Christmas at Aunt Elsie's

Seahorse Harbour #2

by Emily Harvale

A distant relative. A blizzard. A Christmas of surprises.

Lottie Short isn’t looking forward to Christmas. Her boyfriend has dumped her and she’s also lost her job. Lottie and her beloved spaniel, Merry, are facing the festive season – and a bleak future, alone.

But a Christmas card and round-robin letter give Lottie hope. And as the first snowflakes fall, she’s on her way to the tiny seaside village of Seahorse Harbour to visit her distant aunt. She’ll stay in a cosy B&B and get some bracing, sea air. That might lift her spirits.

What she doesn’t plan for is a blizzard, her aunt taking a fall, or the dramas unfolding all around her. But at least there’s a warm welcome at Aunt Elsie’s cottage … and a roaring log fire in the village pub.

That’s not all that might bring a rosy glow to Lottie’s cheeks. Asher Bryant, the local vet is pretty hot, and Lottie also hits it off with another visitor to Seahorse Harbour. This festive season might be better than she hoped.

And when Lottie gets more than one surprise this Christmas, perhaps she and Merry won’t be spending the New Year on their own.

This is book 2 in my series of standalone novels set in the tiny, seaside village of Seahorse Harbour.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2020

About the author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A snowy small town Romance. It’s Christmas time in Seahorse Bay: Twinklimg lights, Christmas carols, hot chocolate and festive joy. Lottie has lost her parents, been dumped, fired from her job and it’s Christmas time *Bah humbug* Needing A place to stay for the holidays Lottie and her faithful spaniel Merry Head to Seahorse Bay to stay with her aunt Elsie. What follows is a story of secrets, mystery, Romance, and festive cheer.

This is the second book in this standalone series, can absolutely be read without reading the previous book. Emily did a wonderful job of weaving in little Tibbetts from the previous story. Lottie was a wonderful character and I really wanted her to find her way out of the dark. It was nice to see hot vet Asher again, was good to see that he might actually get his HEA. Aunt Elsie once again added color and charm to the story. So grab your favorite blanket, a tasty hot drink and curl up with this engaging story.

This book in emojis ❄️ 🐶 ☕️

*** Big thank you to the author for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst this is the second book featured in the seaside village of Seahorse Harbour, it easily reads as a standalone.

I loved Lottie and Merry as soon as we are introduced to them. Lottie is someone, if real, I know we would hit it off and be great friends. Being an owner of a spaniel, for me an English Springer Spaniel, I especially loved this furry companion who brings some humour in their actions and Merry certainly has bags of personality.

Having read the first book set in the seaside village, it was great to catch up with some of the characters whilst meeting new ones. Through Lottie there is lots of new friendships blossoming as well as a few hot looking men on the scene, although most seem to be taken! It’s hard not to try and visualise some of these male characters and be whisked away into fantasy land. Sadly as with all good things they come to an end and you end up coming back down to earth with a bump.

Christmas At Aunt Elsie’s is a lovely read set at the coldest time of the year. Whilst it might be cold outside, this is a story that will warm your heart and leave you feeling all cosy inside. Filled full of new friendships, romance and some surprises in store, this is yet another wonderful book by an author who is a firm favourite of mine.

My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be part of the blog tour and for a reader’s copy of the book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the Seahorse Harbour series. Whilst it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone book. I read the first book, Summer at My Sister’s, so it was great to see so many of the characters from that book!! This story did however, focus on newcomer Lottie Short! Lottie and her dog, Merry turn up unannounced to visit her Aunt Elsie, who lives in the village. The book is certainly very festive being set at Christmas, and the images of Seahorse Harbour covered in snow was wonderful!!

Lottie is a lovely character. She’s just split up from her boyfriend, and she doesn’t really have any other family as her parents have died. She’s one of those character who you like right from the very start, and the fact that she comes from Reading (where I’m from!!) makes her extra special!! She seems to get on with everyone, and when she meets some of the village’s eligible men, you can’t help but wonder if lovely Lottie may find herself a Christmas romance!!

