How I love being drawn into Heidi Swain's world, this time we are back in Nightingale Square, but with plenty of references to her locations of Wynbridge and Wynmouth, so that you feel as though you are close to old friends from the other books.

This though is a complete and utter standalone, and although Nightingale Square is a familiar setting to those that have read some of the author's books before, Freya is a whole new character and one that I was enthralled with almost instantly.

She has a couple of tricky decisions to make early in the book which lead to her being brave and agreeing to take a new job in Norwich and to help make Luke's vision of a Winter Garden come to life.

I loved all of Luke's ideas for the garden and also his Winterfest workshops, as a way of hopefully helping others like himself that suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Then there is Finn, who after a bit of a rocky start, is rather wonderful, and I would have happily taken him as my Christmas present this year! He is very talented and like Freya has parents that just don't seem to understand him.

In fact troublesome family is a theme in this book, as is the love of the great outdoors, how all sorts of activities that sounded lovely, and often quite cosy.

This is just a really heartwarming winter's story, in the run up to Christmas, that is perfect to curl up by the fire with a warm drink and just lose yourself in the pages. It's full of Heidi Swain's fabulous writing style, believable characters and I fancied jumping into the book to be a part of it, it felt that realistic.

Just another gem of a read from this incredibly talented author.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

The perfect Christmas read. Freya relocates to Nightingale Square to help design the beautiful Winter Garden. The locals are warm and friendly and she has definitely landed on her feet. The only fly in the ointment is local artist Finn who seems to deliberately misunderstand her at every turn but hey everyone else likes her so she doesn’t care, or does she? A glorious Christmas romance in beautiful surroundings - just sit back and enjoy.

Another lovely book by Heidi. A pleasure to read as always - you drift away into Heidi's books and get totally absorbed in the storyline. The characters feel so real, you get to know them well and feel as if you're there experiencing the Christmas delights. Twists and turns in the plot keep you guessing throughout. Feel good festivities in a book - all you need is a comfy chair, snuggly blanket and hot chocolate (and perhaps a mince pie) and you're transported to Nightingale Square with Freya and her new friends. Will her estranged family and romance feature - you need to read to find out - you'll be happy you did and look forward to reading more Heidi Swain (I love the way you can start on any of Heidi's books and get took in by the storyline and atmosphere - leaving you wanting to read more!)

This is a loving heart warming book. Made you feel really Christmas. Was good to go back to nightingale square. Lovely seeing the gang again. Can't wait to read more of Heidi swain books

I've somehow made it to 27 without ever having read a book by Heidi Swain, despite seeing her books everywhere, and I can honestly say that I am so glad I started with this book! It's such a sweet and special romance, with such lovely characters and a beautiful setting as well. Now, fans of Swain will already know some of the characters and the setting from the previous books in the series. However, I have to admit, I had no idea that this was part of a series when I requested it. But fortunately, it didn't matter at all, as it's one of those series where each book is set in the same town, but each book focuses on a different person, so you don't feel like you're missing out by not having read the others (although saying that, I am definitely adding the first books to my TBR pile!).

So, as the synopsis suggests, gardening and its positive effects on mental health play a significant role in The Winter Garden, which I found really interesting and very unique. I know a fair amount about SAD, but it's something that's still rarely written about in popular literature, so it was really exciting to see Swain tackle the subject with such care and respect. Indeed, there were several subjects touched on in this book that I felt were handled in a really sensitive and respectful manner.

All in all, this was a wonderful winter read (as it is more of a winter book than a Christmas one). There's romance, a beautiful setting, a cast of lovely individuals and couples, and a happy ending. What more could you want?

Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.

Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my netgalley copy and then a paperback in a Christmas parcel. Us bloggers are spoiled!

Heidi is a writing machine but also incredibly lovely and genuine in person.

Her books are like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Heartwarming and comforting.

She always writes fantastic charactars that entice you to fall in love with .

Beautiful descriptive writing that sets the backdrop for the storyline . Stunning cover too .

Festive and magical this is the perfect Christmas book especially in 2020 when we all just need a little extra tlc and sparkle .

Published 1st October

This is just the most perfect pre-Christmas treat! The characters are all sweet and lovely and everything is just comforting & cosy and very Christmassy. Loved it.

I loved this book and read it as a stand-alone as I did not realise she had used these characters before. but I have now read those as well.
It is a perfect Christmas story with romance but also a story about a new beginning and of course happy endings! Plus all the delightful Christmas detail.

The characters are really good and you are drawn in to find out what happens next to Freya.

I loved The Winter Garden and I will definitely look out for Heidi Swain in the future.

I totally loved being back in Nightingale Square after reading the previous books.

All of them have been lovely stories and I particularly love a good Christmas book.

Thank you Heidi and Netgalley for letting me read this super book.

Another hug in a book for Christmas, though it’s about neighbours, family and winter garden. An easy welcome read and I believe there are more Nightingale Square books I haven’t read any yet but it didn’t stop me enjoying this book and looking forward to decorating my Christmas tree too.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

Oh my, this book ♡ I am never disappointed with books especially not the Christmas ones 🎄

This is a beautiful story of Freya's personal journey as she starts a new job at Prosperous Place, turning the garden into a winter wonderland.

I found Freya inspiring! This was about more than love but about soul searching, finding self confidence after a big knock and just generally being happy. I liked every part of her and was truly invested in all her antics. She has also made me want to make a nicer garden environment.

