A wonderful Christmas read. Wynters Trees was started by Liza’s dad, but she wants nothing to do with the company. She hasn’t been back since her father died. Despite her best efforts she is forced to return and agrees to help out over the Christmas period with a view to selling her shares when the season is over. Liza is determined that Wynters Trees will not win her round. But she has not counted on the spirit of Christmas and the wonderful people she meets along the way.

If ever a book was destined to be made into a cosy, heart-warming, fabulous, Hallmark Christmas move it’s this one. Heidi Swain delivers Christmas in true style here, I have to say it’s one of my favourite festive reads this year and one I know I will read again closer to the big day.
Wynter’s Trees sounds brilliant, and although I completely understand why Liza hasn’t wanted to be around, she’s missed out on so much. The festive magic is in the air, and it leaps off the page!
David, and son Ned, have been taking care of everything at the Christmas Tree farm since Liza’s Dads death but now with retirement in mind, David is keen to move on and let Ned buy his share. Liza is keen to move on also, and with a plan she finally returns, hoping to convince Ned to buy her share as well so she can fulfil her travel and career plans.
David and Ned are reluctant to have Liza sell, they truly believe she doesn’t want to really, deep down and set about making her realise what she will be losing. Magic must be in the air as slowly Liza is pulled back into the festive atmosphere; she genuinely starts to see the beauty of the season again and just how special Wynters Trees is.
Liza took a bit of warming up too, although I understood her reasons, I thought she was perhaps a little immature and hasty, and blinkered in her views, unwilling to listen to those that genuinely cared for her. She seemed very determined, but I liked that she met her match in Ned. The chemistry between the two was instant and undeniable.
I loved the craft huts and the great community it created – what a great idea and took me away to all the fabulous Christmas markets and craft fairs we see pop up in the run up to the season. Always nice to see some old characters pop up again, although it is completely a standalone book.
I could honestly rave about this all day… an absolute delight as always. You know you are in a safe pair of hands with Heidi; never failing to bring us wonderful characters, emotional heart warming stories with romance, community spirit and the ability to leave us feeling all warm and cosy.
A festive hug in book form! I cannot recommend this one enough!

Underneath the Christmas Tree is a great romantic novel. It's got everything you could wish for - a plucky heroine, a handsome hero and a spectacular setting. I can truly say that I've never read a book set on a Christmas tree farm before! It works really well in Underneath the Christmas Tree, as Heidi Swain doesn't dwell too much on the Christmas side of things. Instead there's a slow burning romance alongside a story of self-discovery and facing the past.

Thank you to @Heidi_Swain and @simonschusterUK for this advanced copy of Underneath the Christmas Tree in return for an honest review.

Description 🔖

Wynter’s Trees in Wynmouth is for everyone that lives there; Christmas. Everyone get’s their tree from Wynter’s and they love the Christmas experience that comes with visiting. Liza Wynter doesn’t feel the same way. Wynter’s Trees was her Dad’s dream and even once he died, Liza wasn’t able to fall in love with the place. She’s always kept it at arm’s length and let their family friend take care of it.

Liza has no choice but to get better acquainted with the business when David (her Dad’s friend) decides it’s time for him to retire and will therefore be selling his shares in Wynter’s Trees to his son Ned. When Liza arrives back in Wynmouth she finds a flourishing business under Ned’s watch and is impressed with his ideas for the future. But she is adamant she doesn’t want any involvement. Will the magic of Christmas, friendship and potential romance be enough to change Liza’s mind?

General Thoughts 🤔

What a sweet and cosy Christmas story this was. It was a lovely book to cuddle up with and drift away to a fantasy land of Christmas trees and budding romance. The setting for this story is one of the things that I really liked. As I was reading I could just imagine myself walking amongst all of the trees, smelling the pine and feeling the cold.

There is nothing really controversial in this book, even the small confrontations between characters are tame. As long as you go into this book expecting smiles, cuddles and happy endings then I’m sure that you will enjoy it as I did.

Characters 👫👬👭

Liza was a likeable character but my word she was blind to everything around her. I spent a lot of time in my head shouting “open your eyes”. She seemed oblivious to life, business and romantic opportunities that were right in front of her face. However she may not have been oblivious to them and rather just chose to close her eyes to them. She had made a plan and I think that any deviation from that plan would have made her feel like she had failed.

All of the characters in this book were quite lovely. They were a bunch of people that I would like to live in a village with. They all cared about each other and I loved that they were all able to get involved with the Christmas festivities at Wynter’s Trees. It was so sweet.

Writing Style ✍️

My favourite thing about Heidi Swain’s writing was her descriptions of settings. As I mentioned, the descriptions of the plantation was fantastic and I felt like I was there. As well as that, I felt like I was sat in the lodge with Liza and Ned sipping on a hot chocolate. She was able to create a Christmas wonderland within the pages of the book that felt real.