It was lovely to see so many of the other characters back in this book! I loved Josie from the previous book, and whilst her and her sister, Diana took a step back in this story, it was still great to see the sparkle brought into the pages by Josie!! Aunt Elsie, of course, if my favourite character and I love the relationship she has with her nieces, not to mention the amount of alcohol she puts in her hot chocolates!!

It’s not all to do with Christmas romances though, there are lots of family secrets and surprises thrown into the storyline for good measure. I have to admit I was surprised when some of the secrets are shared as I really didn’t see them coming at all, but nonetheless it was a perfect addition to the storyline!! I’m really enjoying this series, my favourite series by this author yet! It’s a wonderfully festive read that’s heart-warming, emotional and most of all full of fun, love and laughter! The final word has to be saved for Merry the dog who, if she wasn’t running into snowdrifts was to be found sleeping at every given opportunity!! Fabulous Christmas read…loved it!!

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely holiday read about dealing with grief and accepting things that happened in the past and cannot be changed.

Lottie lost her parents a few years back, and her boyfriend had just broken up with her taking her job with him (she used to work for his company).

Alone with her dog Merry, Lottie decided to spend the holidays with a distant aunt on the coast.

Despite not being close to Aunt Elsie, Charlotte knew she was well regarded by her parents. During her parent’s funeral, Aunt Elsie had insisted Charlotte should come and spend some time with her. Christmas seemed the perfect time to finally pay a visit.

Seahorse Harbour is a lovely town, and Charlotte was happy to meet her aunt Elsie (by marriage to her long-deceased uncle) and her two cousins Josie and Diane.

Starved of love and family, Lottie rejoices in the company of Elsie, Josie, and Diane and feels connected to the place in a way she never felt before.

She also met a very handsome veterinarian that was making her forget she ever had an ex-boyfriend.

But some old secrets were about to resurface and could ruin her recent found happiness and her sense of family and love.

The story is emotional and inspiring. Lottie had to find deep within the strength to deal with all the pain life threw in her path. I love how she put aside her justifiable anger and chose to forgive and love.

Christmas at Aunt Elsie’s is a lovely holiday read about dealing with grief and accepting things that happened in the past and cannot be changed.

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful story of finding hope, love and family when you least expect it. It is a story full of surprises as secrets from the past are revealed, snow falls, new friends and relatives are brought together and love finds a way to heal and romances develop. The story has great characters, some of whom featured in the first story in this series and some who are new, along with some adorable canine ones, too.

Lottie Short is feeling alone and lonely after everything seems to have gone wrong for her recently - including being dumped and sacked. She had a Christmas card from her Aunt Elsie and decides to go to visit her, booking herself into a nearby B&B in the small village of Seahorse Harbour as she doesn't want to assume she could stay with her Aunt. Little did she anticipate how life would change for her in less than a week!

What a story filled with family drama this proved to be! It has everything including a murder, a mystery and romance in a close knit community where the seahorses weave their own magical influences. It is a heartwarming story that I thoroughly enjoyed and I'm really looking forward to returning to Seahorse Harbour in future.

Thank you for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Summer At My Sister’s this was a must read for me. Same town. Same people. But a newbie with a different story, Christmas and snow thrown in too. One to cosy up with. Christmas & romance for me make a brilliant read and this was spot on. A light, cheery read with a little drama. Short chapters, friendly characters and a beautiful little town. This also contains a little dog called Merry making it even better!
I loved it all! Really enjoyed it! Think I’ve fallen in love with Ashers character too oops. I hope there is more to come from this standalone series and little town. Will make you smile. The ending was perfect! Felt like returning to friends and home. A well deserved five stars from me. Highly recommend. Got me in the festive spirit and wanting snow!

[Elizabeth Dorizas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Christmas!

