My Very first visit to Wynthorpe hall an now I'm off to buy the rest of the series . I still enjoyed the book as a stand alone book but I'm intrigued to find out more background to the other characters.. Very magical read and has put me in the mood for Christmas !.

Another wonderful visit to the beautiful Wynthorpe Hall and all its residents. I love this series, it just seems to be get better with each book - I think this is my favourite so far.

This book is about Hayley, the housekeeper at Wynthorpe. She arrived looking for refuge when she was young and pregnant, ended up working there and has been there ever since, the same as most of the other members of staff (although they just call themselves a family) at the Hall did, all needing help in one form or another. Hayley is quite a flippant, fairly hard character, because of events when she was younger, but has a softer side that she tries very hard to hide. At the start of the book she is engaged to Gavin, but not by the end!

Gabe is a new addition to the Hall, a friend of Jamie's (son of the owners of the Hall) and starts working as a woodsman on the estate, and helps out with teh Winter Wonderful, but he also has issues to resolve which aren't apparant at first.

Again we have another Christmas event, a Winter Wonderland, being organised, along with various other festive events, and it just really gets you in the Christmas mood. The family all gets together and eveyrone helps each other out, with Hayley's artistic talent coming to the fore, even though she tries to hide it.

A lovely festive read. I really enjoy Heidi Swain books, her characters are just so engaging. Very enjoyable.

Oh it was wonderful to be back at Wynthorpe Hall again and back with characters I was familiar with, I think I would enjoy a little festive holiday there every Christmas please! This book is a follow up to last year's Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair. If you're not planning on reading that one at all then you don't need to read it first but if you don't want to be spoiled for that one then I would definitely suggest going back and enjoying that one before picking up this one, reading them back to back would be an amazing experience!

This book follows Hayley, who we meet in Sleigh Rides but we don't get to find out an awful lot about her. Boy is there way more to Hayley than meets the eye. During parts of the novel she reminded me a little of Anna from Sleigh Rides because she has her guard way up and it seems like no one is going to be able to bring it down, but of course she is more familiar with the ways of Wynthorpe Hall and so fits in a gets on with the other characters in a very different way. I really liked her as a character and enjoyed spending time with her. I think she is an optimist at heart and really does want the best for everyone even if she has been dealt a particularly bad lot in life!

It was great seeing Angus and Catherine and Dorothy again. We also have cameos from other Wynbridge residents throughout the book so if you have read all of Heidi's previous novels there are plenty of Easter eggs there for you. I was so pleased to see that the giant Advent calendar was back again this year too-I swear that advent calendar has magic powers, powers to make people happy and bring people together, it's wonderful.

This would be a fabulous book to read at Christmas time, or the run up to the holidays at least because of all the festive food, You can practically smells the Christmas pudding spices coming off the page and don't get me started on the cosy kitchen and the roaring ires. But I also think that this book would work at any time of year as it is as much about Hayley and her character's journey as it is about the festive time of year at Wynthrope. It was awesome to be back with these characters and I can't wait to hear more from them soon!

It was a sheer joy to be back at Wynthorpe Hall amongst friends, from last years Christmas book. And if I thought last years was amazing then this one may just be better.

I was all for Angus' idea for a winter wonderland to be held at The Hall, and was enchanted with how the team pulled together to put on such a magnificent event.

Gabe is the new woodsman, and its clear he has some baggage but I hadn't guessed just what he is hiding. At some points I absolutely loved him but he was blowing so hot and cold that it was hard to full embrace him.

Whereas Hayley I really enjoyed getting to know. She has so many layers to her personality and history, that you are continually learning new things about her, and how she would deal with situations. I loved seeing her true personality shine through as the story continued, and she definitely has some personal growth too.

Although this does feature a whole host of familiar characters, for fans of Heidi Swain, I do believe the book can be read as a standalone too. There are enough references to past occurrences to give you a good idea of what happened, plus the main focus of this book are different people.

