Underneath The Christmas Tree by Heidi Swain

Wynter's Trees is the home of Christmas. For the people of Wynmouth it's where they get their family Christmas tree, and where Christmas truly comes to life.

But for Liza Wynter, it's a millstone around her neck. It was her father's pride and joy but now he's gone, she can't have anything to do with it. Until her father's business partner decides to retire and she must go back to handle the transition to his son Ned.

When Liza arrives, she discovers a much-loved business that's flourishing under Ned's stewardship. And she's happy to stay and help for the Christmas season, but then she has other plans. But will the place where she grew up make her change her mind? And can it weave its Christmas cheer around her heart...?

Underneath The Christmas Tree was Decembers read for Tsundoku Squad, and I couldn’t wait to read it week on week, so devoured it in a few days! I never spoiled it though for my pals, and made notes for each week so I could still chat with them.

This year I found Heidi, and fell in love almost instantly with her books. I have now read 5, and own them all except one! Underneath The Christmas Tree is the second in the Wynmouth Series, The Secret Seaside Escape being the first, but it can be read as a standalone. I’ve been reading them in order though, and I think this one could be my favourite so far! 

I love Ned! He is fighting for the top position of Heidi’s male love interests, alongside Sam from Seaside Escape. There must be something in the Wynmouth water! And Liza was such a great main character. Her bravery going back to Wynmouth, facing things she never wanted to see again. And the grief that came with it all, but the friendships new and old, it all fit into place so nicely. I fell in love with the descriptions of Wynters Trees, the lot, the views, the cabin, and Bandit stole my heart. 

If you love Christmasssy feel good stories, you need to get your hands on this one asap. 

Also head on back to 9th December on my blog, Instagram or Twitter to see the brilliant Q&A Heidi done for our book group at the start of the month.

The Secret Seaside Escape by Heidi Swain

Tess Tyler needs a break. Weighed down by her high-pressure job and her demanding father, she's left little time to take care of herself. But after a shocking discovery sends her spiralling, she flees to Wynmouth, the seaside town she fell in love with as a child, to escape it all.

With its sandy beaches, stunning rock pools and welcoming community, Tess feels like she can finally breathe again. And as she grows ever closer to local barman Sam, she dares to dream that she might never return to her real life. But when a familiar face returns to town, Tess realises that there are secrets in Wynmouth too, and that her own past may be about to catch up with her . . .

I had been waiting to read this one as I’m reading all of Heidi’s books in publication order, but I realised this book is the first in the Wynmouth Series, and Heidi’s soon to be published next book is the second in the series. So I jumped on it to be ready for Underneath the Christmas Tree.

I love all of Heidi's books I’ve read so far but I think this one may be up there for my favourite! There was just something about this one that made me feel extra warm inside and happy. 

So Wynmouth sounds absolutely gorgeous, lush beach, friendly residents, and cosy places to hang out. I love the fireplace in the pub, it just made it sound very cosy and comfy, somewhere to sit wrapped in a jumper with your friends. And Sam the barkeep, ok so I love him. I think he is my favourite so far of all the men folk from Heidi’s books. There was just something about him, something so very kind and sweet. 

The Secret Seaside Escape is actually packed with surprises. I did guess one or two, and was glad to realise I was correct, but there were a couple I didn’t guess too and was pleasantly shocked!!

If you like warm heartfelt books then please dive into this one, it’ll be sure to make you feel better on these cold autumn/winter days.

Summer At Skylark Farm by Heidi Swain

 

Amber is a city girl at heart. So when her boyfriend Jake suggests they move to the countryside to help out at his family farm, she doesn't quite know how to react. But work has been hectic and she needs a break so she decides to grasp the opportunity and make the best of it.

Dreaming of organic orchards, paddling in streams and frolicking in fields, Amber packs up her things and moves to Skylark Farm. But life is not quite how she imagined - it's cold and dirty and the farm buildings are dilapidated and crumbling.

But Amber is determined to make the best of it and throws herself into farm life. But can she really fit in here? And can she and Jake stay together when they are so different?

This is the second of Heidi’s books, and I loved it just as much as the first. 

