Member Reviews
Underneath The Christmas Tree by Heidi Swain. Read through NetGalley, I choose this book as I’m a fan of the authors and have enjoyed her books in the past. The story is set at Wynter’s Trees, where people get there Christmas trees from and visit Santa. It was also home to Liza Wynter who grew up there but didn’t hold the greatest memories for her and has been running away from those memories. Through the book we see Liza face these memories. As always with many Christmas books you get when it says on the tin and this is again true for this book. I read Heidi Swain Christmas book last and feel pretty much the same about this book as I did last year. It’s a cute story, full of Christmas spirit and Christmas happiness. Set at the time of year that in books seems to be so easy to find happiness and when all worries disappear because everything, no matter what always works out! The book has a great set of characters, as always with the authors books and it has a warm and kind heart at its centre, full of love and romance. It’s predictable from the beginning and there are no wow moments but this doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it, it’s a very easy read and you get behind the characters, wanting the best for them even though you know the outcome. If you are a fan of the author you will definitely like it and if you haven’t read anything by the author but love a Christmas read, then you will know what your getting and I think you will enjoy it. A good book to read on a winters day, snuggled under the duvet 🎄
What a beautiful book as usual by Heidi.
This one really does have a lovely Christmas feel to it being set on a Christmas tree farm. Loved reading about the huts and could picture myself shopping there. Have really missed all of that this last year. This book really brings it all back to you.
The story line with Liza, Ned, David and all the clan is absolutely super.
I've read a few Christmas books already this year (never too early) and so far this one has been the best.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Heidi for an amazing book.
I love a Christmas book and I will happily read them any time of year. A really good read which made me want to read more! Well done.
Underneath The Christmas Tree had all the Hallmark Christmas vibes which I love. Cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies are my not-so-guilty pleasure! It was delightfully festive and I could clearly visualise Wynter’s Trees and the lodge where Ned and Liza resided. The descriptions were vivid and clear without being over the top.
I really liked Liza as a character. Despite the sadness she had faced in her life, she was a strong character who knew her own mind. Ned was also very likeable and I enjoyed the slow-burn romance. Often when there’s quite a large list of characters it can become a little confusing remembering who is who. That wasn’t an issue with this book which is testament to Heidi Swain’s skill of creating believable (and likeable) characters.
Overall I found it to be a fun enjoyable festive read.
When Liza Wynter’s father died he left her his majority share in Wynters Trees, a Christmas Tree farm in Wynbridge. Her Father’s former partner David has carried on running the business and tried to involve Liza. Unfortunately Liza isn't interested, blaming it for everything that has gone wrong in her life. But David has decided to retire and in order to make the transition to his son Ned he wants Liza to stay at Wynters for the weeks up to Christmas.
Liza arrives determined to help out until Christmas and then leave and get on with her life. Unfortunately Wynters trees has a habit of working it’s special kind of magic on people. Will Liza fall in love with Wynters or will she walk away without a backward glance.
A lovely, warm, well written story. Characters you can relate to and settings so beautiful you’ll want to spend Christmas there
This is another gorgeously cosy Christmas read from Heidi Swain and given the setting of a Christmas tree farm you can’t get much more festive! Liza inherited a share of the Christmas tree farm from her dad several years ago but her past unhappiness there has led her to avoid it until the other co-owner insists she goes there to discuss him selling his share to his son Ned. The beautiful setting and fabulous bunch of characters make for a very warm read, Ned is just too lovely and Liza is a strong but vulnerable person and the way she faced up to her past was great to read. The festive atmosphere builds up really well and definitely offers a lot of Christmas joy.
Liza hasn't been home to Wynmouth since her dad died. His business partner keeps asking her to go back. She decides what her future is and needs to go back. Love Heidi's books
I love that Heidi Swain makes you want Christmas in October! I really enjoyed this book as much her others! The story of Liza returning to her fathers passion and seeing the relationship develop between her and Ned. A magical book and loved every word of it.
Heidi Swain is the absolute mistress of the contemporary Christmas romantic read and I think Underneath the Christmas Tree is her best yet.
Absolute genius to set the book at a Christmas tree farm, where there is every reason for the festive feeling to start in November. Nothing about the seasonality in this book is forced; it is there as a delightful backdrop to a cast of characters so brilliantly drawn you would want to meet them at any time of year.
At the heart of the book is the love story between Liza and Ned; you know it will be fraught with difficulties but you also know a happy ending could very well be written in the stars, because that is what the romance genre does. It is just that this particular book does it so very well and it was pretty hard to see how everyone’s happy ever after could possibly work out. The world Heidi Swain creates is as rich and warm and comforting as a mug of hot chocolate with a whole ton of marshmallows and cream, but never ever as sickly, and of course its entirely calorie free.
I was delighted to receive a review copy of this book but now I have a major problem. What on earth am I going to start reading when December arrives to get me properly into the Christmas mood?
I don’t know why I do this to myself every year! The new Heidi Swain Christmas book pops up around September time on NetGalley and I request it without thinking!
Cut to two weeks later and it’s only the beginning of October but I need it to be Christmas right now!
Heidi’s story telling and characterisation draw you in from the first few pages and you root for her characters even when you want to shout at them in frustration.
This tale is no exception I was drawn into Liza’s story from the outset. I loved returning to Wynmouth as well. Although don’t get me started on the amount of time I have spent googling holiday cottages in Norfolk!
