A return trip the Cove… at Christmas… YES PLEASE!
I adore this series, the characters, the setting, the sense of community that I wish I was part of. At least while reading these books I am.
If you haven’t read any of this series you can fully enjoy this as a standalone but I do highly recommend reading others, they are fantastic.
Celeste is quite the independent woman, she knows what she wants in all areas of her life. She is happy being a businesswoman, having her sister and niece close by, and being surrounded by friends and part of a close community. A chance encounter with Quinn gave her a short, enjoyable fling; both happy with the short time they had.
When the local pub is bought and renamed, the villagers wonder how their local ‘community hub’ will change and if the new landlord will fit in. When opening day arrives, there are surprises all around and with the community’s favourite member, Barney, taking ill and being rushed to hospital, emotions and tensions are high.
Quinn is back, desperate to see the woman who captured his heart in such a small time but when he finally sees her again, she is distant and pushes him away. He is worried that anyone find out about his past and what issues he is desperately trying to hide, but could there be a way back for him?
At some points this story looked as though it may be the bleakest, saddest Christmas tale of all. Worry for one of the lovely characters I have grown to adore, Barney who is like everyone’s Grandad as well as feelings of heartache, loss, fear. A rollercoaster of emotions but wow, when those warm and fuzzies hit they warmed my heart. I liked Celeste, she is certain what life she wants to lead but it can blind her to what is in front of her. Quinn is a good man, he sounds gorgeous but is troubled; he has seen and done so much that nobody could comprehend but fear of what people may think also stops him doing what is best for him.
Mouthwatering descriptions of treats, eats and drinks yet again, it’s probably a good thing this is a fictional place otherwise I would be there and enjoy sampling everything.
Helen is a go-to author, I enjoy her writing and the characters and settings she brings to life. With the perfect amount of festive cheer to get you ready for the season.
Great read, highly recommended.

So good to visit Heritage Cove once more
To catch up with the community and to explore.
There are newcomers taking over The Copper Plough
How will they get on, will things stay the same somehow?

The first change is the landlords, they are brothers
And there's a name change as everyone soon discovers.
It becomes The Star and Lantern but is still where locals go
And one brother is someone some people already know!

Years ago he had an unforgettable romance
With Celeste, the bakery owner, will this be their second chance?
With Christmas celebrations in this close knit community
There are revelations and surprises as readers soon see.

A story filled with family drama, friendships and more
As several issues are sensitively explored.
There are illnesses, secrets and tragedy,
Impacting folks in this community.

But supporting and giving others time, too,
Can help them to see it all through.
A wonderful read with community at the heart
Where family, friendships and romance play an important part.

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

How lovely it is to be back in Heritage Cove. I have loved all the books that I have read so far in this series, and this was no exception, and I felt right at home within the pages of this book.

Given the only book to date so far in this series that I haven't read is the one where the Twist and Turn Bakery opened, I've never properly had the chance to get to know Jade and Celeste until now

And this is Celeste's story, and I loved every moment of it, helped by mentions of all the delicious treats in the bakery.

I was very excited to see so many familiar faces from the previous books, and love the whole vibe of Heritage Cove especially when it comes to their pub.

And getting to know the new owners of the pub formerly known as the Copper Plough, was very enjoyable and eye opening.

Especially as Quinn realises he may need to come to terms with some of his past, before he can potentially move on.

Full of fun, but also some more serious topics, this is a great festive read that will leave you smiling but also craving more Heritage Cove.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

The local village pub has new owners but while the new owners are newcomers to the town they worry the locals may not be very welcoming. But when Local Baker owner Celeste discovers that one of the new owners is a previous flame she chooses to guard her heart, but sometimes the heart doesn’t always listen and neither does the other party involved.

This was a lovely read full of friendship and a second chance romance.

This is part of a series, in which we interact with characters from previous novels but I did not feel like I was missing out and really enjoyed all the characters.

Rolfe writes a novel which is uplifting and easy to read but one which explores themes such as PTSD which is dealt with in a sensitive way.

