Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland by Heidi Swain #TuesdayBookBlog

After calling off her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course . . .

Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Hayley.

 As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.

 Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself?

My Review

If I hadn’t already fallen under Heidi Swain’s spell, I might have passed on this novel because of its sickly-sweet title but that would have been a pity as there is far more than just Christmas romance to discover. Hayley, young housekeeper at Wynthorpe Hall, is a spunky modern girl. Despite an unhappy childhood and an unfaithful fiancé, Hayley plunges straight into the Christmas activities planned for visitors to the Hall, encouraged by the love and kindness of owners Angus and Caroline and the friendship of the other employees.

Meeting Gabe, the new Woodsman and his dog, Bram, is a bonus. Strong and handsome he rescues her from an embarrassing situation and they soon become good mates. But there’s chemistry. Hayley is determined not to enter into another relationship, while Gabe blows hot and cold. They both have baggage, but Hayley’s secrets are not as well hidden as Gabe’s.  You cannot help liking Hayley and it is wonderful to see her revive an old talent in the nurturing community. Wynthorpe Hall features in a previous novel Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair so I had to catch up on the many characters but it was not difficult to understand the role they each played in Hayley’s story. This is a romance with a difference and ideal to cheer up any Christmas blues.

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland on Amazon UK

My review of The Winter Garden by Heidi Swain