Gabe's background history was incredibly sad and it made my heart break. He was an interesting character, what with him blowing hot and cold all the time, and yes, it started to be irritating, but then came the moment when he explained what has happened in the past and well, it changed my feelings a lot. There were many layers to him, as well as to Hayley, and I liked that their characters were not so straight - forward.

But, after reading so many brilliant things I was expecting something really brilliant. For me, however, it was just a normal story - it was nice, yes, but it didn't wow me, I'm really sorry. It's probably my fault, as I went into this book with very high expectations. Please don't get me wrong, it was a cosy, lovely, Christmassy read, of course it was but I didn't find there anything that would make me feel like so many other reviewers felt about it. I loved the idea of the Winter Wonderland and would love to read much more about it. I was also in awe how, short and sweet, they were able to organize it. OK, to be honest, I think I'd rather have many more chapters about it because it seemed a truly magnificent, fabulous and festive event. It was simply the best part of the book, enchanting and amazing. The rest - simply - didn't wow me as much as I think it would.

The writing style was light and not too complex, and there was warmth to it. The story was lovely and lovingly interspersing few threads and the author touches upon some very sensible and poignant issues, though she isn't going too deep into them. I really liked and appreciated the way the author has decided to write the romance here, the ongoing will they/won't they - yes, it was there, but it was not too overwhelming, not too long and the characters didn't make you feel desperate to bang their heads together. There was some romance in it, heartbreak and secrets, and the setting was simply gorgeous. I'm really happy that I still have other Heidi Swain's books to dive into.

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland is a great book to get you into the Christmas spirit. A great read that hooked me in from the first few pages.

A really enjoyable story and perfect to read on a wintery day. Can't wait to read more from this author!

I was so excited to read this as I am a huge fan of Heidi Swain and her Christmas book always becomes my favourite Christmas read, and my goodness Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland is absolutely fantastic.

I absolutely loved being back at Wynthorpe Hall there is just something so magical about it there. I think its Angus and Catherine, they are such a lovely kind and welcoming couple full of love for each other their family's and everyone close to them, even the staff at the Hall.

I really enjoyed reading Haley's story, she is a lovely girl and I really felt for her at times, she seems to have no luck. Newcommer Gabe was a great character too, there is something mysterious about him like he is hiding something and its making things hard for him, and I just hoped it would all work out for him. Gabe reminds me of a knight in shinning armour, he always is there when you need him and he would do anything for you.

It is so good to hear about characters from previous books and know that everything is going great for them, I love it! It makes me so happy as they are characters that I have loved to read about before and it is nice to see what they are up to now.

I wish I was able to take my family to the Winter Wonderland this Christmas as it just sounded so perfect. They really do Christmas in style up at the Connelly's.

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland has got to be my favourite Christmas book this year! It is the perfect read to keep you warm and cosy on these dark nights and get you in the festive mood!

Heidi Swain's books are fast becoming a Christmas tradition of mine, it simply wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to Wynbridge! I am such a huge fan of Heidi, she writes the most wonderfully charming stories that sparkle with festive cheer. She sure knows how to write Christmas!!!
As the festive season fast approaches it was an absolute delight to be back with the characters we have come to love from previous books, as well as getting to meet new characters. She has an amazing talent for setting the scene with such vivid details and drawing the reader in to her festive delights and bringing these lovable characters to life. Her writing style flows effortlessly and you find yourself sucked into the festivities, the romance and the heart break along the way. I found myself hooked from the very first page and I honestly did not want to put it down!

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls is the perfect feel good story all year round but it adds that something special to this truly magical time of year.
This is possibly the best book to date and I can't wait for more, Heidi has once again given us another unforgettable trip to Wynthorpe hall.

The perfect Christmas read! Funny, sweet, and heartwarming--it's like a delicious cup of hot chocolate in no-calorie book form! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

A nice, but predictable story. This is the first one I have read by this author, so I found it difficult to understand the relationships between the characters.

I have become a huge fan of Heidi's books in the past 2 years. They are a guaranteed pick-me-up. Her characters are incredibly rich and realistic, you feel you know them for real after spending a few hours getting to know them.

I love how the characters are intertwined from one book to the next. Although each book is centred around a new character, we get to catch up with old friends too as we venture back to Wynbridge. I loved in this book, that we got to catch up with Anna from Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair. It was lovely to find out what she's been up to. This also means I can expect to catch up with Hayley in a future novel!

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls is a wonderful story of heartbreak, lost souls, family and finding love again. I adore the setting of Wynthorpe Hall, especially at Christmas! It makes me nostalgic for the Christmases I used to have as a child, playing in the cold, frosty air, lots of family around and delicious food everywhere! I wish I lived in a village like this and could participate in the festive fun!

