A Christmas Celebration by Heidi Swain

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When Paige turns up unannounced at Wynthorpe Hall, she discovers the place she knew when she was growing up has changed beyond all recognition. She’s only planning to stay for a short time, but is quickly pulled into local life.

One night while driving home after delivering library books and shopping to residents she stumbles across an isolated cottage and meets Albert, its elderly and rather grumpy owner. She quickly realises there’s more to Albert than meets the eye and the same can be said for the other man she can’t seem to help running into, handsome but brooding Brodie.

My Opinion

Another festive book by Heidi Swain, another very enjoyable read. Anyone that has followed my reviews for a while will know that I really enjoy every book I have read by Heidi Swain and this was no exception - it was so lovely to be back at Wynthorpe Hall with a lot of familiar characters. Whilst part of a series, the main character Paige, is new so this could be read as a standalone although there are references to events that have taken place in the previous books.

This was a festive hug in a book and will leave you wanting to decorate and eat plenty of festive treats. With everything that happens in this book and series, I could see this working well as a Christmas movie or series. This book got off to a very interesting start with the hint that there are many secrets to discover and held my attention until the very end.

If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for?

Rating 5/5

It’s an easy ready and had my attention from the first few pages.
There’s a lot to love it’s not just a romance, it’s about love and family, loss and healing, learning to live again and accept.
Aside from that it’s pure escapism and I loved the characters, though sometimes I found them infuriating at times, but it all comes together and they’re well developed and their actions make sense as the story goes on. Festive read at its finest!

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this book, I read Heidi’s previous festive novel and liked it but there was some kind of magic in this one. I’ve never rated a Christmas book five stars before but this one completely stole my heart.

This isn’t important to the review, but it meant a lot to me personally. Paige makes a joke about Bran the dog taking a fancy to a custard cream or three and that made me very happy as I once knew a special doggy that did the same thing.

Brodie’s personality seemed to instantly change. The first couple of times he and Paige interacted he was really grumpy and then at the opticians, he was really nice, joked around a bit, and asked her out for a drink. This was very confusing at first but don’t worry it all gets explained. He’s actually quite sweet and almost an entirely different person by the end of the book. In a good way obviously.

Paige was an interesting main character her past is really reflected in how she acts and the subtly of how this both affects and changes her by the end of the book is very well done. She was completely selfless and extremely likable.

My favourite characters by far were Molly and Albert. I love Molly because of her witchy spiritualness, I really was not expecting this in a Christmas novel. She was always so easygoing and had a general floatiness about her that was just great.

Then there’s Albert who completely stole my heart. His character development throughout the book was incredible to see and he was so cute. I love the relationship he has with Paige and how she basically becomes his adopted daughter - this isn’t a canon thing in the book but they gave me that vibe.

I liked the nod to last year's festive novel with the Christmas trees coming from the Wynter farm. Then later in the book some of the secondary characters take a trip there in order to keep the Christmas celebration a surprise.

Romance was very much a background feature in a Christmas celebration and I actually really liked that. This was much more than a romance novel, it was utterly feel-good and the nonromantic relationships Paige forms were so important. A Christmas Celebration is by far one of my favourite festive reads of the year.

This book reeled me in with such an intriguing start. What was the huge mistake which Paige had made when working for a aid charity in Jordan? Her new friend Molly says that the universe ensures people are where they are meant to be exactly when they are meant to be there and although Paige didn’t expect to be in Wynbridge it seems that Molly was right, both for Paige and for some others.

Although she thought she had wanted a quiet Christmas alone to gather her thoughts after her unexpected return from Jordan, Paige is soon off to Wynthorpe Hall where she’s warmly welcomed by the residents. And that’s what Heidi’s books often feel like to me. I feel that as a reader I’m being welcomed back into a community I know so well. It was lovely to see mentions of The Cherry Tree Cafe, Skylark Farm and Wynter’s Trees to name but a few, as well as glimpses of the lives of characters from previous books.

