Absolutely gorgeous read which has given me all the feels. I love this author and this book could be my new favourite

In the summer, I blogged about Summer Strawberries so, I was thrilled to get a chance to return and review Winter Wishes.
I think that many of us have the essence of Nell and can easily be side-tracked into imagining romantic scenarios; just me? OK.
This story revolves around Nell and her three friends, Tom, Cat and Kieran.  Cat and Kieran are planning for a Christmas wedding at Nell’s boutique hotel, hopefully the first of many which will turn the tide on the hotel’s misfortunes.  Tom is the local florist who is besotted with Nell but too afraid to risk rejection by letting her know.
This book has romance and humour by the bucket!  Nell’s imagination is wonderful although it leads her to overlook the chance of romance that’s staring her in the face.  Despite her not having a special someone in her life, Nell is committed to making Swallowtail Bay the happiest place on earth.  Her kindness extends to the local care home, junior school and Mayoral chambers so, it’s infuriating to discover that she is on the receiving end of a smear campaign to blacken the name of her hotel.
You could be forgiven for assuming that this story is all romance and frills, but it also tackles the frailty of health in a way that offers hope and education to some serious conditions.  This doesn’t detract from the story at all, in fact, it contributes to a very happy ending.
So, grab your fancy hat, there’s a wedding to attend!

I loved this book.  It was beautifully written and a real page turner.  Just the thing to escape the problems of the day.  Swallowtail Bay sounds delicious and Holly Lodge sounds like an idyllic place to stay.  It was lovely to read about Nell and Tom and their relationship it was heartwarming.  Nell fought on regardless of what was thrown at her especially with the opening of Langdon Mansion Hotel.  I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

A heart-warming Christmas romance, Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay is the story of Nell, a woman whose hotel is struggling since a more upscale hotel moved into town. Determined that her friend will have a wonderful wedding at the hotel, Nell embraces the holidays and the task. However, can Nell save Holly Lodge before it’s too late?

Tom has loved Nell since he met her but is too afraid of ruining their friendship to reveal his feelings. However, when a chain hotel moves into their small town and threatens Nell’s beloved Holly Lodge, Tom is ready to fight alongside Nell to keep her business afloat.

I loved the relationship between Nell and Tom as well as the other relationships in the story. Nell is a kind and determined woman, and Tom is dependable and loyal. Their relationship is lovely, and they complement each other well. Strong friendships and supportive community relationships are also highlighted in the novel, and I love the depiction of strong women throughout the novel.

I also enjoyed the festive Christmas atmosphere among the stress and intensity of weddings and personal and professional turmoil. It is an interesting juxtaposition, as the jovial and light atmosphere stands in stark contrast to the issues that Nell and Tom face.

Readers who like heartwarming, small-town, contemporary romance set during the Christmas season will enjoy Katie Ginger’s final novel in the Swallowtail Bay series. Though it’s the third in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Thanks so much to Netgalley and HQ Digital for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I chose this book because I have enjoyed a number of Katie Ginger’s previous books, and I love Christmas stories. Unfortunately, it turned out to be rather more heartrending than I prefer, though well written.

I found it really hard to like Tom to start with. I get that he’s scared, but to carry on driving and not go to the doctor after he’s had an accident that could have harmed children, just seems incredibly stupid and selfish. He does become more likeable as the story goes on. I also found Cat not terribly likeable. I think it’s just stress making her act badly, but it seems terribly selfish to refuse to involve the person she’s marrying in making decisions about their wedding - it should be about both of them! The character I really liked was Nell, she’s kind and caring, although rather unrealistic about things sometimes.

I found this story a little too stressful for my taste, I didn’t enjoy the nastiness of the Langdon Mansion Hotel, and I really don’t enjoy the parent taking over wedding planning trope. Both are things that make me feel really stressed when reading about them, and then there’s the huge emotional blow of Tom’s illness. It’s all just a bit much for me, when I was looking for a lighthearted romantic escape from the reality of life.

However, the whole book has a lovely Christmassy atmosphere. It is also very well written, the only errors I spotted were a number of excess apostrophes, particularly on plurals. However, as this is a ARC, these will most likely be removed before publication.

The last ten percent of the story was beautifully romantic, and I really enjoyed that part. It may have been too emotional for my taste, but if you like your romances heartwarming, and a little weepy, then this is the book for you. Just keep those tissues handy!