There are a large number of characters to keep track of, but once you have worked out who is who, it feels as though you really are another part of the family at Wynthorpe Hall where everyone feels welcome.

There is just something special about Heidi Swain's writing that keeps me reading, and going back to the book continually and at no points did I want to tear myself away from this really lovely book. Whether you are a long time fan of the author, or new to her, this is definitely a festive feast of a book to read this season.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

What can I say? Loved this book. Heidi's books are always like a hug in a book and I look forward to reading all her books.
We return to Wynbridge again for this Christmas treat and it doesn't disappoint. It really is like going home to family.
This book concentrates on Hayley the housekeeper at Wynthorpe Hall and we find her preparing for her engagement to Gavin.
Only not all goes to plan and she finds herself being rescued by a guardian angel in the form of Gabe and his giant dog Irish Wolfhound Bran. Gabe is the newest member of staff to join Wynthorpe Hall and will be working with the children and young adults that come to stay at the Hall, he is also a friend of Jamie's.
Angus has come up with another scheme for Christmas only this time with Jamie and the rest of the family on side. They will create a winter wonderland through the woods for families to enjoy along with more sleigh rides.
Angus tries to persuade Hayley to put a hidden talent to use to help them in the planning, but she is afraid if she does then something will go wrong as usually when she uses her talent something invariably does.
With Gabe help can she get past her fears and not let her past define her?
Gabe is also hiding a secret and Hayley doesn't know if she can trust him. Will he break her heart, can she help mend his?
A proper Christmas cracker that had me reaching for tissues, mince pies and the Quality Street.
Oh and Angus gets his special advent calendar out again.

I absolutely loved this story and will re read it again come Christmas.

Ps: the physical cover is stunning.

Another visit to Wynthorpe Hall always means a great feel good read. Has definitely put me in a Christmassy mood. Hayley has always been rough around the edges and put up barriers can Angus and Catherine convince her to move into Wynthorpe and be a real part of the family. Maybe newcomer Gabe is an angel and can helpHayley put her past behind her.

I have read and loved all of Heidi's books so far and have loved them all and I wasn't disappointed with this one. A fabulously festive read with heartbreak, romance and secrets. Fantastic characters who I could identify with, a beautiful setting and a 'Winter Wonderland' which I would love to visit.

As with all of her books, Heidi effortlessly brings her characters, Wynthorpe Hall and Wynbridge to life, I quickly get drawn into the story and find it so difficult to put down. A well balanced book which is a delight to read. A story of friendships, laughter, love and romance with a gorgeous festive theme.

A delightful book for a cosy weekend or evening curled up on the sofa. Highly recommended I loved it and can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

After discovering Heidi Swain’s books earlier this year, I knew I would absolutely adore this book and it didn’t disappoint.

Hayley thinks her future is set out before her after recently becoming engaged to the handsome Gavin. She ignores rumours of his indiscretions, believing that he is a changed man. The night of their engagement party arrives and it doesn’t end as everyone thought, particularly for Gavin and Hayley.

It isn’t difficult to picture the village of Wynbridge. This is down to the fantastic way Heidi writes, describing this beautiful part of the fens. You really feel that you’re there, at Winthorpe House, getting everything ready for the Winter Wonderful that they are hosting on the lead up to Christmas. You want to sit at the kitchen table, eating Dorothy’s delicious meals, chatting with everyone.

I loved the “are they/aren’t they” situations between Hayley and the handsome woodsman, Gabe. I found myself silently cheering them on as the story progressed. The ending was lovely and I did shed a happy tear! Oh I almost forgot, I’d love to see Hayley’s Woodland Trail map and the posters and flyers that she created for the Winter Wonderland! They sound amazing.

What I love most about Heidi’s books is how they either are set in, or stem from, the village of Wynbridge and how the characters from her other books pop up in them.

Huge praise goes to Heidi Swain for creating another wonderful book. Without a doubt, a 5 star read for me 😊

A great festive read, this time with Hayley as the main character of the book, alongside Gabe, who is new to Wynthorpe Hall . Also a great catch-up with the character from the previous books in this series.

