After being let go from her job in a swanky hotel just weeks before Christmas, Hattie is feeling lost. Even more so when her high-flying boyfriend announces he’s landed his dream job in Abu Dhabi and asks her to move with him. Luckily, Hattie’s long-time friend Dolly is on hand to help and invites Hattie to spend one last holiday in the small, festive town of Wynbridge, determined to give her a Christmas to remember . . .
Upon Hattie’s arrival, holiday preparations are in full swing. But for Hattie, whose Christmas cheer has long since run out, it’ll take more than mince pies and mistletoe to open her heart to the season once more. Relishing the task of reigniting Hattie’s Christmas spirit, Dolly suggests they create a wish list of all the things the season can offer, and with the helpful hands of Wynbridge’s resident handyman, Beamish, Hattie finds her frosty exterior is starting to thaw.
As Wynbridge prepares for its most spectacular Christmas yet, will Hattie leave snowy England behind for life in a sunnier clime, or will she in fact realise that her heart’s desire lies much closer to home?
Review: Well this book had me feeling all warm and cosy and festive from page one and kept me there right up until the end. This book is like a hug with substance, I didn't want it to end! I absolutely love a Hedi Swain Christmas novel but there is definitely something special about this one. I bought the audiobook and the narration is wonderful, it gets the tone of the story just right. If you're looking for a pick-me-up, this is definitely something to buy and read and love and read again!
Hattie is a great character to share this book with because she is at somewhat of a crossroads in her life so we get to help her decide if she's going to make changes or stick to what she knows. I loved getting to know her and I really hope we get to hear more from her in future Heidi Swain spectaculars. Dolly is also a great character, she is feisty and she is old enough not to care what anyone thinks, if she knows something might be unpopular, she does it anyway and she is super passionate about Christmas too-wonderful!
It was great to be back in Wynbridge again too and visiting lots of familiar faces. It's always great to see people and places you recognise. but have no fear, if you have not visited this town before, all are welcome and you will be able to follow Hattie's story as a newcomer, or a returning visitor either way. This book doesn't just highlight the fun of the festive season though, it also does tackle some bigger issues, particularly those surrounding a controlling relationship and what might be going on behind closed door. I enjoyed seeing this fully explored in this book because it didn't become and issues based story, but a festive tale with some more real aspects of life exposed as well.
Can I just say that this book features and school and teachers and teaching assistants and does so in a highly real way. Often teachers in books get to come home at night and do nothing, this book features what its really like to be in a school at Christmas time and i applaud this author for writing her school so well. If that's something that's important to you too, you needed to hear this.
This book made me laugh and cry but altogether I just had the most amazing time spending my days in Wynbridge with Hattie and Dolly and of course the handsome folk who reside there-love interest anyone? I know you're going to love this one so pop it on your festive reading list now!
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