Paige is one of life’s good people. She has a strong sense of justice and fairness and wants to do what she can to help others. So it’s not surprising she agreed to help with the volunteering at Wynthorpe. Even though it wasn’t in a war torn region, her work was just as important in its own way. I thought the idea of prescription and food deliveries around the neighbourhood was just brilliant. That was one of the few good things to come out of the pandemic – people being more aware and looking out for their neighbours. There’s a real sense of this community looking out for everyone.

People following their passions is so important in this book and I’m not just talking about love. Two different characters were made very miserable when parental disapproval meant they couldn’t follow the path to do something they loved. Both found their lives transformed when they finally were able to follow their dreams.

With secrets, community spirit, friendship and of course romance, A Christmas Celebration is an ideal book to help you get in the festive mood and to celebrate Christmas. Get yourself a mince-pie and some mulled wine and a copy of this heart-warming read.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

It took me a while to get into this book as it felt a bit disjointed at first but I persevered and enjoyed it in the end.

What a lovely heartwarming Christmas story set in a beautiful backdrop.

Paige comes to stay with her godparents for Christmas to help out and at a time when she is feeling at her lowest ebb. Helping out in the community is just what is needed for them and her. A chance meeting with both elderly Albert and broody Brodie set up different challenges for them all.

Well written, great characters and set in a magical background of Christmas, family, hope and good cheer.

Highly recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

After a terrible incident results in Paige moving back home to the UK, she's determined to hide away from the world. But that's not possible at Wynthorpe Hall - especially at Christmas time! Understaffed and increasingly busy, Paige is drawn in to helping out with various village projects and develops an unlikely friendship with an elderly, grumpy man named Albert. And despite swearing off relationships, there's something about handsome newcomer, Brodie, as well…

As with all of Heidi's books, you know what you're getting in the best sort of way. A cast of loveable new characters (with some returning faces) a cute little village and the perfect fireside Christmas setting.

This is just a giant mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows and cinnamon and a flake wrapped up in the pages of a book. It's fluffy, heartwarming and totally wholesome and I enjoyed it a lot.

Make sure you add this one to your Christmas wishlists (along with some tissues but that goes without saying)

Thanks for another gorgeous read, Heidi!

A new book from Heidi Swain is one of my favourite things ever! A new Christmas book from Heidi Swain is very top of my wishlist!

You can't go wrong with a cosy festive frolic, especially when it's set in and around Wynthorpe Hall and the Winter Wonderland! I adored returning to the Hall and revisiting old friends and meeting some wonderful new ones! Oh, the nod to Wynters tree farm... Ned... Swoon!

I adored Paige, Albert and Brodie. It was fab catching up with Molly and taking a peep inside The Cherry Tree Cafe and the Market Square. I so want to live in a village created by Heidi and full of her characters. How idyllic?!

I can't emphasise enough how perfect and joyous this book is. Christmas bliss!

A Heidi Swain Christnas novel set at Wynthorpe Hall again? Yes please! I was so excited to get stuck into this book and see my old friends from Wynthorpe hall once again. I cannot tell you how wonderful it felt to read those first few pages. It was as wonderful and festive as always and the book lets you catch up with these characters just enough that you get some satisfaction from it but not so much that it detracts from the main storyline. We also get some nuggets of information about those other characters that leave me with some questions that I really hope will be picked up again in future books because I need my answers!


Fear not, if you have never read a book set at Wynthorpe hall before, or indeed a Heidi Swain novel before, you do not need to have to enjoy this book. This book works whether you are new to this author and her world or if you are a die-hard fan of this location like I am, there is quite literally something in here for everyone. I will also say that if you are worried that this novel will be too festive or too much about Christmas, please don’t worry. There are festive elements here and people are gearing up, as always, for the winter solstice as well but this book is about family and community and finding help in the most unlikely of places.



We get to meet two fabulous new characters in this novel, what a treat. Firstly we have Paige who is a class Heidi Swain character. She is a bit broke and there is a certain element of mystery surrounding the fact that she has returned from her role in Jordan earlier than expected. Paige definitely needs some family and some rescuing and she will find that in ways she never imagined. Then we have Albert, a mystery himself, what is his back story and why is he living in the state that he is living in. I loved meeting both these new people and they slot into this world so perfectly, I can’t wait to hear more from them in the future.