This book truly was a Christmas treat...I am definitely looking for light, breezy reads these days, and this book surely fit the bill! It made me feel all warm inside,just in time for Christmas!

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2-3*
Easy, but very simplistically written. A nice enough idea for the story although far fetched that all of that would happen in a week

[Relyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho Hum. Yawn, yawn.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so pleased I discovered Emily Harvale’s books and lovely writing – always a joy to read, whisking you away from whatever your troubles might be, bringing a smile to your face. And I’m really enjoying spending time in Seahorse Harbour – I know my way around now, although it all looks rather different covered with snow.

You really don’t have to have read Summer at my Sister’s to enjoy this – there’s some really effective catching up, cleverly done, via the gossipy landlady at the B&B where Lottie and her characterful spaniel Merry are staying, and any remaining gaps are very quickly filled once the cast begins to assemble.

I liked Lottie from the very beginning – she’s lost both of her parents (and has an edge of sadness about her), made a few big mistakes, been dumped by her boyfriend (who really didn’t sound that wonderful anyway), and has now lost her job too (but certainly didn’t leave quietly). She remembers the kindness of Aunt Elsie at her parents’ funeral – not a blood relative, but she had an open invitation to visit – and decides to spend Christmas at Seahorse Harbour and spend some time with her again. Walking Merry soon after her arrival, she meets Asher – the village vet, and rather gorgeous – and wonders if her stay in Seahorse Harbour might have more to promise than just a little time with family.

The welcome she gets is a warm one – and through Aunt Elsie she gets pulled into a lovely family Christmas, with a few little dramatic moments along the way. If you read the first book, it’s a lovely chance to catch up with Josie and Diana and see how life’s been treating them – and there are certainly a few unexpected developments there. And then there’s one dramatic moment that eclipses all the others… and no, of course I’m not going to tell you what it is, but it comes as a real surprise and it’s beautifully handled.

I really so enjoyed this one – all the well drawn characters that the author always does so well, relationships you believe in, a lovely focus on friends and family, lots of laughs (and a few moments of real poignancy), and a developing romance that warms up rather nicely and was everything I wanted it to be. It’s wonderfully Christmassy too – full of lit-up shop windows, sparkling lights, a Christmas carol service, mince pies and boozy mugs of hot chocolate, and more than one glass of egg nog. The sense of place is really excellent – if Seahorse Harbour is a nice place to be under the summer sun, it’s even lovelier under a blanket of snow. It’s not a complicated story, just some gentle twists and turns – the pace might just slow a little at times when earlier events need explaining, but no complaints from me.

I do hope we’ll be seeing more books set in Seahorse Harbour – there’s certainly a character or two I’d still like to see finding their happy ending. The whole book felt like a lovely cuddle, and I think that’s something we could all do with at the moment – I loved it.

[Lis Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Short has had a bad few years. Her parents died within a month of each other three years ago. She sold their house and bought a cottage in the country, and discovered that living in the country and growing even some of you own food was not the stress-free life she had imagined. She sold it, rented a flat, and got a job at a funeral home--and got involved with one of the partners, Clark.

And after two years, Clark dumped her, saying he had to "find himself," and went skiing with his friends. Oh, he also said he thought it would be best for her to leave the company. They had a loud, fairly destructive breakup, in the office.

The other partners were nice about, all things considered, but obviously she was out immediately.

Then a Christmas card and round-robin letter reminds Charlotte--Lottie--of her Aunt Elsie. Aunt by marriage, widow of her mother's brother Eric, who died shortly before Lottie was born. Despite relatively little contact over the years, since, her mother had always told her to remember that Elsie was a wonderful, caring woman, and would always be there if Lottie needed her. She decides to go to Seahorse Harbour for Christmas, and see her aunt.

She's not sure how her aunt or anyone else will react, since she hasn't called, emailed, or written about her plans, but the owner of the B&B she's staying in is welcoming and encouraging--and quite a gossip, but not of the malicious variety. Lottie is taking her dog, Merry, out for her walk when she runs into a gorgeous hunk who turns out to be Asher Bryant, the local vet. When she does meet Elsie again, and starts to meet her cousins-in-law, the daughters of Elsie's sister, Tippy, she starts to get a real sense of family that she doesn't feel entitled to.

