After calling off her engagement, Hayley moves into Wynthorpe hall to escape the town's gossip and her critical Father. She is determined to return to the good-time girl she was, and to never open her heart again.
Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence at the Hall and moved into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, but he has secrets in his past that he would like to keep that way.
As the festive season approaches the pair are immersed in the Connelly family's activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. Subsequently they are thrown together and there is an undeniable attraction that goes against the promises they have made to themselves.
But with the magic of Christmas all around and the smell of cinnamon swirls in the air can Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart? And in doing so, will he convince himself?
This book takes us back to Wynthorpe Hall to reunite with the Connelly family and meet some new residents.
At first I wasn't sure what I thought of Hayley. I'd loved her bubbly and brash personality when reading Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair but in this book I found her grating on me. Thankfully, this feeling didn't last long and I soon found myself warming to her. I loved Gabe from the get go, he was a kind and lovable character with an air of mystery surrounding his troubles.
I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded and it was wonderful to be back in Wynbridge. I love returning with each instalment. Swain's writing is impeccable at warming the heart and creating a world the reader feels a part of. As always I look forward to her next offering with much anticipation.
** Thank you to Simon & Schuster, via NetGalley, for this ARC **