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Moving Closer #1
A White Christmas in Berrycombe
All books in the series are standalone stories and can be read in any order.
If you like Franceine Rivers, Valerie M. Bodden, Kimberly Rae Jordan, Rachael Bloome, and Liz Isaacson you will love this holiday romance packed with feel-good moments, a Christmas message, and a sweet romance.
Only one thing can bring love into Carter’s life – a Christmas miracle!
Carter decided years ago he didn’t need anyone in his life. As a successful author with no need to venture into the world, he embedded himself in his comfortable Greenwich Village apartment and became a recluse.
After an unsuccessful year of writing, he decides to leave New York City for the holidays and go in search of inspiration. A remote country guesthouse in England seems like the ideal place for him to write his next story. He plans to hide away from yet another Christmastide and the painful memories it evokes. But some things are beyond his control. The fiercest storm in years is hurtling towards Cumbria. It will blanket the area with snow and bring everything to a halt, even bringing down the power lines and cutting off the electricity.
The landlord’s daughter entices him out of his shell when she asks him to help keep the villagers warm. Carter is about to have his world turned upside down as the real reason for Christmas makes itself known.
Can Laura and the villagers melt his frozen heart?
A White Christmas in Berrycombe is a small-town, Christian romance with a whirlwind of festive magic and mistletoe!
‘This is the best Christmas story I have read. The characters are real, the timeline is current, and it exemplifies what Christmas and community should be like all year long.’ Amazon Reviewer
‘This is a sweet romantic story, but so much more. Carter, Bill and Laura learn beautiful truths about the power of love, community and friendship.’ Amazon Reviewer
If you like Franceine Rivers, Valerie M. Bodden, Kimberly Rae Jordan, Rachael Bloome, and Liz Isaacson you will love this holiday romance packed with feel-good moments, a Christmas message, and a sweet romance.
Only one thing can bring love into Carter’s life – a Christmas miracle!
Carter decided years ago he didn’t need anyone in his life. As a successful author with no need to venture into the world, he embedded himself in his comfortable Greenwich Village apartment and became a recluse.
After an unsuccessful year of writing, he decides to leave New York City for the holidays and go in search of inspiration. A remote country guesthouse in England seems like the ideal place for him to write his next story. He plans to hide away from yet another Christmastide and the painful memories it evokes. But some things are beyond his control. The fiercest storm in years is hurtling towards Cumbria. It will blanket the area with snow and bring everything to a halt, even bringing down the power lines and cutting off the electricity.
The landlord’s daughter entices him out of his shell when she asks him to help keep the villagers warm. Carter is about to have his world turned upside down as the real reason for Christmas makes itself known.
Can Laura and the villagers melt his frozen heart?
A White Christmas in Berrycombe is a small-town, Christian romance with a whirlwind of festive magic and mistletoe!
‘This is the best Christmas story I have read. The characters are real, the timeline is current, and it exemplifies what Christmas and community should be like all year long.’ Amazon Reviewer
‘This is a sweet romantic story, but so much more. Carter, Bill and Laura learn beautiful truths about the power of love, community and friendship.’ Amazon Reviewer
- GenresChristmas
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2023
73 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
T.N. Traynor
20 books45 followersA story lover from an early age, Tracy Traynor waited until she was fifty-five before chasing her dream of being an author. Now, she is an award-winning, Amazon bestselling author who writes in several genres.
Be sure to follow me on BookBub, I appreciate every follower very much!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 7, 2024
Heartwarming Christmas Book
A heartwarming Christmas book about new beginnings, second chances, healing and restoring hearts and relationships. A sweet Christmas story for adults.
A heartwarming Christmas book about new beginnings, second chances, healing and restoring hearts and relationships. A sweet Christmas story for adults.
March 11, 2023
Faithful Charming And A HeartWarming Story Of Love and Compassion and Faith!
Triggers: child abuse, abandonment, death of a loved one, war struggles shown, social anxiety shown.
Note: also very faith based - so fair warning to the atheists.
I loved reading Carter and Laura’s story.
I could relate a lot to Carter’s life - not his adoption, but the independence struggles, his anxiety, his very few people to depend on, his moods - I could relate to all that and more.
Certainly his type of cabin chosen was also something I thoroughly understood. I mean who wants to be reminded of tragic memories? Not this gal or guy for sure. So I understood it too.
But I also loved the people there. Specially Laura and her father bill - ever giving advice and being kind and generous to Carter. And I understood them too in their own struggles. I connected so deeply to them.
One thing though - was it was hard to connect to the constant Christian proverbs thrown on my face. Perhaps marketing it as a Christian women’s fiction would’ve been a better choice. As me being from another religion, sometimes just got annoyed a little with the whole religious sentiment.
