
Member Reviews

"Winter Magic in Port Berry" is a delightful holiday story that captures the charm of a small town during the winter season. The plot centers around themes of love, community, and the magic of Christmas. The characters are endearing, and their relationships bring warmth and joy to the narrative. With its cozy setting and festive spirit, this book is a perfect read for anyone looking to embrace the holiday cheer.

I found Winter Magic in Port Berry to be a heartwarming yet occasionally predictable read. The depiction of Port Berry, with its close-knit community and festive charm, was delightful and inviting.
Ginny Dean, the owner of the local café, and Will Pendleton, a newcomer searching for his roots, were well-crafted characters whose personal journeys added depth to the narrative.
However, their romantic development felt somewhat formulaic, lacking the tension and unpredictability that make love stories compelling. Additionally, while the novel addressed serious themes like family estrangement and caregiving, some resolutions seemed overly simplistic, not fully capturing the complexities of real-life situations. Despite these shortcomings, the story's warmth and the supportive dynamics of Port Berry's residents provided comforting and enjoyable experience, making it a suitable choice for readers seeking a cozy holiday escape.

Winter Magic In Port Berry is an endearing story of love, healing, and finding your way even when the way looks a little different than you imagined it. K.T. Dady writes Port Berry and its inhabitants in such a way that it truly makes you feel as though you could step into the town and be instantly brought into the family they've made for themselves there. This is a perfect winter story for anyone looking for a load of comfort, and maybe a little tough love on the side.

I was unable to finish this book - would have been nice to walk into this book knowing the content, as I firmly believe that trigger warnings ARE important! I was expecting a feel-good heartwarming romance with a Christmas subplot - but no, that wasn't very apparent at all in the 20% I did read!
I really was liking the overall writing style, and the characters appeared to be well written so I am a bit bummed that I couldn't continue!
Thank you to NetGalley for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

**Winter Magic in Port Berry**
by K. T. Dady
Port Berry #3
Immerse yourself in this tale brimming with love and the enchanting spirit of the holiday season. Much lies beneath the surface of this story, presenting a rich narrative that can easily stand on its own—this was my first encounter with both the author and the series. It beautifully deals with how challenging childhood experiences shape adult relationships, though I felt the conclusion rushed toward the end. At times, Ginny's character tested my patience, and I yearned for a deeper, more palpable chemistry between her and Will.
In the quaint town of Port Berry, Ginny Dean enjoys a simple, serene life as the proprietor of the town's beloved café. Her peaceful existence is turned upside down with the arrival of the strikingly handsome and mysterious Will Pendleton. Will has come back to Port Berry, driven by a quest to uncover secrets about his family's heritage, and his presence ignites something within Ginny that she never expected.
As sparks of attraction ignite between them during the annual holiday party in town, the atmosphere is thick with festive wonder. Laughter and joy fill the air, but the budding romance also carries an undercurrent of tension.
Just when Ginny feels a glimmer of hope, Will drops a bombshell: he plans to open a tearoom right next to her café. In an instant, her lifelong dream of having her own tearoom seems to slip through her fingers, as it feels like this charming newcomer has stolen her aspirations.
But Will isn't leaving Port Berry anytime soon, and fate intervenes when a snowstorm strands them together. In the warmth of shared vulnerability, they uncover deeper feelings and a connection that transcends their initial rivalry.
As Christmas approaches, both Will and Ginny must confront their innermost fears and take a leap of faith toward happiness, learning that sometimes love blooms in the most unexpected places.

This is another go to author for me, and you know what that means. Yes, as soon as I see another book coming out by the author, I just have to read it. I've read quite a few of the author's books but not quite all and I need to remedy that.
I feel as though the characters could be neighbors and friends with me in this small-town charmer of a book. Not too long as to make you bogged down reading it's the perfect length for a cozy afternoon in reading.
The thing I really enjoy, and it continues on in this book of the authors is how realistic it is. By this I mean the book isn't all peaches and cream, unfortunately we all have things we experience or go through that aren't the best, but we certainly work on improving them.
A character returns to Port Berry, and he has a lot to deal with, will he come to think of it as home though? There are themes of dementia, and we follow another character on a healing journey. The healing journey was really beautiful to see because this character isn't alone one step of the way, they have so much support. The characters are fun and supportive. This is one of the things I liked so much about the book, how the characters are really there for each other in their time of need. No one is allowed to feel alone or unsupported and I loved it.
Warmth, fun and wisdom you can feel coming right through the pages.
Highly recommended.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A cute story for the winter season! There is some tough topics discussed in this book. So if those can be a trigger I would recommend not reading it. Those include caring for a sick and dying family member and some parental abuse. Also I would recommend reading the first and second books in the series before this one. I think it would offer some back story and help have a better understanding. I wouldn't say this is a Christmas read but it is a warm winter read. The characters are likable and it was a quick read for me.

Just right for the cold season.
I think it would be a good idea to read rhe other in the series. Speaking for myself there are certai series that work better with knowing the other characters and some are fine as a standalone. This for me would be the former.
It covered a few deep topics. So if you looking for complete light reading for this time of year that.kgigt need some considering. Especially this time of year what with the parental abuse that definitely features.
I sound like I'm putting this book down! I'm not. No no.
Ita another lovely read from the author. And she write the subjects with both wit and sensitivety when it is needed.
I like a chic lit that goes deeper. And this one didn't skip the heart and warmth. And had a healthy dose of trying to appreciate all you have.

This is the third book in about Port Berry and I read it cold, without having read the previous two. As such it felt like I was missing some of the backstory, like I was a visitor looking in without knowing the history of the many characters that fleeted through the pages of the book.
Will has returned to Port Berry to find his family and hopefully learn about his past. The warmth comes through the pages. He is also roped in by the local welcome committee and is quickly made to be part of the community.
Ginny runs the local cafe and also looks after her very unappreciative mother when she gets a chance; their relationship is pure toxicity.
When Will and Ginny meet for the first time sparks fly. Different types of sparks fly later on, when Ginny finds out that Will is "stealing" her dream. With some adult level communication, much of the angst could have been avoided, and this would have been a pure, cosy, happy winter story.

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.