I look forward to reading this author again.

I love Helen’s writing, the characters feel so real and vibrant and the main characters in this book felt very personal to me, my husband is ex military and suffers from ptsd and I’m that ‘weird’ woman who’s never wanted children, I felt that both these topics were done really sensitivity and well. I love that just because there’s romance in Helen’s books, it doesn’t mean they have to be cute and picture perfect! I really want to move to Heritage cove!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

This is not my first Helen Rolfe book, and I won't be my last. Ms. Rolfe has an excellent writing style that keeps you reading. This book was no exception the story was wonderful, and it was about second chances. I did find the book quite narrative, and I feel that it could have been 50 pages shorter and still a good book. I found myself skimming through some of the dialog when it didn't matter to the story. Don't get me wrong I still liked the book. This is just one review in a sea of reader reviews please don't go by my review. There are more 5 stars reviews that people really loved the book. One thing I didn't know was that this is part of a series, maybe if I had read the previous books I would have more information about other characters.

The characters were great, I really liked Celeste & Quinn. They had great chemistry. Both having their problems and finally they talk to each other. The explain what is going on with themselves and we have a HEA or do we? Does the problems split Celeste and Quinn and they stay friends? You will have to read the book to find out.

All in all I did like the book and I would recommend to readers.

Helen’s books are always a delight. The Heritage Cove series is fabulous and it’s good to keep up to date with what is going on in the community. Celeste is busy in the run up to Christmas in the bakery she owns with her
Sister Jade. One day she is surprised to see a stranger who reminds her very much of a previous summer fling. Eventually she realises it is him and he and his Brother have purchased the village Pub. There are several stories in here involving many different characters and I found it a joy to read. I highly recommended.

This is book 6 in the Heritage Cove series from Helen Rolfe. Although part of a series, this book, along with the other five, can be read as a standalone. However, I’m sure that, like me, regular readers of the series will enjoy catching up with returning characters as well as meeting new ones. The stories in this series focus on events in the seaside village of Heritage Cove. This one covers the period leading up to Christmas, the book’s cover featuring a lovely, appropriately snowy scene.

The story this time revolves around the village pub, which is under new ownership and has had a name change into the bargain. The pub is very much the hub of the village and the new owners are keen not to alienate the locals while at the same time introducing some changes that may improve profitability. Celeste, part owner of the Twist and Turn bakery, is shocked when she realises that one of the pub’s new owners is someone she recognises. Quinn McLeod, who has bought the property along with brother Eddie, visited the village two years previously, when he and Celeste had a brief affair. She has not heard from him since, and is unsure if she wants to resume their relationship. Meanwhile, ex-naval sailor Quinn is struggling with ghosts from his past and wonders if he has done the right thing in returning to the village and hoping to rekindle his romance with Celeste.

I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment in the Heritage Cove series, and can wholeheartedly recommend it. I picked it up and was so immersed in the story that I put it down for only short periods, finishing the next day. I have read all of the books in the series so far, and enjoyed finding out what was happening in the lives of the villagers. There has been at least one other story set at Christmas in the village, and I remember how magical a time the author has described. It sounds a wonderful time, with all the Christmas traditions, many involving the village pub. Quinn is a very likeable and handsome character, but is having a hard time dealing with his past; the author has dealt sensitively with the difficult subject of mental health problems that plague so many in his position. I hope to meet him again in future parts of this series and find that he has found help.

Heritage Cove's beloved pub has been bought over and is getting a makeover and a new name for Christmas. Everyone in the village is anxious to see if this community hub will maintain its spirit or become a hollow shadow of its former self!
Bakery owner Celeste discovers that one of the new owners is the man who stole her heart a few years ago and is determined to guard it well now Quinn is living in the village.
Quinn has other ideas however and it doesn't take long for sparks to fly between them!
I was unaware when I started reading this book that it was part of a series, however every character that crossed the pages was given a description and background so it wasn't really an issue. I would describe this as a warm, light read that touches on sensitive topics such as PTSD and fertility issues. I felt that the ending was a little bit abrupt but perhaps that's the nature of the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.