But I loved this novel overall. The side characters were also huge tons of fun - I wished all of them had their own plots too. The romance was barely there, as also the chemistry - sometimes it read more like a historical or regency novel but a little less heavy on the romance. But this is womens fiction so I understand. I loved the cozy setting and wished more than once I could live there (living with my family can sometimes be a hilarity in itself). Plus how they discussed real world issues - I was just so down for it. I loved it!!!!
I loved this novel and cannot wait for more!
Triggers: child abuse, abandonment, death of a loved one, war struggles shown, social anxiety shown.
Note: also very faith based - so fair warning to the atheists.
I loved reading Carter and Laura’s story.
I could relate a lot to Carter’s life - not his adoption, but the independence struggles, his anxiety, his very few people to depend on, his moods - I could relate to all that and more.
Certainly his type of cabin chosen was also something I thoroughly understood. I mean who wants to be reminded of tragic memories? Not this gal or guy for sure. So I understood it too.
But I also loved the people there. Specially Laura and her father bill - ever giving advice and being kind and generous to Carter. And I understood them too in their own struggles. I connected so deeply to them.
One thing though - was it was hard to connect to the constant Christian proverbs thrown on my face. Perhaps marketing it as a Christian women’s fiction would’ve been a better choice. As me being from another religion, sometimes just got annoyed a little with the whole religious sentiment.
But I loved this novel overall. The side characters were also huge tons of fun - I wished all of them had their own plots too. The romance was barely there, as also the chemistry - sometimes it read more like a historical or regency novel but a little less heavy on the romance. But this is womens fiction so I understand. I loved the cozy setting and wished more than once I could live there (living with my family can sometimes be a hilarity in itself). Plus how they discussed real world issues - I was just so down for it. I loved it!!!!
I loved this novel and cannot wait for more!
March 25, 2023
This is a sweet holiday story with a prominent focus on Christian faith. I liked the characters and the setting, and cared about what happened to the people. I also appreciated the sensitive reflection on the impact of the war in Ukraine on everyday people, as there are some characters staying in Berrycombe who have family fighting back home.
There were two things that I struggled with - firstly there is quite a bit of telling me that something happened instead of showing it happening, so I missed things that were only briefly mentioned, and occasionally I had to go back and read things again. The second is the miraculous change trope - several characters, after years of being one way, have a sudden, miraculous transformation into a different personality/ character growth/ faith. These would be made more believable by dropping a few more breadcrumbs throughout the narrative that demonstrate that process of change. While there are no doubt times when a miraculous transformation does indeed change someone's life, the slow and steady journey is far more common, and this kind of miraculous conversation story can be very discouraging for people with loved ones who are walking difficult or destructive paths.
There were two things that I struggled with - firstly there is quite a bit of telling me that something happened instead of showing it happening, so I missed things that were only briefly mentioned, and occasionally I had to go back and read things again. The second is the miraculous change trope - several characters, after years of being one way, have a sudden, miraculous transformation into a different personality/ character growth/ faith. These would be made more believable by dropping a few more breadcrumbs throughout the narrative that demonstrate that process of change. While there are no doubt times when a miraculous transformation does indeed change someone's life, the slow and steady journey is far more common, and this kind of miraculous conversation story can be very discouraging for people with loved ones who are walking difficult or destructive paths.
February 24, 2023
Heartwarming Christmas story
Carter is basicly a recluse due to his childhood. His only real contact with the outside world is Lizzie, his personal assistant. Due to covid restrictions being lifted, Lizzie plans to spend Christmas with her family. So Carter makes plans to spend Christmas in England at a little in that agrees that they do not celebrate Christmas either. But things quickly change as Carter settles in at the Berrycombe Inn. Carter finds himself drawn to Bill, the owner, and his daughter, Laura. Then he realizes his writers block has lifted. For the first time, since he was a child, Carter is enjoying the company of people and his heart is opening to new feelings. As his feelings for Laura grow, so does yearning for God's love. This Christmas is very special for all in the village, as God provides miracles and love grows. This is a great quick Christmas story full of God's love.
Carter is basicly a recluse due to his childhood. His only real contact with the outside world is Lizzie, his personal assistant. Due to covid restrictions being lifted, Lizzie plans to spend Christmas with her family. So Carter makes plans to spend Christmas in England at a little in that agrees that they do not celebrate Christmas either. But things quickly change as Carter settles in at the Berrycombe Inn. Carter finds himself drawn to Bill, the owner, and his daughter, Laura. Then he realizes his writers block has lifted. For the first time, since he was a child, Carter is enjoying the company of people and his heart is opening to new feelings. As his feelings for Laura grow, so does yearning for God's love. This Christmas is very special for all in the village, as God provides miracles and love grows. This is a great quick Christmas story full of God's love.