Conclusion & Scoring 🎖️

As the weather starts to get colder, this book would be great for curling up with some fluffy socks on and a hot chocolate to hand. It’s light hearted, fun and sweet as candy canes. The cover is also very beautiful, so if nothing else, get it just to admire those lovely colours.

Heidi Swain has gone and sprinkled her flurry of Christmas magic through the pages of her new release, Underneath the Christmas Tree. The backdrop for this novel couldn’t be more perfect for a festive novel with a Christmas tree business and quirky little Christmas huts to lure you into this sweet romance as our main character Liza returns to her late father’s business of Wynter’s Trees. Liza is determined to relinquish all ties to the business but Ned who is currently running the business along with his dad is hopeful she will change her mind plant her own roots at Wynter’s Trees.
We can always rely on Heidi to surround our main characters with a welcoming community of supportive characters and they all brought a little something to the storyline but my favourite had to be little Liam who looked like he was set to full down a slippery slope but with a bit of direction his true character becomes to flourish when he is given an unexpected opportunity which he took with glee. I really hope he pops up in future Heidi novels to see how he is progressing.
This was a festive delight that lifted my mood thanks to its feel good and lighthearted storyline that is full of romance, friendships, entrepreneurs and new beginnings and not forgetting CHRISTMAS!
This is the perfect book for any book worms stocking filler this year and currently on of my top 2021 Christmas reads so far this year.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for my copy of this book and for letting me take part in this tour. I am a HUGE fan of Heidi Swains books, especially her Christmas ones.
I was so excited when Heidi first announced the name of this book and when I saw the cover I immediately fell in love with it!

Liza is quite a stubborn woman. She hated growing up at Wynter's. when she first arrived she was dead set against liking anything there. As her time progressed it was nice to see her see a different side to Wynter's. I really liked Liza. She has a big heart and is willing to give anyone a chance and some more than one.

Ned is such a loveable character. He has such a love for Wynter's. Not only does he love the farm and its reputation he clearly loves the festive season. He is like a big kid at times. Heidi has created someone so wonderful with Ned. I can't wait for him to reappear in future books.

I want to give a special mention to Liam. I really loved his enthusiasm and work ethic, I was thrilled to see him blossom over the course of the story.

I LOVE Wynter's farm. It is such a beautiful place. with the plantation, the huts and the barn. It is the perfect backdrop for Christmas! I loved the idea of renting a Christmas Tree. What a neat idea! The beach huts were also such a good idea, It really made Wynter's a one-stop-shop for Christmas.

Heidi has created a magical wonderland here that almost tops Angus and Wynthorpe Hall. I know Liza thinks that her dad had one up on Angus but I think Angus will always be the king of Christmas for me! I loved hearing about how all of the other places in Heidi's books were mentioned in this one.

This is the perfect story for those cold winter nights, wrapped up under a blanket with a nice hot chocolate!

Underneath The Christmas Tree by Heidi Swain
Pub Date 28th October 2021
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…?
Heidi Swain provides us with another captivating, heartwarming, romantic, beautifully written read, embracing the enchanting celebration of Christmas that brings people and communities' true spirit together.
You sense the emotion of the season swirling its way through every page.
While this is a second visit to Wynmouth and some familiar characters, this story can be read as a stand-alone.
I want to thank NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Uk and author Heidi Swain for a pre-publication copy to review.

I loved this so much. I haven’t read many of Heidi’s books but the ones I have read are absolutely beautiful and gripping. This one really made me feel good and was an absolute pleasure to read.

Absolute Christmas magic. Well worth a read, snuggled up with a hot chocolate.

There’s so much going on in the story with Liza, Ned and the rest of the staff at the tree farm, all the new changes and how it digs up issues with Liza’s past, and all of it is so well written that it pulls you in instantly.

Happy endings all around, but at times it keeps you on your toes wondering.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I was so excited to read this book, and pleased to say that once again Heidi didn’t disappoint.

Liza, returns to the family Christmas Tree 🎄 Farm after being brought round. But, she has come back for one last Christmas, she wants to sell her share and fulfil her dreams..

But, she finds that she’ll be working with Ned, whose good looking and fit, so will she still follow through with her plans?

I have always loved reading Heidi’s books and look forward to her next one as I’m doing now.

This story has a lovely setting and the festivity in the book is so fitting to the story.

The characters were relatable, likeable and quirky.

This book is so perfect to read curled up with a mug of hot chocolate.

Highly recommend this book, and if I could give it more than 5⭐️ I would.

You know you can rely on Heidi Swain to produce and cute and charming Christmas novel .Like a big Christmas hug, Underneath The Christmas Tree makes you all warm and festive inside.