I most definitely recommend this Christmas hug in the form of a book, preferably to be enjoyed with a snuggly blanket and a mug of chocolate!
I already a big fan of Heidi Swain’s work so was excited to read this latest book. It did not disappoint!
This is the story of Liza who has come back to the place she had not been back to, since her father died, with the intention of selling her share of the business and not returning. The book follows her ups and downs whilst she wrestles with her decision. That decision is made all the more difficult by the very wonderful man that is Ned. (I think I fell a little bit in love with Ned!)
No spoilers here but the story is a comforting and joyful read, and is interspersed with varying different relationship struggles – grief, bullying, family relations, friendships and of course romantic relationships.
It makes you want to visit Wynmouth and Wynters Trees and be a part of the wonderful world that Heidi has created.
Loved it and feel totally ready for the festive season to come!
Thanks to Simon and Schuster UK and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
Another visit Wynmouth with Heidi Swain and it’s just as enchanting! I love hearing about characters from previous books as part of new stories and you’ll find many a familiar face popping up in this Christmas adventure and not just those we’ve previously met in Wynmouth! This doesn’t take away from our main character Liza and her return home to her families tree plantation in Wynmouth. As she rediscovers Christmas and battles her demons from the past whilst planning for the future you can’t help being drawn in and wanting a happy ending for her. Another fantastic book from Heidi Swain, a perfect read to get you into the festive spirit.
Oh Heidi, thank you so much for the opportunity to return to Wynmouth and to spend time at Wynter's Trees with Liza and Ned, the whole story was a festive delight from beginning to end and I didn't want to leave but it's left me feeling warm and christmassy, thanks again
My first Christmas book this year and what a cracker it is.
Liza returns to Wynbridge after nearly a year to sell her shares in Wynter's trees to start a new venture. After the death of her father, Liza needs to move on and the business has never interested her.
David and his son Ned are running Wynter's trees but David wants to retire.
I loved the sound of Wynter's trees and the huts selling their Christmas ware.
The characters are all lovely, helping each other. There is a real community spirit. Just the sort of place I would love to live.
Heidi really captures the essence of Christmas and this is definitely another winner.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Liza is determined that she doesn't want anything to do with her dad's Christmas tree business after he passes away leaving his business partner David to run it
David is equally determined that Liza returns as he wants to retire so his son Ned will buy him out but they need to discuss it face to face
Liza agrees against her better judgement thinking she could get things done and leave but she falls in love with both the place and Ted.
Another brilliant book by Heidi would love it if a place like Wynters actually existed, it sounded amazing
How excited was I for a trip to Wynmouth this Christmas!? Another amazing, cozy, feel good read from Heidi Swain!
Liza is convinced to return to the family Christmas Tree farm for one last Christmas before she sells her shares to follow her dreams. But after realizing she'll be spending this Christmas with the handsome Ned, will those dreams be changed?
One of my favorite ever authors, I always look forward to the latest release, (no pressure then!) but this really knocked it out of the park. It really was an absolute Christmas extravaganza!
Set on a Christmas tree plantation, with a lovely log cabin and the little festive market thrown in for good measure, it really was the most ideal and beautiful setting.
The characters are delightful, they are likable and quirky, bring a lovely warming humor to the story and totally relatable, meaning that you can just melt into the pages with them.
A charming Yuletide read perfect for curling up in your Christmas pyjamas, with a mug of hot cocoa, (trust me, you'll want one!) and join the people of Wynmouth for their traditions and celebrations.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the copy and last but by no means least, Heidi Swain for this absolute treat of a Christmas story!
Another cracker from Heidi Swain, beautifully written with the right mix of Christmas, sentiment, friendship and romance. It really does touch on everything bullying, grieving and realisation to name but a few all blended together to make a magical story. Totally recommend
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for this early copy of Underneath the Christmas Tree by Heidi Swain in exchange for an honest review.
Heidi captures the spirit of Christmas so brilliantly and this book is no exception.
Only this time, I was caught up and swept away on the Wynmouth Christmas tide, captivated by Wynter's Christmas Tree farm, Liza, Ned, all the supporting characters and of course Bandit the Huskey.
Liza proves that if you are brave enough, you really can change your 'story' for the better, you just have to try.
This book really does have Christmas all wrapped up, with potted Christmas Trees that can be hired year after year, a nature reserve, beautiful artisan gifts sold from festively decorated beach huts and of course the fabulous community spirit Heidi's books specialise in. I found myself, not for the first time, longing to live in a place like this.
Well done Heidi on your sixth Christmas tale, you never disappoint.
Liza Wynter is back at her Father's Christmas tree for the first time in years. She wants to sell her shares in it, but the part owner is convinced she will fall back in with it and want to stay.
Add in Ned, the manager of the farm, and will it be enough to change her mind?
A great festive read - makes me want to go and visit!
Another perfect Christmas book from Heidi!
Such a gorgeous setting and some adorable characters too, I simply couldn’t stop reading this wonderful book!
Crammed full of festive moments, it was brilliant to see Liza start to connect with the community she left behind under such tragic circumstances years ago.
The setting is so beautiful and the community welcoming and entertaining too. You really feel the spirit of the season flowing on every page.
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a book by Heidi Swain and this book manages to deliver fantastic Christmas vibes and festive frivolity by the bucket load! 🪣
I’m so excited to get my tree 🌲 up and to snuggle down with a hot chocolate and cosy blanket to re read this marvellous book again closer to Christmas ❄️