As ever, the community we meet are a perfect complement and puzzle piece for Freya's story in Nightingale Square. They are kind, uplifting and add so much to the atmosphere (and drama). Also, I'm always a huge fan of how Swain fabulously references so many of my favourite characters from her other books.

All in all...Heidi gives a truly immersive experience with beautiful detail and description, so much so that I want to live somewhere like any of these idyllic places she creates...particularly at Christmas. She encapsulates every Christmas dream I have in mind and I love it. Wouldn't it be wonderful to find somewhere in the world filled with and fuelled by sheer positivity that oozes warmth and festive spirit !

5 from me and I'm really mean with my scoring it has to be really amazing to get a 5. And wow she's done it again @heidi_swain never fails to make me smile and want to keep reading which may explain why I was still reading at 1am this morning and never noticed. I found this author a few years ago and read every book when it comes out this one took me longer to get to as had a lot of book tour books to get through.
But wow and wow it certainly got me our of my reading slump.

We make a welcome return to nightingale square which we read about a few books ago and this time we meet freya who has just lost a very good friend and boss so she now finds herself homeless and about to lose her job when Jackson a family member of her friend who died decides he's going to sell her property I stead of keeping it.
She finds her way to nightingale square where we meet all the residents we have cone to love before and she gets offered a job by Luke and Kate.
Can she be happy somewhere else that's such a tight community, does she want to live and work in such close proximity again like before. And what is the matter with Finn the gorgeous new hunk who may also be about to move into the square too.

Can freya get a happy ending with nell her friends dog who she has now taken on also.

This is such a feel good book and I love all the characters they really do feel like firm friends.
Can't wait for my next trip with @heidi_swain again next year.

This was the perfect mid November read - not too in your face Xmassy, just a lovely winter vibe. I just love Heidi's writing style, she has a way of transporting you to the setting and planting you right in these gorgeous communities - it's impossible not to become immersed in the story. I haven't read the other 2 Nightingale Square books yet, but this totally works as a standalone read. If you're not ready for a full on Xmas read just yet but are almost there, then this is the book for you!!

I loved this warm, festive, full of romance book. A fantastic sense of community and warmth, after the year of 2020 made me think just how much that really means, this book is just what you need to curl up with on a cold winters day. Thank you.

I found some time over the weekend to read @heidi_swain’s latest novel. I loved being back at Nightingale Square and getting to know Freya and Finn. I loved seeing how Freya comes out of herself over the course of the novel and I obviously loved the relationship she develops with Finn. The perfect read for snuggling up with on a wintery weekend. Thank you @simonschusteruk for the review copy

Flowers, friendship, log fires and flames of love – perfect for October through to February. Seasonal reading is a good way to immerse yourself and feel the warm benefits of reading. This story takes us to a new home, meeting new people, learning a new way to live, a new way to deal with grief, and to feel alive again.

Freya is an easy character to like and this tale provides us with easy hero’s and villains, and villains who turn over a new leaf – excuse the garden theme. In essence Freya, Chloe, Luke and everyone at Prosperous Place will bring you an inner glow from a winter page turner.

I highly recommend this new seasonal read from Heidi Swain, not in the least because it is full of ideas for winter activities to keep those gloomy dark afternoons at bay. Go make your nature journal immediately!

I loved this book. A wonderful sense of community and warmth, just what you need to curl up with on a cold winters day. Some wonderful characters and great descriptions of the gardens

I am such a huge fan of Heidi Swain's novels so I couldn't wait to read another one of her festive feel good books. This one was such a great read, I found myself struggling to put it down! It follows main character Freya who falls for moody Finn who is struggling with family issues.

At first, I'll be honest, I wasn't a huge huge fan of Freya. She seemed quite stuck up and rude and I wasn't keen on her attitude. However, as the novel went on, I found myself relating to her more and more. Asides from the characters, I loved the location. It was festive and sounded idyllic.

Overall, a nice Christmassy read.

Well, it's my 3rd Christmas stating 'it ain't Christmas without a Swain book!' and it could not ring more true.

In The Winter Garden we return to Nightingale Square and meet a new resident - Freya. Freya is offered a job from Luke to help him plan and plant a new winter garden to lift the spirits of the community in the darker season. As Freya has just lost her friend and employer she decides to take the job rather than return home to her overbearing parents.

After settling in to her new place and new job she meets the the very hunky (but moody) Finn. Can they pull the winter garden together in time? Or will Freya's unexpected family visit usurp all of her plans?

I loved this book. I'm such a huge Swainette and having read most of her books I loved revisiting Prosperous Place and the residents of Nightingale Square - it's like visinting old friends. Swain has a skill of really fleshing out characters that you become invested in and care for. The Winter Garden is filled with lovely people. Quite frankly I want to move there!

I would like to thank TeamBATC for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

If you need a good pick me up, feel-good, hot chocolate kind of a story then this is for you.

A sparkly 5 star read for me!

Freya jumps at the chance to design a winter garden at Nightingale Square.
Freya does not get on with her parents and is following her childhood dream of being a gardener.
Freya has left her old life behind to start a new one in Nightingale Square .
All the resident make freya feel welcome.
She also likes Finn who doesn't say much about himself.
Will Freya find the happiness she deserves.
A lovely winters night read
Thanks NetGalley