From the first page, I was rooting for Ned and Liza and could stop reading to find out if they'd get their happily ever after.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Oh WOW Heidi never disappoints, amazing book, loved the characters and the way we get to know them, the description is like you are there Heidi has to be the queen of Christmas and every other season come to think of it, do yourself a favour and curl up and enjoy this book, would give it 10 stars if I could, FABULOUS

Another fabulous festive feast from Heidi Swain. Each year I think the latest book is the ultimate festive offering until the next comes along. You’ll fall in love with Wynter’s trees as Liza does (and of course the delicious Ned). There’s a cast of characters you’ll want to revisit as well as cameos from old favourites and I do so hope the farm features in future books so we can catch up with old friends in the future. Not only a Great story but set me off researching Christmas tree renting for an added ecological twist.

Another Brilliant story by Heidi Swain,

I really enjoyed following the story of Liza, Ned, David the ups and downs and all the twits and turns, I was hooked after the first chapter and have been unable to put it down. I really hope we can revisit in the future to see what happens to the farm and Liza and Ned.

Thank you for letting me review another Brilliant story

Yet another fabulous book from Heidi Swain. A thoroughly festive and cosy story with really likeable characters in Liza and Ned.
I highly recommend reading in front of a fire with a twinkling Christmas tree to help the festive feeling!

This was an absolutely brilliant read. It was a magical story. The characters were all lovely. I was captivated by the story as it unfolded. Will she, won't she has me quickly turning the pages to find the answer. A truly lovely and romantic read. Heartwarming, romantic and beautifully written.

I love love love a Heidi Swain Christmas book! This one is no different, the book is just beautiful and puts you completely in the Christmas spirit, one to be enjoyed on a cold winter's evening with a hot chocolate!

Well. You won’t get much more Christmassy than the festivities going on at the Wynter’s tree plantation! This was a joy to read. So so festive and the whole concept of the business was utterly believable- I come from Norfolk myself and can guess where she drew inspiration from and only wish it was as wonderful as what is depicted in the book!
Eliza and Ned were clearly destined for each other right from their first introduction, even with the teeny bath towel. It was lovely to see Eliza gain confidence and also closure. The perfect thing to get you in the Christmas mood- but it will make you crave hot chocolate while you read it so be warned!

What could be more Christmas than a Christmas Tree Farm. Wynter’s Trees is just that in Wymouth and where everyone in the area comes to get their tree at the most magical time of the year.

Wynter’s Trees tries to make it as magical as possible but for some like Liza Wynter it has been the place she has been avoiding ever since her father died. Now her father’s partner wishes to retire and pass his share onto his son Ned, but for Liza she has decided to get rid of the place forever and hopes that perhaps Ned might wish to take the whole place over.

Returning for one last Christmas and to sort out her family home and fathers possessions, Liza does not expect to find a place which is thriving under Ned’s leadership. Diversification is being used and the concept of making the visit to the farm more of a destination rather than a chore shows the potential that the farm has. Liza is moved because this is exactly hat her father would have dreamed of having, if his life wasn’t so cruelly cut short.

There are too many memories tied up in the place for Liza and she knows she needs to break free from the place to be able to move and do what she wants with her life. However it seems the magic of Wynter’s Trees has other ideas. Becoming attached to Bandit the dog, the little beach huts full of local crafts people that arrived on the farm, along with seeing the joy the farm can bring to so many different people of different ages, Liza perhaps thinks she has made a rash decision.

Ned though realises that if he wants to continue to fulfil his wishes at the farm, he will need to buy Liza out as well as take over his father’s share, trouble is there is something beguiling about her and Ned is rather distracted. Liza knows there is a connection, but does everything she can to divert attention elsewhere. However, cupid’s arrow strikes as it does and it seems that Liza and Ned are destined to be together. If only they could work out their differences about the farm and where it is potentially heading, then it could and would be Christmas all year round for them.

Another great Christmas read from Heidi Swain, in fact another great read which brings the magic of Christmas and community together all set tot he backdrop of a sprinkling of magic just like some snow! Whilst we have gone back for a second visit to Wynmouth, you do not have to have read the previous one to get a sense of the place and the people that live there.

If you are looking for a Christmas read to curl up in front of a log fire, the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree, a hot chocolate full of calories then this is the book for you. Because even if you haven’t got any of those things, this book will give it to you in abundance and transport you to Christmas at any time of the year.

Oh Heidi Swain – what a treat this book is! Heidi is the absolute Queen of domestic fiction – whether it’s something to get you through the Summer or cosy up with in Winter. This is probably my favourite of her publications so far – she just keeps getting better and better and yet her books are fantastic to begin with! Heidi’s books explore multiple themes – romance – loss – friendship and so much more. The themes are explored sensitively and through a carefully written and researched storyline.

What a joy that this was the first Christmas book of 2021 and is clearly a firm five star read. Warm, beautiful characters, a cosy setting, the perfect weather and…Christmas Trees! Heidi knows exactly what the essence of Christmas is and captures it perfectly in her books. There are also some fabulous business ideas in this book too! This is a stand alone book but there are a few familiar faces popping up here and there…