I fell in love with the idea of living in a small rural place like Wynbridge in book 1 but this book made me want it even more. A lovely little countryside village where everyone knows each other, where they organise fayres and get togethers and everyone attends. It’s just so romantic isn’t it. 

I love Jake, I can’t tell you how much I fell for him for some reason. Amber is lovely too, I love how much she cares about people, and wants to help with everything. And I loved seeing some familiar faces from The Cherry Tree Cafe book pop up, it ties it all together. I really know I’m going to love this series and can’t wait to dive into the next one.

The Cherry Tree Cafe by Heidi Swain

Cupcakes, crafting and love at The Cherry Tree Cafe... Perfect feel-good summer reading for fans of Great British Bake-Off 

Lizzie Dixon's life feels as though it's fallen apart. Instead of the marriage proposal she was hoping for from her boyfriend, she is unceremoniously dumped, and her job is about to go the same way. So, there's only one option: to go back home to the village she grew up in and to try to start again.

Her best friend Jemma is delighted Lizzie has come back home as she has just bought a little cafe and Lizzie's sewing skills are just what she needs to help get it ready for the grand opening.

With a new venture and a new home, things are looking much brighter for Lizzie. But can she get over her broken heart, and will an old flame reignite a love from long ago...?

Seeing as I absolutely adored Heidi’s latest book (A Taste of Home), which I read an advanced copy of on Netgalley, I thought I should go to the start and read her books properly. Boy I’m glad I did. The Cherry Tree Cafe is Heidi’s first story and is set in the lovely town of Wynbridge. Lizzie lives in London with her very rich and well known beau, who surprisingly dumps her to marry his ex!! Yeah he’s a bit of an ass. Lizzie makes the choice to go back home to Wynbridge and stay with her lifelong friend Jemma, Jemma’s husband Tom and their young daughter Ella. 

You are pulled into the quiet and homeliness of Wynbridge, and especially when we start to visit the cafe, being done up ready for opening. Lizzie seems right at home helping with the sewing at the cafe, starting to teach people. I can imagine the bunting all over town, pastel colours, very spring and summery. I loved Lizzie. Did I think she was sometimes going with her heart rather than her head? Yes. But did I get it? Indeed I did. I really liked Lizzie and Jemmas friendship, the kind that blossoms from being young kids, to being there whenever one needs the other as adults. 

It’s just such a lovely story, with a few heartaches along the way, but plenty of smiles and laughs. It will warm your heart, and make you feel like you’ve found a new home and new friends.

I can’t wait to get stuck into book 2!!

A Taste of Home by Heidi Swain

Fliss Brown has grown up living with her mother on the Rossi family's Italian fruit farm. But when her mother dies, Fliss finds out she has a family of her own, and heads back to England with Nonna Rossi's recipe for cherry and almond tart and a piece of advice: connect with your family before it is too late...

Fliss discovers that her estranged grandfather owns a fruit farm himself, on the outskirts of Wynbridge, and she arrives to find a farm that has fallen into disrepair. Using her knowledge gleaned from working on the Rossi farm and her desire to find out more about her past, Fliss rolls her sleeves up and gets stuck in. But what will she discover, and can she resurrect the farm's glory days and find a taste of home...?

I received a copy of this from the publisher Simon & Schuster, and Netgalley in return for an honest review.

This is the first of Heidi’s books I’ve read, even though I have so many friends who love them, and wow do I agree! I loved this book and was pulled in quite quickly with the descriptions of lovely Puglia, then Fenviw Farm.

Fliss, or Felicity, is left a letter by her mum when she passes away, telling her about her childhood home back in the UK, and the farm she grew up on. Fliss’ mum never talked about her home life, after leaving and going to Italy at a young age when she fell pregnant. She heads back to the UK, and meets her Grandfather who runs a fruit farm. I loved this farm. Heidi draws you in to the surroundings and makes you feel like you’re there, in the warmth picking strawberries, siting under the apppe trees with a slice of cake and cup of tea. 

Fliss is a very likeable character, as is her Grandfather Bill. There are other characters in the story whom I wasn’t fussed on, and a big twist which I thought I had seen coming, but turns out I was wrong! 

I’m definitely recommending this one, and I guarantee I will read more of Heidi’s books.