Cover Image: A Christmas Celebration

A Christmas Celebration

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This Christmas I picked A Christmas Celebration by Heidi Swain. Although I had read several of her books set in Wynbridge, I didn't remember half of the characters mentioned. In my opinion, there were too many references to past stories to be able to say this is a stand alone.

I think if you are a fan of Heidi Swain's stories, you will enjoy this too. It has all the elements that she always delivers: magical setting, welcoming community, a main character that is a bit lost and needs to re-discover herself. And I did enjoy it myself, However, I didn't really click with the main character and I was a bit confused with the huge number of secondary characters.

Was this review helpful?

Ahhh it’s been too long since I read a book by Heidi Swain so coming back to this was like being welcomed home with a massive hug. The absolute star of the show for this book was Albert… I mean there just aren’t enough words to describe what a man and what a character he is. His friendship with Paige just warms your soul and you want to be sat there beside them with a hot mug of chocolate and your feet toasting by a fire!

Paige herself is a lovely character and I loved being back in the fold at Wynthorpe Hall. This whole family is Christmas and the way they all already knew Paige made it felt like you knew her to. This meant that we could jump straight into the story and the well-known and loved world that Heidi has created.

In contrast we have Brodie… now it definitely took a little while to warm up to him but once you start peeling back the layers and getting to know him it starts warming up a little! By the end of it he’s just as loved as everyone else!

I also absolutely loved going back into the village and seeing some old familiar faces, especially The Cherry Tree Cafe - I mean that place is the best! Their desserts and Christmas treats always sound so tempting, it would be pretty dangerous if I had somewhere like that near me that’s for sure!!!

Another absolute Christmas classic from Heidi and one that has left me with a massive smile on my face!

Was this review helpful?

This was such a wonderfully festive treat. It is the 9th book in a series, and I've not fully immersed myself in the other eight books. I didn't feel like I missed too much, however. But, I would have likely enjoyed it a little more had I had that background and had I known the characters better.

Was this review helpful?

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this lovely christmas book

paige is finally back in england after serving her time as a volunteer and so she is asked to go and help at her godparents home Wynthorpe Hall for christmas as other family members are away for the runup till christmas and there is a lot to do

and so paige takes on the role of taking supplies and library books to local residents around the village and its whilst she is out and about that she accidently gets lost and finds herself at alberts door...not the friendliest of people but there is just something about him that get under paiges skin

have to say this book enchanted me ...christmas sounds lovely at this village and the characters that this author introduced us to felt so real that i cant wait to read more of her books

Was this review helpful?

Another lovely book by this author. You are drawn into the story and characters from the first pages so that you do not want to put it down and are then disappointed when you have finished it so quickly instead of drawing it out a bit longer. Perfect Christmas read.

Was this review helpful?

I love this author, this did not disappoint at all, i love Christmas and this book was full on romance at Christmas, loved the story line, the plot and the charactors so much, this will be a re read every christmas for me,

Was this review helpful?

A wonderful, delightful Christmas read! I throughly enjoyed my time at Wynthorpe Hall and I can honestly say that I didn’t want it to end.

Was this review helpful?

A magical book . I love Heidi Swains writing style .
When Paige has to suddenly leave her job as an aid worker, her father suggests she goes and helps her godfather out at Wynthorpe Hall as he is needing help . This she does and the magic which surrounds Wynthorpe hall occurs.
This is a feel good emotional book which draws the reader in . This is a standalone book, but with the addition of cameo roles from characters from previous books which adds an extra sparkle but in no way protracts from the enjoyment of new readers
Absolutely loved it , a fantastic five star read
Thank you to Netgalley, Simon and Schuster and Heidi Swain for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

Was this review helpful?

This has been a wonderful festive read which I have devoured in just one sitting. I loved my trip back to familiar settings and characters.

Swain has transported me to the pages and I’ve felt as though I’ve been with the characters on the journey through this one.

This is heartwarming and wonderfully festive. It’s been a book that has been the big hug I needed. Swain always leaves me smiling with her books.

Swain is a brilliant author, each book gets better and better and I can safely say that this one is just perfect.