Heidi Swain does it again! I am a huge fan of Heidi's novels and this one was no different. It has the same wonderful community feel that all of her other novels have. Let's just take a moment to talk about this absolutely stunning cover. Absolutely everything about it screams Christmas and it's so, so beautiful! Probably one of my favourite covers of Heidi's to date. I adore the purple sky, the thick snow, the cute little cottages and the beautiful Christmas tree taking pride of place in the centre.

This time, Heidi's novel follows Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper. Hayley thinks she's found it all, a good job, lovely friends, and a good looking and cheeky fiance Gavin. However, things turn upside down when Hayley finds herself wishing she never got close to Gavin in the first place! To avoid anymore gossip about her life, she moves into Wynthorpe Hall and doesn't look back. She starts to love her job even more and new arrival Gabe is one of the reasons behind that.

Hayley and Gabe both have their secrets, (Gabe's was so heartbreaking!) but can they put it behind them to start a relationship together? We go through so much with this couple, and it was such an engaging and heartwarming read. I absolutely loved reading about the Christmas and festive events that take place at the Hall and at Wynbridge. It was honestly just to heartwarming and I adored reading about the sweet treats that Dorthy made or the crafty festive items on sale by the girls at The Cherry Tree Cafe.

It was so lovely as well reading about some of the characters which has made an appearance throughout most of Heidi's other novels. Although these characters pop up every now and then in this novel, you don't have to have read the others in order to understand them. It just adds to the magic that all the characters are the same! It really adds to that lovely community feel that all of Heidi's novels have. Overall, a beautiful festive read. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

A very welcome return to Wynbridge to find out more about Hayley.

Following a mortifying incident involving her fiance, Hayley ends up taking refuge in Wynthorpe Hall with some old friends of ours! Anna and Jamie play a big part in this book, along with Jemma and Lizzie. Will and Lottie, Jake and Amber and even Ruby and Steven get a mention!

Hayley, a spikey and feisty character in a good sense, is assisting with making Wynthorpe Hall's 'Winter Wonderland' a roaring success and throws herself into a hidden passion in doing so. The very swoon-worthy Gabe is a newcomer and settling into the Gatekeepers Cottage and assisting with estate maintenance.

Gabe is hiding a secret and Hayley nursing a broken heart but they are drawn together like 2 kindred spirits. I really enjoy it when the lead female isn't a 'damsel in distress' and can hold her own and Hayley certainly can! I laughed out loud at many of her sarcastic comments!

In any other book I would likely have got bored with the will they/won't they and all the opportunities Hayley and Gabe had but not at all with this book. It was meant to be about taking a chance and the hardship relationships can bring - Gabe's tale was desperately sad and unexpected and made perfect sense as to his confused character.

Heidi brings her characters and Wynbridge to life but also the story as a whole - the concept of the wistful and whimsical 'Winter Wonderland' was simply magical and Hayley's drawings really were vivid in my mind.

I can't get enough of Heidi's books, when I read them I want to meet and make friends with the characters, visit the places they live and join in with the merry business ideas they create! More of the same please Heidi - you are one of my absolute favourite authors; an easy 5 stars for this stunning page-turner!

My thanks to Simon & Schuster via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

It always seems odd when I pick up my first Christmas book to read in August with the sun shining and the heat warming my bones, but that doesn’t stop the festive cheer and Christmas magic that exists in Heidi Swains Christmas novels.

Going back to Wynbridge is a treat as is catching up with old friends residing there, as well as meeting new ones.

When Hayley Hurren catches her Fiancé Gavin literally with his trousers down at their engagement party in the local pub, she moves into Wynthorpe Hall where she works, determined to go back to her fun loving ways. Hayley has no future plans of any further long term relationships. She feels totally at home and comfortable until new arrival Gabe turns up and a spark between them is lit. Getting over the past for both Hayley and Gabe is easier said than done and quite a battle to overcome.