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

This book is perfect for fans of the Seasonal romance, and the Cornish setting adds another plus.   Swallowtail Bay is a picture postcard village we’d all like to visit on holiday, and throw in a wedding, and you’ve got all the ingredients needed for a cosy Christmas read. The story line is fairly predictable, and the main characters are likeable, with the exception of the bride’s mother, making a good ‘hate’ character.  This will make a great Christmas present for many readers.

Nell and Tom have been friends forever, but now the relationship is going in a new direction. A sweet story overall, and enjoy the town and main characters. Didn’t like the meanness of the two guys from the hotel, as it was dirty handed and cruel. Other than that, while this is 3rd in the series if can easily be read alone. Would recommend this book and author.

Nell and Tom have been friends for years, but he has always been in love with her. Will he get his chance with her now?
Things are difficult for her at work with a rival hotel opening in town, and Tom is helping Nell out the best he can, but he has health issues and isn't sharing his own worries.

This was a very charming holiday romance story. It’s definitely one to read to put you in the holiday mood. This was the third and final installment of the series, but it can be read like I did as a stand-alone.

This is a light, heart warming Christmas romance. Though it is the final book in a series, it can be read (as I did) as a stand-alone. Whilst this is the first time reading any books by this Author, and could tell there were threads from other books, I had no problems picking up the storyline. I think for those who have read the series, that they will find this is a satisfactory ending and conclusion to the series. 

The story begins with Nell, who owns the Holly Lodge, assisting her best friend choose a wedding dress for a Christmas wedding at Nell’s boutique hotel. The opening of a upmarket chain hotel in the town has meant that Nell needs to diversify her business in order to financially survive. She is joined in this story with her BFFs, fellow villagers and competitors. 

This was a charming story. The characters were (for the most part) delightful, there were a few stereotypical characters that everyone would know in a small town, and a couple of unscrupulous villains thrown in for good measure. Nell was one of those wholesome, daydreaming, genuinely kind heroines, that was even too nice in handling the Machiavellian characters. Tom was dependable, loyal and sweet. The other BFFs Kieran and Cat were also dependable, supportive and loyal. The story was essentially a very light weekend or holiday easy read. And sometimes that’s just what we need. 

Thank you to Katie Ginger, Harper Collins and NetGalley for the copy of the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book and the opinions are honest and my own.

Fantastic end to the series will miss all the friends at swallowtail bay. Looking forward to another series from this seasoned author. The final instalment is filled with the wonder of a gorgeous Christmas. Throughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended

An easy chrismasy read. The story has it all drama, romance and Christmas. The setting of the wedding sounded beautiful. An easy read

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy. 

There’s both Christmas and romance in the air  in and around Nell, who is obsessed!.

She loves watches and can’t stop watching her favourite Christmas romcoms, along with her dreams of when the day will come when she will meet  her own romantic hero, more so now when she is hosting the first ever wedding at her small hotel, Holly Lodge.

Nell’s best friend, Tom, he’s been in love with her  since they met. But, for Nell, she’s never seen him that way, and that’s why he’s always kept his feelings a secret, as he doesn’t want to ruin their friendship.

But, as a new hotel,, glamorous Langdon Mansion Hotel has opened in the bay, Nell’s hotel has been struggling for survival, so she must fight along with the help of Tom to keep Holly Lodge open. 

Will  the magic of Christmas help two old friends save Holly Lodge, along with opening Nell’s eyes to a love, one that was always there the whole time????

Another lovely book from Katie. Recommend it.

Oh what a beautiful place Swallowtail Bay sounds!

Nell owns Holly Lodge and hosting her friends Cat's wedding but with the newly open plush Langdon Mansion Hotel Holly must fight to keep hers open with the help of best friend Tom, who is going through his own battle. 

A Christmas wedding, Mr Scrooge the stray cat and of course love what a joy a read. 

This has all the Christmas feels, such wonderful characters I loved this little sparkle.

A feel-good romance novel for a fun light read. Full of warmth, engaging characters. and a gorgeous setting.
Thank you to NetGalley, Katie Ginger, and HQ Digital for the ARC of this book.

I read an advanced copy of, Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay, by Katie Ginger. This is the 3rd of 3 books in the Swallowtail Bay series.  Nell Jones' hotel Holly Lodge is not doing so well, especially when a new hotel, The Langdon Mansion Hotel opens up nearby. Bryan works at TLM and is not happy about Holly Lodge.   Tom is Nell's best friend, who has been in love with her forever.  Unfortunately  Tom finds out he is sick.  This Christmas is surely one to remember for Swallowtail Bay.  I just loved the characters, especially Nell, Tom, and Kiernan.