This book is part of the Heritage Cove series, but can also be read as a standalone novel. This book features Celeste from the Twist and Turn Bakery and a new character, Quinn who is the new owner of the Pub. We also catch up with some of the previous characters, which is also good.
There are some heavy themes in this book, but they are sensitively written about, and the book is emotional but also heartwarming. There is a lot of Community spirit and festivity. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.

I love the author's writing style and I've read many of her books. The characters feel realistic as though you'd want to stop in and have a lovely chat with them and snag a sweet or two at the bakery. I got hungry as I was reading. The characters are so likable. from Barney (everyone knows and loves him) to Quinn (Celeste's love interest). I enjoyed seeing how compassionately the author writes about Quinn, he is a former Naval man and has PTSD from all he has experienced while serving. The author's descriptions of his night terrors are so well done. It's so heartwarming to see the characters so supportive of each other in all ways possible. Bakery owner Celeste and Quinn had a short fling years ago. When the local pub is sold all the regulars are hoping the new owners will continue on in the same fashion as it was run before including the star attraction, a beautiful Christmas tree for the holidays. New circumstances always mean changes though. When Celeste finds out her old flame is the one that has returned and bought the pub, she tries to stay away but Christmas magic comes a calling. Very Christmassy and such a positive and encouraging read. I really loved it!

Pub Date 19 Sep 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Christmas Nights at the Star and Lantern by Helen Rolfe

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

The Copper Plough is at the heart of village life for the residents of Heritage Cove, and never more so than at Christmas, when the tree glows in the alcove and the smell of mulled wine carries out onto the street. So when new owners for the beloved pub arrive and decide to shake things up, not everyone welcomes the changes with open arms. Local bakery owner Celeste is ready to keep an open mind. But she’s shocked to discover that one of the new landlords is Quinn, a former Navy sailor with whom she had a short but powerful romance years earlier. Fate may have brought Quinn and Celeste back together, but life seems determined to keep them apart. Can the villagers learn to embrace the newcomers this Christmas? And will Quinn and Celeste find a way back to each other before snow falls over Heritage Cove? 

My Opinion

Those of you that have followed me for a while will know that I always enjoy a book by Helen Rolfe, this was no exception. I know that I am reading this series out of order but I am working on getting them all read - it is possible to read this series out of order but I know that it is always more enjoyable if you have already met the residents of Heritage Cove.

This is a heart-warming read that shows the community spirit of Heritage Cove. This book will leave you with that warm feeling that comes from a festive book, this was a true joy to read and whilst I read this quite quickly I wish that I could have spent more time with some old friends. Add this to your list of books to read over the upcoming festive season.

Rating: 4/5

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

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it felt good to be back in Heritage Cove.

Celeste and her sister own The Twist and Turn bakery. They, along with their friends find out that the local pub owners are selling The Copper Plough, the news deans go down well.

Years ago, Celeste had a fling with a navy man when he was in the village on leave and never thought she’d see him again.

When she’s driving past the pub, she sees someone standing outside, could it be Quinn, the man she had a fling with? When she later goes into the pub to see who’s bought it, she’s shocked to find Quinn and his brother behind the bar, and they’re here to stay.

Since leaving the navy, Quinn is suffering from PTSD. Will they both be able to pick up from where they left things all those years ago?

I highly recommend this book.

This is a light-hearted but emotional and perfect seasonal read. With interesting characters and a good storyline. Helen is an author that I have come to love.

A return to Heritage Cove for Helen Rolfe. Catch up with all the old characters.
Celeste had a no strings attached with an on leave navy man for three days many years ago and never thought she would see him again.
The owners of the local pub sell up and the locals arn't happy that it might change all together.
While driving Celeste drives past a familiar face but can it be Quinn the man from the navy she fell in love with years ago here in Heritage cove again.
Going into the local pub she finds that Quinn and his brother have bought it and intend to stay in the cove.
Quinn suffers from ptsd from serving in the navy can Quinn and Celeste reignite there romance from many years ago?
Loved the return the heritage cove all the shops and characters from previous books.