Now, Hayley... What can I say? She is an amazing woman! She's a serious contender for character I'd like as my bff! She's so strong, feisty and just so loyal and lovely! I adored her! And Gabe... Swoon! I loved Angel Gabriel and his huge doggo, Bran! They brought a bit of mystery to Wynbridge with them and I loved unravelling their story. I developed quite strong feelings for Gabe as the story progressed and by the end, I gotta say, I LOVED him! A LOT!

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls is a fabulous festive read, with lots of love, chosen family, yummy food and a delightful setting that you just need to get lost in. This is the perfect remedy to a long, stressful day. Grab a hot drink, a cinnamon swirl, light a candle and get lost in the pages! You won't regret it

I have read books by Heidi before and this one was disappointing at all! Great little girlie feel good read. Finished front to back so quick!

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland.
Heidi Swain
5 out of 5 stars.

Pure comforting Christmas Joy

I love Christmas and being given the opportunity to read Christmas books in November as a blogger is a dream come true.
I first discovered Heidi Swain last winter when I was experiencing a reading slump and I read Sleigh Bells and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair. I loved the characters and the setting of Wynthorpe Hall and Wynbridge. Wynthorpe Hall and it's owners Agnus and Catherine specialise in taking in people who are needing a home and somewhere to be safe. So I was really excited to find another book that carried on from last years fantastic read.
This book focuses on Hayley the housekeeper at the hall who is about to get married to a local boy Gavin and on the evening of their engagement party. She finds out that Gavin is not all that she thinks he is and this changes her path and leads her to move in at the hall and re discover her own talents.
This book introduces Gabe the latest in Agnus and Catherine's collection of waif and strays to arrive at the hall who is a friend of Jamie their son and who is carrying a hiding a secret past. The book is wonderfully warm and Christmassy and reading it feel like sitting on a sofa, with a hot chocolate and a cosy blanket.
I loved getting to know the characters in depth and I can't wait to see if there will be more stories about the residents of Wynbridge.

I’m such a huge fan of Heidi’s books so I was very excited to be invited onto the blog tour for her latest book. Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls At The Winter Wonderland is the perfect Christmas book to snuggle up and get lost in this winter.

Firstly I loved the wonderful descriptions of Wynthorpe Hall and wish I could go visit there over the Festive Season too. The beautiful sounding decorations and all the festive activities on offer makes it a lovely place to be. It was great to read about how the family takes Hayley under their wing and help her to mend her broken heart.

The growing relationship between Hayley and Gabe is the kind of relationship I think most women would like! I enjoyed watching it progress and the two of them become closer. I really wanted them to have a happy ending as I felt they both deserved it and were great for each other.

I have read most of Heidi’s books and I love them for the warm, pure escapism they offer. I always feel fully immersed in the book when reading it and almost disappointed when I stop reading and discover I’m not in the wonderful world she has created. If you haven’t read one of her books yet then grab a blanket and a hot chocolate and cuddle up with one this winter!

Huge thanks to Harriet from Simon & Schuster for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour!

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland

This has to be Heidi’s best book yet. A beautiful setting in Wynthorpe Hall, an array of lovely warm friendly characters and two main characters Hayley and Gabe both wounded by their pasts and in Hayley’s case wonderfully flawed.
I also loved the visits to the cherry tree cafe and mentions of skylark farm and cuckoo cottage.

Hayley is tossed through every emotion imaginable in this book as she has family problems and a bit of a dark past. She lived her life as she thought she deserved it, pretty much settling for second best but when she has a rude awakening it gives her a chance to expect more for herself. It was lovely accompanying her on her journey to a better life.
Gabe is very sexy and hunky but he has problems moving forward with his life after events that have happened in his past.
I really enjoyed being totally absorbed in this story.
Heidi has created a wonderful village in Wynbridge and it is such a pleasure to visit there again with each new book. The winter wonderland sounded amazing and I loved reading about the planning stages and especially the craft that Gabe came up with.
All in all this book filled me with joy and hit me in the feels with the twists and turns of Gabe and Hayley’s lives. I loved it. A Christmassy delight x

Thank you to Simon and Schuester for my copies of this book. I was so very excited when the paperback of this book landed on my doorstep a few weeks ago. I have read quite a few of Heidi's books now and if there is one thing she excels at it's writing a Christmas story!

Firstly I am SO excited to return to Wynthorpe Hall! Last Christmas we ventured here for Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair and it is truly a magical place. Not only did we meet new characters we also got to catch up with some well-known names too.

Hayley has been working at Wynthorpe Hall since she finished school. Hayley has had her share of scandals in life and after the latest one, she moves into Wynthorpe Hall at the instance of all the residents! Hayley is very much like a creme egg. She's hard on the outside but, soft and gooey on the inside. Her past has made her put up all these barriers because she can't face getting hurt again. Hayley is an easy character to root for. I could easily see myself want to be friends with her.

Hayley wasn't the only new resident at Wynthorpe Hall. Jamie's friend Gabe is joining the family too. Gabe is a strong silent type. He's not into sharing his feelings and he's got a secret that he definitely doesn't want to share. He's also mighty fine. With his lumberjack physic, it's all too easy to get hot under the collar when he's around.