Full of romance, sparkle and special friendships this is a gorgeous read, reminding us that Christmas is a magical time of the year and not too far away.



Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC this is my own opinion of this book.

Oh my gods, Heidi has done it yet again, another amazing delightful and heartfelt story that I just fell in love with and completely got lost in. She has such a way with words that her style of writing is truly magical which draws you in from the very first page.

It literally melted my heart from start to finish. I enjoyed every little moment, the characters were a delight and I loved getting to know them all.

I thoroughly enjoyed returning to the location of Wynthorpe Hall, becoming involved and reacquainting myself
with all of the wonderful characters again, not to mention the Christmas festivities and traditions. I fell in love with the new addition of Bram, the dog, he sounded like such a character and so adorable. I also loved getting to know his owner Gabe, who sounded truly handsome with a sensitive nature to him.

As always, I loved experiencing all of the going on's at Wynthorpe Hall whilst they prepared for Christmas and the ever expanding Winter Wonderland event. I just wanted to be there myself to enjoy it all for real.

I really didn't want the story to end or to say bye to the characters and I'm already looking forward to reading Heidi's other books so as I can indulge myself her wonderful stories and delightful characters again.

The story returns to Wynbridge, and to Wynthorpe Hall, where the focus in this book is on the housekeeper Hayley.

After ending her troubled engagement Hayley moves into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town gossip. She is determined to find the ‘Old fun loving Amy’ and to never open her heart again.

Gabe, a tall and handsome lumberjack and friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also arrived at Wynthorpe and takes up residence in the Gatekeepers Cottage as the newest employee.

Christmas is fast approaching, snow is on the way, mistletoe is being hung and perhaps Hayley’s heart will finally mend but as ever twists and turns are heading her way in this gorgeous, light hearted, romantic and cosy read.

Excellent and high praise for Heidi. This is yet another stunning read and I loved every moment of it. I always enjoy reading Heidi’s books and fall deep into the depth of her writing and enjoy the journey, every, amazing, time......
4 out of 5 for me.

I was lucky enough to read an early kindle copy of Heidi Swain’s new book, another heart warming romantic read.

Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, has a disastrous engagement party at the pub. With the whole village in attendance distraught and embarrassed she decides to leave her village home and move into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the gossip.

Welcomed by her employers the Connelly’s and her colleagues. They prove to be more like family than her own. Rallying around her as she tries to mend her broken heart. Vowing to concentrate on a future without relationships, love and romance Hayley throws herself into her work.

Then the arrival of Jamie Connelly’s friend Gabe throws a spanner into the works.

When the family plan a winter wonderland event for Christmas Hayley’s hidden talent is discovered by her colleagues. This means she and Gabe are thrown together to work on the designs.

Hayley and Gabe soon discover a mutual attraction. But both hampered by past tragic events causing emotional barriers, means things don’t go smoothly.

Will the Winter Wonderland be finished in time for Christmas? Will Gabe stay? Can Hayley find love again?

All of these answers can be found in this heartwarming Christmas story. Heidi Swain writes characters you can relate to and Snowflakes and Cinnamon swirls at the winter wonderland is no exception. Reintroducing some of the characters from the village of Wynbridge brings a warm familiarity to readers and fans of Heidi’s books.

This is definitely a cosy winter read and a book for your Christmas list.

This is a first for me by this author but certainly will not be my last... why I have put off reading books by this author I will never know... I need to read them all.

Hayley, Wynthrope Hall's housekeeper has called off her engagement to 'scorching scaffold-er' Gavin, being publicly humiliated by her cheating now ex-fiance, she decides to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak.
Hayley moves into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip and finds herself immersed in the Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland.
Little does she know but Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course . . .

Gabe, the gorgeous strapping lumberjack and a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has taken up residence at Wynthrope Hall, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage whilst helping with the organisation of the Winter Wonderland.
He quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl, but he too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.