There's a lot of drama going on in that family, at the moment. Diana, the older of the two sisters, has separated from her husband, Alex, after his flagrant infidelity. But his mother has just been killed in a hit and run accident--in fact, Lottie arrived just in time to see the funeral going on not far from the B&B. Now, Alex says he "needs" her, and that he has Learned Better. Will Diana take him back? When Elsie and Alex are both injured in unrelated accidents, Lottie moves into Elsie's cottage temporarily to take care of her--and discovers a shocking family secret.

It's a very warm family drama, and a wonderful romance, and a very dog-friendly story.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.

[Sarah Hook · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a person who has enjoyed other Emily Harvale books, I really disliked this book. It was unbelievably painful to read. I honestly can't believe I finished it.

Christmas at Aunt Elsie's was ridiculously descriptive of the mundane. There were pages and pages of descriptions of absolutely useless things that did not add to the story, in fact, I'd say it took away from the story. If you cut out all the mundane descriptions this book would have been very short. Somehow, despite the ridiculous long descriptions I felt like I had no idea who Lottie was as a character, and thus felt such a huge disconnect from her. I had a better connection with her dog, Merry, who consequently was talked about obsessively. The dog talk in this book was a lot.

The love story between Lottie and Asher was not a love story at all. It was a brief side story to the descriptions of the village, snow, family by blood, and dogs. These two basically fell in love immediately without spending any time with each other. I didn't feel like there was any connection between these characters as any story between them felt like an afterthought. I learned more about Aunt Elsie than any other character in this whole book, which is fine because she's the most likable character consistently mentioned.

Then there is the throw-in of the hit and runs, and attempted hit and runs, and Kev the random beach guy. This book was just all over the place for me. It talked about so many things while talking about nothing at the same time. Unfortunately, I am heading into book three wondering if I should even continue to read this book series.

[Jéssica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always feel like Emily Harvale's books are this relaxing and comfortable reads perfect for a weekend. Even if you don't follow the series in order, you can still understand the book and the world the author has created.

In this book, we follow Lottie during this new journey of her life as she goes on a trip to visit an aunt that lives in the small seaside village of Seahorse Harbour. And from someone that does live in a small town, closed by other towns, and not far from the beach and the Atlantic Ocean, I loved the feel that Seahorse Harbour had. It had fun feeling to it and this sense of familiarity. Plus, I loved Lottie and Merry, the cute spaniel and Lottie's companion.

I had so much fun with this story. The book had gossip, and coming from a small town, that's daily routine. It had secrets and surprises, that balanced the story very well. And it was really a book about family, friends and love with the crazy village aspect in the mix.

Overall, the author gave me yet again a fun book to read during my relaxing weekend. From the characters and their interactions that I felt could have been real, to the humor Emily Harvale's storytelling had... it was all a good combination that made me enjoy the novel very much.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Emily Harvale for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

[Kerry https://likeherdingcatsblog.wordpress.com Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read book one in this series but although they are linked, you don’t need to read them in order. Cleverly, Emily has written a gossipy member of the community who will catch you up in no time.
As a reader it didn’t take long before I had moved myself into Seahorse Bay and became one of the residents. I always love it when I become completely immersed in a community within a book and Emily certainly delivers with this novel. I’m looking forward to visiting during other seasons too.
I loved the character of Lottie (and her spaniel Merry of course) as she leaves a difficult time behind her and begins to move on. She’s had terrible sadness in her life and it’s clear from the opening chapters there is a lot of healing to do. Left with no relatives apart from a distant aunt, she leaves her former life behind in the hope of making some family bonds and putting her life back together.
Christmas is such a huge family event and Lottie makes a brave and bold move. What she’s not quite expecting is how much the community take her under their wing. I love the diverse and quirky characters of Seahorse Bay and adored how they welcomed Lottie.
With a huge dollop of festive cheer, a sprinkle of romance and a few dashes of hunky men, this is a charming and soothing story that just brought warmth and happiness to my heart. Definitely a wonderful Christmas novel to soothe the soul.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how Emily Harvale keeps doing it but once again she has packed far more into this book than you would imagine possible.