I really do enjoy my visits to Heritage Cove and it’s always fun to catch up with characters from previous books. If this is your first visit, you’ll still enjoy yourself, as the books work as a standalone story.
This story revolves around The Twist and Turn Bakery and The Star and Lantern Pub – more recently known as the Copper Plough. There is also a part of the story that reintroduces us to Barney, the voice of the village with his heart of pure gold. At the Bakery, we catch up with Celeste and her sister, Jade. Their bakery is going from strength to strength and has a strong following in the village with residents and visitors alike. Jade is married with a baby, but Celeste is free and single. Sworn off committed relationships, she’s only interested in no-strings connections.
We then meet former Navy sailor, Quinn and his brother, Eddie, who are the new owners of the renamed village pub. What soon becomes clear is that Quinn and Celeste previously had a fling that was passion-filled but ended when Quinn returned to his naval duties.
I must say, I loved this story and feel that it is a wonderful addition to this gorgeous series. The romantic tension between Quinn and Celeste could have lit a lamp that would have been spotted from outer space! However, there’s more to this story as it tackles some deep issues from mental health and PTSD, to choosing to be child-free. There’s also a health scare for one of the elder community.
Despite the potential heaviness of the themes included, Helen Rolfe steers the story with the skill that I recognise her for. There is no quick fix, but there is plenty of joy between the pages, and that was more than enough to satisfy me. Overall, there is a warmth that left me feeling hopeful and ready for Christmas to pay a call here.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

When Hertiage Cove’s village pub is sold,l the residents are worried that they will change it beyond recognition especially when the change the name.

Celeste the local bakery owner decides to give the new owners the benefit of doubt until she discovers that one of the owners is Quinn. Quinn is a former Navy sailor who visited the cove years earlier and had a holiday romance with.

Fate has brought them back together but with the changes brought to the pub can they find their way back to each other before snow starts to fall in the cove.

Yes, I am reading Christmas books already. A small town, Christmas and Romance. A winner to me!
Two people who can't and won't forget a short encounter years ago.

I enjoyed the story. I visited England at Christmas once. I loved the atmosphere and going to the local pub. It was cozy and welcoming. That's what Quinn and his brother want when they purchase The Star and Lantern. But Quinn has an additional idea as he knows Celeste runs a bakery in town.

Celeste tries to stay away from Quinn. But she is drawn to him. What must happen for them to have a second chance of love?

A cozy story to read on a cold night even when it is in September.

I’d not heard of this author before picking up this book so wasn’t sure what to expect. The writing style is simple and easy to follow, with a lightweight, predictable, feel-good plot. The plot is one done many times before, and features a second chance romance trope. Short and sweet, easily finished in an hour.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

3.5 stars.
A lovely, enjoyable read about second chances, love, friendship and tight community relationships, “Christmas Nights at the Star and Lantern”, by Helen Rolfe (Boldwood Books), is more about life in a picturesque small coastal village than the rekindled romance between Celeste and Quinn.
I liked the solid, close relationships between Heritage Cove residents and shop owners and other professionals; even the meddling, that might be irritating, comes from a good place.
The romance between the baker and the former sailor from the Royal Navy is slow and sweet; it’s often intercepted by the village busy daily life and Quinn’s unsolved issues.
I enjoyed watching how Quinn and Eddie were assimilated into the friendly village, with a little help from some more experienced residents.
The hard working, effort and dedication involved in these businesses are admirable.
I liked that the hero isn’t cocky or convinced, and admits insecurities and doubts. I also liked that Celeste isn’t the typical heroine and her wishes are different from the norm.
They’re both kind, generous people.
Quinn’s issues were heartbreaking, invisible wounds causing too much pain. He assumed the usual attitude and tried to deal with them by himself, but has to admit it’s not enough.
His brother’s support is amazing; I loved the brothers’ easy love and camaraderie and how they adapted to a new life and managed work at pub.