In terms of the romance in this book, it definitely wasn’t as hot and heavy as last year's festive offering but I enjoyed the slow burn and then the friendship and family elements of love that are explored in this novel. Everything feels warm and cozy and you are just so behind every relationship whether that is romantic or not. I definitely feel ready to open my advent calendar now and I feel sure that this book will leave you with a warm and slightly festive feeling too!

A super festive feel novel! This was part of an existing series and I hadn’t realised therefore there were quite a lot of characters to keep up with. I could have done with a little map at the front!

Loved the setting, Albert, Brodie and the secrets that were unwrapped. Smashing.

Oh, what a joy it is to be back in Wynbridge at Christmas time! This is the 9th book set in the village of Wynbridge but if this is your first trip then fear not as all books can be read as a standalone.
This time we are following Paige as she returns to Wynbridge. For those who have read previous books, Paige is Angus' goddaughter. (Of course, we couldn't have a Christmas book without Angus!) Paige has been away for quite a while and is back but not quite herself. Paige is such an easy character to like. She loves to help people and goes out of her way to do so. How can you not root for someone like that?

This is the perfect book to read to get you in the festive mood. Wynbridge knows how to do Christmas and the build-up to the day is just as exciting as the day itself. Grab a hot chocolate, a blanket, and snuggle down for a festive romance that will leave you with a smile on your face.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas story. It is such a lovely feel-good Christmas tale and I quickly became involved in the storyline and characters too. The storyline was like a comfortable jumper, a Christmas jumper of course, that you could snuggle up in and get that Christmas vibe. This is a really sweet story full of Christmas joy, characters finding themselves and making new friends and a place in a community. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is Paige's story, she comes back to Wythorpe Hall after leaving her aid worker's job in Jordan under difficult circumstances. The story is well-written and I loved seeing her character find her way among the lovely people of the hall and town. I loved Brodie, the brooding artist and of course, Albert the octogenarian recluse. There is a wonderful cast of players in this story and each of them adds to the overall warmth I felt reading this book.

Although this story is book nine in the Wynthorpe Hall series it can be read as a standalone. This title is a must-add to anyone's Christmas romance read list and I highly recommend it if you are a lover of Christmas romance books.

Didn't finish. It was very apparent it was part of a series and I didn't feel like it could be read as a standalone. . .

Another Christmas offer from Heidi Swain! Another story set at Wynthorpe Hall! What's not to like, I thought!

Sadly, there were tons of things that I didn't like. I couldn't befriend this book from the very beginning. There was not a plot, not an idea behind this story, it focused so much on the background characters that the main characters felt very, very flat and underdeveloped. And if we are by the characters, well, half of the time I really didn't know who is who, there were so many of them, and I really couldn't care less about them in the end. Also the names felt almost the same. Albert, Angus, Catherine, Katharine, I really couln't tell one character from the other.

The plot couldn't keep my interest. I tried, I really tried hard, but it was so superficial, simple, predictable and sooo saccharine, everything run smoothly and if it didn't, it still felt schmaltzy. I know this is what I can expect from this author, but this time even I couldn't take anymore. I actually skim - read this book, reading a sentence here, a sentence there, without a feeling that I am missing something.

Altogether, too unrealistic, too simplistic, without a good idea behind the story. Sadly. I was hoping for another brilliant festive read from this author. Luckily, I am in minority and tons of the author's fans adore this book.

Really magical to be back at Wynthorpe Hall for another 'Christmas Celebration'. I loved new character Albert and his multi-generational friendship with Paige but was slightly disappointed that so many of the hall's residents were on holiday. I'd been really looking forward to catching up with these much loved characters. All-in-all though another charming story from one of my favourite authors full of friendship, romance, community spirit and festive fun.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for my copy of the arc via NetGalley.

I love my trips to Wynbridge and Wynthorpe Hall has a special place for me as it was there my first Heidi Swain book was set. So I was absolutely delighted when I discovered that the main character Paige, in this book is coming to stay at Wynthorpe Hall for Christmas. Until very recently Paige was working abroad but something happened that traumatised her and then the funding was cut so she has returned home. Her Godfather, Angus is the owner of Wynthorpe Hall and not only has he organised some work for Paige at the hall but also in the area helping the housebound and elderly.

