This was just.. sad. I say this as a horror fiend who doesn't bat an eye to the most British shit imaginable but I wish this book provided any inkling of the triggers that are main plot points from the off. The description makes it sound like you’re standard romance, set at Christmas, with interpersonal conflict. It makes no mention of the parental abuse, death, trauma, or conversations including SA. I would not have picked this up if I knew major plot points would be about caring for sick/dying family, parental abuse, guilt, and so much talk about care homes (including a mystical magical perfect care home that doesn’t exist on the planet). This wasn't the cosy Christmas romance I expected, and the main conflict it details in the blurb is like 10% of the book, if that, right towards the end, and resolved with a grand gesture instead of COMMUNICATION.

Speaking of mystical magical perfect things that don't exist: it's set in a town that welcomes everyone with open arms as if they were family, readily getting involved in their life to help as exactly as they need. This continues throughout the book and is wildly unbelievable. I also found the romance lacking, and it felt more like they wanted to be together because neither wanted to be alone and hey, at least you're decent to look at. It was littered with poor communication throughout, and they spent swathes of time not speaking. Their final reconciliation was very brief and they didn't really discuss any of their issues or major life decisions they were diving head first into. There were many moments where I was rolling my eyes and this was just not what I wanted nor what I expected.

I appreciated the nod towards chronic illness, however it was very brief and could have been utilised more. I would've preferred that the book focus on key characters and relationships, instead of the sea of intermingling townsfolk. I did like the elements of genuinely caring for each other and the 'found family' Christmas meal, but there wasn't enough genuine connections that demonstrated WHY these people are so ready to jump in and sort your life out. I also can't believe that Will was the first person to hear any of the abuse Ginny was subject to - he doesn’t have superhearing and it's a busy body town, I guarantee people knew and did nothing, which really ruins the friendly charm the book was trying to convey. It didn't feel cosy and quirky like Stars Hollow, but like they were fuelled by a desperate need to "care" for every little lost lamb (aka adult who's perfectly capable). With this abuse being so prominent throughout, it really didn't add that much other than to serve as another thing for the couple to argue about. I massively relate to Ginny struggling with her guilt and caring for someone who did nothing but hurt you, but that was not the book I was promised. Ginny offhandedly mentions therapy in two reconciliations but there was very little development - I want action not words.

If I'm honest, the triggering subjects involved (some I haven’t detailed to avoid spoilers that I have further issues with) really soured my experience of the book and really need to be featured in the blurb when they’re featured in the book from the off, and it wouldn't spoil anything to give a heads up on familial illness and abuse. For these reasons, combined with a subpar romance (that was mostly arguments and not talking to each other with a few kisses in between), I can't rate this highly. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book is winter magic on a page and the setting, the characters and the book as a whole made me smile. I love the festive feel of the book and found this just the cosy sort of read I wanted and needed to relax and cosy up with at this time of year.

Love the writing, the setting, the characters and found this to be a fun and easy read. Well written to draw us in and keep us reading, I never got bored and enjoyed the read. A fun and festive book for sure.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I didn’t love this book but nor did i hate it.It was just fine for me, the way it’s written was my main issue.I don’t think it’s written bad but it’s just not written in a way I enjoy which was a let down.I did enjoy the characters and the plot a lot though.It was a sweet christmas book perfect for that time of year.

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

I loved being back again in Port Berry, meeting the characters.

Ginny is feeling tired and is feeling rootles, she’s looking after mother who’s never happy with whatever Ginny does for her as well. She also is running the cafe and volunteers work at the Hub.

We also meet Will, who is also feeling unsettled. He’s in Port Berry to find more about his parents, when he meets his grandmother, she’s not too well and he’s told stuff he wasn’t expecting to hear.

When Ginny and Will meet, it’s not a good start and whenever they meet afterwards, instead of getting close, they grow further apart.

Will the magic of Christmas make their dreams come true?

I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of, Winter Magic In Port Berry, by K.T. Dady, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 of 3 in The Port Berry Series. Ginny Dean is doing just fine, until Will moves into Port Berry, wanting to open a Tea Shop, next to her Cafe. I really liked Ginny and Port Berry, a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays. This was a nice holiday read.

I loved being back in Port Berry. . You follow Will and what a story he has . I loved it. The homeless element makes you think and appreciate . You had a great love element and a happy ending . Read it .

Willard is looking for his family and his journey leads him to Port Berry where he is quickly pulled into the bustle of the small harbour town. As he makes friends and uncovers things, he realises family comes in many shapes and forms.

This is a winter warmer of a read with well developed characters who are likeable. I wouldn't say it is a Christmas read but it's enjoyable and has a lovely ending!

I loved this story set in the beautiful Port Berry where the locals are so very supportive of each other and welcome newcomers and help and support them amazingly well.. I loved following the story of Ginny and Will. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure,

A great read back in Port Berry. This festive read was warm and comforting and I read it in one sitting. I loved being back in this lovely, magical place. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

What a lovely read. Uplifting, positive and giving hope to those who have suffered trauma, loss or just had a rough time.
Definitely the kind of book you can read wrapped up under a warm blanket.
Highly recommend this wonderful author!

Winter Magic in Port Berry is a lovely little read. It has similar vibes to a Hallmark movie, with one of the main characters, Will, coming to town to reunite with his lost family. Upon arriving, Will is quickly accepted into the community of Port Berry, where the people all seem to get along (for the most part) and have a strong sense of community.

Although the story is not innovative in what it does, it is a lovely read - perfect for reading in front of a fire with a warm drink to bring about the holiday season feelings. The story is a bit predictable, but there is something wonderful in that, as it is a lovely tale.

I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who wants a cozy story, or who loves Hallmark movies. If those aren't your thing, this book may not be for you.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved the main characters! They had great chemistry and worked so well together. I loved how the book just flowed. My first by this author but will not be my last!!!

a fun addition to the series and a lovely christmas read. i hate to say it but at times the fmc was unbearable which made some of the book a little difficult to push through but overall i enjoyed it.

thank you for the arc!

K.T. Dady, you just created the most magical love story in the most dreamlike place! I could not get over how darling this book was! It would be such a fun Christmastime book club pick. Loved it!

A good addition to the series. While I understood the trauma and it's impact on main character Ginny, her harsh treatment of love interest was a bit much for me. I was really half hoping he'd move on as it was pretty rough. But overall all, putting that aside it was a good read.

Back again in Port Berry catching up with old friends. Ginny Dean is unsettled and worn out looking after her ungrateful mother whilst running the Harbour Light Cafe and volunteering at the Hub.
Will is drifting, being in the Port to find out his parentage he finds his ailing grandmother and a few truths he wasn’t expecting.
They get off to a rocky start and every time they get close something pushes them apart. But surely your soulmate will always find a way? Christmas magic in Port Berry will always make dreams come true.
Brilliant as usual for a visit to Port Berry looking forward to another visit very soon.

I just started this Christmas book, and I wanted to thank Netgalley and Joffee books publisher for making this arc copy available in the read now category! I am enjoying listening to this book while on my stepper. This book publishes next month on November 27,2024. You won’t regret grabbing yourself a copy!!

Full review to follow- I have 69 arcs and counting I will often batch tandem listen to a lot of arcs at once!