As the preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another. Will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself?

This book has a lovely mixture of humour, tears, laughter, friendships and romance. You are drawn into the lives of the characters and feel part of the story. I cant wait to read more about the Wynbridge folk.

Thank-You Netgalley for my ARC.

Another feel good story from Heidi Swain, I so look forward to reading these! We return to Wynthrope Hall and this time learn about Hayley's story. I really enjoy the way all the old characters appear again along with some new people and all seem to fit seamlessly into life in Wynthrope. I already feel at home with everyone.

Hayley has a scandal from high school which her father refuses to forgive her for, and this has sadly affected her outlook on life. After an unfortunate engagement party, she finds herself with a new home and a new friend. Her old hobby is revisited with spectacular results in this heartwarming Christmas tale.


Very much looking forward to the next one,

This is an author I haven’t read before, but this kind of story appeals to me regardless of the time of year.

This was a brilliant story with great characters and a storyline which had me laughing and also shouting at the characters to work it all out at times.

A great read for any time of year.

After calling off her engagement, Hayley moves into Wynthorpe hall to escape the town's gossip and her critical Father. She is determined to return to the good-time girl she was, and to never open her heart again.

Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence at the Hall and moved into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, but he has secrets in his past that he would like to keep that way.

As the festive season approaches the pair are immersed in the Connelly family's activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. Subsequently they are thrown together and there is an undeniable attraction that goes against the promises they have made to themselves.

But with the magic of Christmas all around and the smell of cinnamon swirls in the air can Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart? And in doing so, will he convince himself?

This book takes us back to Wynthorpe Hall to reunite with the Connelly family and meet some new residents.

At first I wasn't sure what I thought of Hayley. I'd loved her bubbly and brash personality when reading Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair but in this book I found her grating on me. Thankfully, this feeling didn't last long and I soon found myself warming to her. I loved Gabe from the get go, he was a kind and lovable character with an air of mystery surrounding his troubles.

I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded and it was wonderful to be back in Wynbridge. I love returning with each instalment. Swain's writing is impeccable at warming the heart and creating a world the reader feels a part of. As always I look forward to her next offering with much anticipation.

I never begin reading my festive reads before my Birthday in October but I have been eager to read Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland by Heidi Swain and I couldn’t put it off any longer!
In the authors new release we find ourselves back at Wynthorpe Hall with all of the wonderful characters we have come to know and love but this time the focus is on Hayley who has well and truly had her eyes opened when it comes to her relationship with Gavin and now she has been wrapped up in the love of those at the hall and they all want her to forget her past and set a new positive future for herself but Hayley may need a help in hand in the shape of new resident Gabe at the Hall for her to take that leap at a new future.
I read this book in one greedy sitting which is often the case for me when reading Heidi’s novels as they just feel like a comforting hug each time I find myself immersed in her writing. Unlike many novels that are released with a Christmas themed cover and yet have no festivity to the storyline, this book has festivity abundance. I think dear old Angus is just as excited about Christmas as I am!
I was surprised with the lack of emotion from Hayley when she splits from her fiancé at the beginning of the book but I soon got over this as I got swept away with the storyline and the presence of Gabe soon made things a lot more exciting!
I loved getting to know Hayley more, we have previously met her before ( please don’t be put of this can still be read as a stand alone) she is quite a complex character who doesn’t seem to have found her true self yet. I loved the discovery of her hidden talents and I was eager for her to put it to good use.
The romance was rather predictable but it had its fair share of ups and downs to keep us interested.
I loved being able to see how things have developed between Anna and Jaime and I also loved the arrival of my favourite characters of Heidi’s, Jemma and Lizzie from The Cherry Tree Café. Everytime I am reunited with these women and their delicious offerings my mouth instantly waters and I have such a determination to bake my own goodies in my own café!
This is another wonderful trip to Wynthorpe with a perfect sprinkle of festivity to wrap everything up to make this a perfect stocking filler for the bookworm in your life.