My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Welcome to Wychwood-on-Lea… a not-too-quaint village where frosty evenings, welcoming fires, and second chances will make this a Christmas you’ll never forget.
Anna Vere has escaped to the Cotswolds for Christmas to try to heal from her broken engagement and, far worse, her broken dreams. When her reserved room at a bed & breakfast is flooded, she takes up the offer of camping out in Willoughby Close, the converted stables of the nearby manor house… and is taken under the wing of sexy local carpenter Colin Heath.
What starts out as merely helping a neighbor in need turns into far more as Colin and Anna share a surprisingly intense and emotional connection, weaving their own Christmas magic as they spend the holiday together. But Anna has a secret she’s scared to reveal, something that could destroy the fragile bond they’ve just created, and Colin knows she’s only in England for a short time. Can these two sudden soul mates risk their hearts for a love that has yet to be tried and tested?
Get swept away by this poignant and heartwarming story, set in beautiful Wychwood-on-Lea, in the English Cotswolds. And look forward to four more books set in Willoughby Close, where everyday miracles and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed.
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I don't read much contemporary romance. Heck, I don't read much romance at all. But, I wanted to participate in this book blitz, and then I saw that I also had agreed to read the book. But, since it's just 168 page long did I don't see it a big problem. I was more concern over how I would feel about the story. But, strangely and happily this novella worked for me.
I have a feeling I have a weakness for books with a winter/Christmas theme. Just set the story around Christmas and I'm sold. Also, the story felt refreshing, sure this is a romance book, but the issues the characters faced felt real. Anna's secret did feel like a new angle, not overdone too much and I found it to be an interesting problem, both in her life and her budding romance with Colin. Colin also has some issues, he has a tendency to not be able to finish things he has committed to. And, perhaps that will also make it hard for him to dare to take the step to commit to a relationship. Especially one that has some distance problem.
I was charmed. Completely and utterly charmed by this book and I look forward to reading more books set in Willoughby Close.
I want to thank Jenny in Neverland for providing a free copy for an honest review!
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About Kate Hewitt:
Kate is the USA Today-bestselling author of over 40 books of women's fiction and romance. She is the author of the Hartley-by-the-Sea series, set in England's Lake District and published by Penguin. She is also, under the name Katharine Swartz, the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell. Other series include the Emigrants Trilogy, the Amherst Island Trilogy, and the Falling For The Freemans series.
She likes to read romance, mystery, the occasional straight historical and angsty women's fiction; she particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in the English Cotswolds with her husband, five children, and an overly affectionate Golden Retriever.
Blog: http://www.acumbrianlife.blogspot.co.uk/
Website: http://www.kate-hewitt.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/katehewitt1
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