This is a book I absolutely adore and highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I love a Heidi Swain book especially when it’s a festive one set in Wynthorpe Hall. When Paige has to leave her job as an aid worker all she wants to do is go home and lick her wounds before she gets home her father suggests she goes to visit her godfather Angus Connelly at Wynthorpe Hall as he was in desperate need for help with the run up to Christmas. Before she knows it she is very busy volunteering delivering groceries and to people unable to get out and cleaning Wynthorpe Hall. She throws herself into all the jobs and gradually gets her Christmas spirit going. With brooding Brodie and elderly Albert keeping her busy. Can she find a happy ever after . A fantastic festive read with a lot of familiar faces popping up

Was this review helpful?

In A Christmas Celebration we meet Paige as she makes an unexpected return to Wynthorpe Hall after doing aid work overseas. It's clear that something is troubling her so hopefully being back amongst friends will help her heal and maybe make new plans for the future.

Whilst staying at the hall Paige takes on some of the roles that Anna previously did which brings her into contact with two new men who will play a pivotal role in her life. One night she stumbles across an isolated cottage which brings her into contact with Albert, an octogenarian who lives alone. Although Albert is resistant to help, Paige won't take no for an answer and slowly but surely they build an unexpected friendship that will enhance both of their lives. And then there's grumpy Brodie who is dealing with his own issues.

One of the aspects I love about a Heidi Swain novel is that although they are all standalones, there are references and mentions to events and characters that have featured in the previous books in the Wynbridge series. It's such a treat to catch up with old friends and seeing how they are doing now.

I wonder what festive treats Heidi Swain has in store for us next year.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely loved this book
A great read
Hooked from page one and read in one sitting
This author does not disappoint
Can’t wait for her next book
Thanks NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Amazing to be back at Wynthorpe Hall with old and new characters. Perfect Christmas read! Fun, frothy and with a festive edge. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and want to go back! Threads from old characters are woven with those of the new to make the read fresh and entertaining.

Thank you Netgalley

Was this review helpful?

As always, Heidi never fails to deliver a feel good, cosy yet emotional read. I love each new book as it’s always like revisiting old friends. The characters and setting but also Heidi’s writing style.

Fantastic story, great characters and yet again I just wish I could transport myself!

Was this review helpful?

Yet another beautiful festive tale.

This one filled me with hope and optimism. Through Paige, we see the depths of sadness, and trauma. The power it can hold over your thought processes; the way you treat yourself.
Then, in true Wynbridge style, we see the ways in which your own self belief and the support of a strong community can be a saving grace.

I love the exploration of the 3 main characters: different generations, varying emotional places, equal sadness and ultimately an irreplaceable bond.

Warm and fuzzies all over. As always.

Was this review helpful?

Heidi Swain is one of my favourite authors and I look forward to her Christmas book coming out so I was very pleased to receive an advance copy of A Christmas Celebration and be back in Wynthorpe Hall in Wynbridge! It was great to meet new characters and be back amongst the old characters.

A Christmas Celebration is a celebration of not only Christmas, but of our lives, our friendships, our family and our relationships and how these are all intertwined. Every character develops superbly throughout the book - we get to see so much of their personality. I loved Albert - he was a true star! Once he allowed Paige into his life, the transformation was incredible. They definitely have a friendship for life. Thank goodness Paige came across the isolated cottage so she could help Albert. Her kindness shines through and through. It just goes to show that the help we may be able to give, however small, may have a huge effect and may transform their lives and future and create a friendship and bond forever.

I loved the mention of two of Heidi Swain's fabulous previous books - Cherry Tree Cafe and Skylark Farm. Heidi has captured a festive sparkling story with magic throughout! A very powerful and heart-warming read which I highly recommend. The perfect Christmas book and one of my favourites! 5 gigantic stars!

Thank you very much for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I loved reading this one. I just love this kind of books.
4 stars read for me. I love this author snd her writing style.
Thanks to netgally for this arc.

Was this review helpful?

A wonderful Christmassy read, engaging and enjoyable. I have loved the series by Heidi Swain. Well written book with great characters and a feel good story

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Simon & Schuster UK and Netgalley for this copy of a Christmas book. I liked the story and it was intersting to read about. Maybe I would love more if I knew the previous characters. Or maybe it was in my mind after seeing is a series. Anyway lovely and lovely cover.

Was this review helpful?