Paige is very adaptable and although slightly overwhelmed at first she soon feels her feet and she comes across what she thinks is a deserted cottage but finds that an elderly man, Albert is living there. He has not been looking after himself or his home since his sister died. Albert is such a wonderful character and we get to see him develop throughout the book and appreciate why he is so sad and lost. Paige is also introduced to brothers Jack and Brodie, Brodie also has a past that he is hiding away and him and Paige do not get off to a good start.

Heidi has such a gift of making her characters loveable and relatable and also being able to revisit some of the characters in previous books. As an author she also has a great ability to set the scene whether its summer or winter you feel as if you are really there in her fictional places.

I really love Christmas books and Heidi’s Christmas world is always a complete joy. As we wander through the Winter Wonderland we encounter sleigh rides, Christmas lights and romance it really is a Christmassy joy that I absolutely loved. The cherry on the cake is the nod to Strictly, Heidi this is a triumph !

All the stars *****

As always, I absolutely adored this book.
It was so good to be back at Wynthorpe Hall with mischievous Angus, lovely Catherine and Dorothy's amazing cooking, amongst others.
I definitely have a soft spot for Bran the wolfhound so I was very happy that he had so many appearances. 🥰
Paige was an amazing MC - I loved following her story and getting to know her, Albert and Brodie.
Once again I was left wishing that I could spend Christmas with all the Wynthorpe Hall lot and feeling hungry everytime any of Dorothy's meals were mentioned. 😋

I'm excited to visit an entirely new setting and new characters in Heidi's next book but I'm also hoping to be back in Wynbridge again in the future! 💖

Heidi's latest book gives us a return visit to Wynbridge and Wynthorpe Hall. It can easily be read as a standalone book.

Paige returns to the UK after a stressful time working in Jordan. A surprise phone call from her parents sees her going to stay at her Godparents' home, Wynthorpe Hall, where there is plenty to do to keep her busy in the run up to Christmas. As well as the inhabitants at the Hall, residents old and new from Wynbridge feature in this wonderful Christmas book.

Doing her volunteering deliverers, Paige gets lost in the dark on the Fens when her satnav breaks down. She stops at an isolated cottage to ask for directions but she receives no reply to her knock. Fearing she has scared the person living there, she returns the next day.. Will this decision change people's lifes?

A perfect read by Heidi Swain.

Can we officially say it's nearly Christmas now that Heidi's latest Christmas book is out.

If you're a fan of Heidi Swain books then you will love A Christmas Celebration, it combines the wonderful characters we've met before at Wynthorpe Hall while introducing some fabulous new characters, I fell a little bit in love with Albert, not mention Brodie & Paige. You know what you're getting when you open a Heidi Swain novel, a great big hug of a book with a winding road to a happily ever after, maybe with a little teaser of what's to come too.

A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
BY
HEIDI SWAIN

I always enjoy a book by Heidi Swain, but her Christmas books are reliably something quite special.
This year we take another visit to Wynthorpe Hall
Where we are immersed in their own unique festive style.

Angus and Catherine are ready to welcome their goddaughter Paige, who is returning to the Uk after working overseas for a charity.
Paige is coming to help with the Christmas preparations at Wynthorpe Hall, which she hopes will take her mind off her own troubles.

Paige throws herself into helping and while she is out and about she meets Albert. Albert is an elderly and rather grumpy gentleman who is isolated and lonely. Paige takes it upon herself to befriend Albert and bring a bit of sunshine into his life.

Another new comer to the village is Brodie. He is dark and brooding, but knee tremblingly handsome.
Paige and Brodie seem to keep crossing paths, but despite an attraction, they really don’t hit it off at all.

This book is a joyous festive romp. It has some adorable characters, a wonderful setting and as always with any of Heidi Swain’s Christmas tales, it is just gorgeous and full of all the warm and fuzzies.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Out now on all formats.

With thanks to Netgalley and Simon And Shuster Uk for a digital arc of this title.