For me, it was really great to catch up with some familiar faces but don't fret if you haven't read one of Heidi's books before because this can definitely be read as a standalone. If you are anything like me though you will be seeking out all of Heidi's previous books so that you can enjoy more of her enchanting world.

Angus is my favourite character. He embraces everything Christmas and he's so infectious he has everyone joining in! The Winter Wonderland was magnificent and I was so wrapped up in it that I forgot that it's actually still October!

If it hasn't become apparent yet I loved this story! Heidi had me laughing and crying throughout this book. There were sad tears and there were very happy tears! I particularly enjoyed the last chapter at the party.

So go grab yourself a drink, a slice of cake and plonk yourself on the sofa with this book! I guarantee you won't want to move for hours!

I think of Heidi’s books as a wonderful ‘hygge’ experience. They feel like revisiting old friends and it’s so comforting to get lost in her world. This book returns to Wynbridge, where most of her previous novels are set. Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square was a different location, but some familiar names pop up in it.

Anyway, back to Wynbridge. This is the first Christmas book of hers I’ve read, and it’s everything you would want in a festive read! Filled with snow, christmas trees, romance and friendship. I was happily engrossed in this book, whilst sat next to my mum, who was equally engrossed reading Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair (last years festive offering from Heidi). I think it’s fair to say we’re both big fans. There are a few authors that are the queens of Christmas romance novels and Heidi is among the best-along with Trisha Ashley and Carole Matthews.

Hayley and Gabe make a sweet couple, but of course getting together doesn’t go as smoothly as it should. Hayley’s ex-fiancé keeps popping back onto the scene, shaking things up for her. Not always in a bad way, but it’s hard to move on with your past dragging you down frequently. I really liked reading about the Winter Wonderland and would love to visit somewhere like that. The Hyde Park funfair and it’s overpriced food stalls doesn’t have the organic charm and rustic feel as Wynthrope Hall seems to.

If you want a book to really get you in a Christmassy mood, this is just what you need! Cosy up with a snuggly blanket, a mug of hot chocolate and something sweet to nibble on…

I absolutely adored last years Christmas offering by Heidi Swain (Sleigh Rides & Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair) and was delighted to go back to Wynthorpe Hall visiting the same lovely characters. You don't have to have read Sleigh Rides first but it's such a lovely read and you will get a deeper insight into the characters for this story.

We reunite with Hayley - who was a small character in Sleigh Rides but here she takes on the protagonist role. Newly engaged she finds out her husband-to-be isn't entirely faithful. She leaves her cheating man and her unhappy family home and moves into Wynthorpe Hall where she works to get herself together.

The night she finds out her fiancé is cheating on her she meets the aloof Gabe - he's come to work at Wynthorpe as an woodsman. Hayley feels an instant attraction to him (and gets very mixed messages, but the underlying one is that he feels the same). Gabe is a closed book. He has his secrets and Hayley would love to break his guard, and he would love to break hers. But neither are willing to break down their barriers to finding happiness...

But as ever the magic of Wynthorpe gets it's fluffy mitts on you and melts even the coldest of hearts.

There are plenty of nods to other books and characters too, which add real depth if you've read any of Swain's previous books.

What I love about the characters is that everyone is so relatable. Not everything has that glossy tint that so many chic lit books do. There are flaws, unlikeable traits and things that frustrate you. I really liked Hayley and loved learning more about her, but boy was she stubborn!

Gabe also frustrated me. He constantly blew hot and cold with Hayley (and I feel he messed her around a bit). It frustrated the stuffing out of me at times, but in a way it showed how invested I was in the story.

Swain has a brilliant knack of epitomising the spirit of Christmas in her books. You can almost smell the cold mixed with mulled wine and cinnamon buns. Trust me you will leave this book feeling as festive as Santa's Elves!

I've said it before and I'll say it again...it ain't Christmas until you've read a Heidi Swain book! Get curled up by the fire (preferably with a cat) and settle down with a cup of hot chocolate/mulled wine and prepare yourself for the warmest and sweetest story.

A blinding 5 star read for me!

A big thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I love a Christmas story.
Never having read Heidi Swan books before it was a really enjoyable book.
romantic,funny and sad .Angus and Catherine are such fun characters which brings the story to life
I didn't what the book to end .
I will definitely go back to read the other books.
Many thanks to the publisher and nettgalley for giving me a chance to read and review this book.

A delightful read for this time of year.
Although the path for Hayley, the housekeeper at Wynthorpe Hall, has not been an easy one, with her difficult father, horrendous experience at school and the aftermath and a cheating fiancé, she decides to put on her game face and for self-preservation will approach life with a no strings attitude. Will this continue when she meets the gorgeous and mysterious Gabe? Will Hayley be able to resist?
A brilliant book, funny whilst dealing with some more serious issues. A great read.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.