There is plenty of recap about the previous Seahorse Harbour book, so if you haven't read that, or can't remember it, you are given all the key info from that.

Then there is Lottie and her story, and just how she its into Aunt Elsie's family. There are definitely surprises in store for her once she gets to Seaside Harbour, and there is non stop action on every page.

There is drama galore, there is gossip, secrets, family and friends to be discovered and even a new love. Not to mention a few four legged friends, and some questionable decisions.

Although this is set at Christmas, I do believe its the sort of book that could easily be read at any time of the year, its a lovely festive backdrop but not overtly Christmassy in content!

It was lovely to be back amongst Seahorse Harbour and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and find out who the focal character will be.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second standalone novel in the Seahorse Harbour series does not disappoint. I do think that it is worth reading the first in the series, as it would fill in a lot of the background to the family but you can definitely read this on its own. It is a warm and inclusive story which features a lively cast of characters and also lots of homely festive touches.
Family is very important in this story. The different characters all seem such positive types and there is a strong flavour of Destiny hanging around. I loved Lottie’s gorgeous pet, Merry, who seems to have some perceptive reactions to people. There are also some humorous parts of the story, especially concerning the landlady of the local B&B who certainly never gossips (she says). There is a vulnerability about Lottie who has had a rough time and made a few wrong decisions. The lovely setting of Seahorse Harbour seems to welcome her with open arms, however. This is a lovely festive read. Emily Harvale always plots her stories so well and this one fairly fizzes along.
In short: Secrets from the past and starting over.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cover is very eye catching and right away makes me think of Christmas. If you ever want to escape the real world then I recommend this book or any of Emily's to read as there is just something about her writing that makes you forget the real world. This is Lottie's story and she is facing a Christmas by herself, a few things have gone wrong and she just wants to wallow with her cute dog Merry, after a Christmas card turns things around can she see the light at the end of the tunnel? I love any book that involves animals and Merry just seems utterly adorable. A cute man may be on the horizon for Lottie too. This is the second book in the Seahorse Harbour Series, but can be read as a standalone. Looking forward to this series, Emily is a fantastic writer and I urge people to read at least one of her books, I promise you, you will want to read them all. Reading a book by Emily is just like giving yourself a great big warm hug.

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading books by Emily Harvale and this one has been on my kindle since it arrived on publication day and I've been so excited to pick it up. Back in the summer I took my first trip to the village Seahorse Harbour and met Aunt Elsie and I loved curling up to enjoy this festive read.

I love that Emily Harvale often writes a few books featuring the same characters and Lottie & Merry arrival in this story are excellent additions to those we met in the summer.

A wonderful festive read that will have you reaching for the brandy to lace your hot chocolate and pulling out your supplies to make mince pies. This story oozed Christmas festivities set against a wonderful seaside view.

I really hope there will be another visit to these wonderful characters as I loved this story!

[Kenneth Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad but why?

It was a very nice story which I was enjoying very much. Then the obligatory description of Lottie and her new boyfriend having sex for the first time. Took about 3-4 pages to describe that and then of course they insinuated from then on how many more times they did it. Also we get to celebrate Liam and Josie having a “moving in together celebration “. Of course aunt Elsie says it’s wonderful they got together and he could spend the night with her niece at her house anytime.I don’t know what these authors think they are contributing to the story with these mentioning of sex inserted into these”clean” romances (Nothing) but I’ll look for authors that don’t do it thank you.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at Aunt Elsie’s by Emily Harvale is a delightful Holiday romance novel. It is book two in the Seahorse Harbor series but works well as a stand-alone story. I have not read book one and did not feel like I was missing any information. I do plan to go back and read “Summer at my Sister’s” soon. I’ve become an instant fan of Harvale’s writing style.

This story has all the Christmas magic you need. Love at first sight, secrets from the past, a cozy English seaside village, and of course, a lovable dog are just a few of the many things that make this quick read a winner.

You can find more on my website, where I’ve shared a full review.


(borrowed through Kindle Unlimited)

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I would just like to say a very big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for forwarding me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the second book featuring the seaside village of Seahorse Harbour but can quite easily be read as a standalone - which is what I did.
This book was full of some wonderful characters and apparently we are introduced to quite a few new characters in this book, as well as revisiting some of the originals from book 1.
It was a beautiful story filled with love, family and romance. It’s totally heartwarming and left me with a warm and cosy feeling. A perfect Christmassy read!!

[Norma Endersby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, a perfect Christmas treat ... however, I recommend reading the first book before reading this one. That said, the story stands alone but I think I would have enjoyed it so much more if I'd already delved into the backstories of the various characters (whom you get to meet in the first book).

A sensitive subject dealt with much grace and understanding. I was taken with the brutal honesty of the main characters. Reactions were honest felt, and underscored the dynamic tension that ran through the discovery of love, family and a hope for the future.

It was a quick read and one I highly recommend.

[Diane Born in UK, now living on Spain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a sweet, Christmas read.

Lottie has no job, no money and her boyfriend has dumped her and Christmas is round the corner. This could be a lot of people’s life. Except Lottie has a cousin who lives in a lovely little seaside village, that is full of single handsome men.

Lottie meets Asher the local vet, whilst out walking her Dog and the rest is history. Apart from a few surprises along the way.

It was a nice, easy read. Predictable, but nice, just what you need coming up to Christmas.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this one. Whilst I loved Elsie and her story, Lottie kept getting on my nerves with the repetition of the idea that only blood family is family... stating countless times that if you don't share blood, your connection is somewhat weaker. That was grating.

The romance itself lacked in detail... they met, shared a kiss and that was that. Not talking about sex, there was detail on that, but feel that a bit more of a story on their developing relationship and feelings for each other was needed.

[Scott Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pick up any of Ms. Harvard's books to sooth your troubles

The characters are pleasant--even the supposed villains turn out to be good. The village is picaresque, the scenery lovely. The whole story could be inside a snow globe! Okay, the plots are not deep, and there is no angst. But, if you are stuck at home, due to heat, or sickness, or threat of fire? There you have it! If you're lucky enough to be on the beach? Again, you're covered.

[Christine Margaret Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily has done it again, lovely to escape into Seahorse Harbour with Lottie and family. Wonderful to dive into this story at this awful time and to thoroughly 💘 reading about the villagers and their lives. Emily always managed to brighten your day when you pick up one of her books which are all amazing. Thank you so much Emily 🐈x

[G. McGavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great feel good romance

I loved book 1, but book 2 was even better. I couldn't put it down. It was great to reunite with the characters from the first book but introducing a main character Lottie in this book. It was acreal feel good romance with the warthm of Christmas. I loved it.

[Sandra Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a surprising way to celebrate Christmas with family!

Too much snow! Even though Elsie's truth was at first hurtful, Asher had a very nice way to convince Lottie that what Elsie had done all those years ago, was a selfless act at the time. Asher turns out to be quite the perfect man for her. The future is looking brighter for Lottie and all the family members.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

More from

The second book in the collection but you could easily read as standalone and not feel you missed the first book. I love the way Emily reintroduced all the characters and there backstory so seamlessly without you feeling likely are rereading her first book in the series.

[Maria ruskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow love Aunt Elsie

What an absolutely awesome book full of amazing characters that we can all relate to in one way or another, keep up your amazing work Emily your a fantastic author. I look forward to reading your next amazing creation xxx