June 23, 2023
A White Christmas in Berrycombe by T.N. Traynor Is a heartwarming story of Laura and Carter who rediscover themselves in the company of each other. Carter had crawled into his shell when he was adopted by Daniel and Julie, shutting himself away from love. When he goes to stay at a remote country guesthouse in England to find some inspiration for his next book, he feels drawn to Laura, the daughter of the guesthouse. She keeps her distance, as she has heard about Lizzie. Will they share their feelings for each other? Traynor keeps you invested with subtle hints and focuses on Christmas celebrations.
The story moves at a steady pace, without any superfluous details. The characters have been crafted with a touch of realism. It is interesting to note how Carter changes his perspective about life, people and religion. If faith can move mountains, then this story illustrates it in a perfect manner. Love, faith, kindness and goodwill are the highlights of this book.
The story moves at a steady pace, without any superfluous details. The characters have been crafted with a touch of realism. It is interesting to note how Carter changes his perspective about life, people and religion. If faith can move mountains, then this story illustrates it in a perfect manner. Love, faith, kindness and goodwill are the highlights of this book.
February 11, 2023
TN Traynor writes the sort of books you stay up all night to finish. This is a Christian, but not overtly religious, romance with a cast of interesting characters. Laura has been dumped by her fiancé since she moved back to Cumbria to help her struggling father run his pub. Carter is a writer, a clever and creative man who avoids people and has chosen to stay at Laura's inn because it is remote. He is almost certainly on the autistic spectrum. Not all the locals are neurotypical either, and the scene is set for a gloriously entertaining comedy of errors which draws on many topical issues. I simply could not put the book down until I'd read the last sparkling word.
June 18, 2023
When Carter goes to Berrycombe to work on his writing, he didn’t expect to meet Laura, a kind and faithful Christian woman who begins to inspire him to believe that there just might be a God who loves him. Carter is a good man, but because of things that happened in his past he has a hard time believing that there’s a God who really cares about him. Despite their different beliefs, Laura and Carter feel a chemistry between them. But before they can figure out what that means, they have to work together to find a neighbor, Liam, lost in the wilderness before he freezes. Will they find Liam in time? Read the book to find out!
June 20, 2023
This isn't my kind of book, but I think it is probably prefect for a different reader. The title tells the plot: it's a happy-ending romance. The cover prepares the reader for a story that has cute, cozy, heartwarming aspects. There are darker elements in the story--it's not all sweetness and light--but it is a book written to leave readers feeling affirmed and comforted. There's a lot of religion, which is a turn-off for me, but is likely a plus for others. The writing is brisk, efficient, not showy, and tells the story. Someone looking for a Christian romance with lots of characters in cozy village setting will love this book.
June 29, 2023
This is a truly wonderful Christmas story which may be enjoyed by all in just several days. The setting takes place in a small village in England and involves a groups of villagers during a snow storm and one American. Americans might initially be put off by the frequent use of the Queen's English and local slang used by the characters, but if they will persevere, they will be rewarded by a fantastic story that will leave them with warm feelings inside and a Christmas memory that they will cherish for years to come. This book is well-written, well-edited, and well thought out with believable and lovable characters who evolve with the situation throughout the story.
May 1, 2023
I loved Carter and Laura - and Bill and Lizzie and each of the supporting characters in this beautifully written tale of a cold and dreaded Christmas coming back to life. The romance is one of those magical stories that also felt completely believable because the English country setting and the people of Berrycombe felt just that real. The flaws in each of the characters made them all the more lovable, and the changes in Carter were especially heartwarming and fun to observe. I loved everything about this book. Highly recommended.
November 13, 2023
The True Meaning of Christmas
I've been reading Christmas novels for years & years, too many novels to count! It's one of my favorite times of quiet by myself. But this new, to me, author T N Traynor, & her book, A White Christmas in Berrycombe, is the best I've ever read, this side of the Christmas story. It lifted my spirits so much, that I had to share it before I had even finished it...so I sent copies to some family members. Please take the time to read this book! And Ms. Traynor, you have my never ending thanks for such a GREAT book, and a love for our Lord! Blessings to you!
I've been reading Christmas novels for years & years, too many novels to count! It's one of my favorite times of quiet by myself. But this new, to me, author T N Traynor, & her book, A White Christmas in Berrycombe, is the best I've ever read, this side of the Christmas story. It lifted my spirits so much, that I had to share it before I had even finished it...so I sent copies to some family members. Please take the time to read this book! And Ms. Traynor, you have my never ending thanks for such a GREAT book, and a love for our Lord! Blessings to you!
August 26, 2025
Sweet Story
I really liked this story. It is one of transformation and God's loved that helped a man full of hurt and anger to a man changed by grace, God's grace. I loved the setting of the story, the time of year, the descriptions of what the villagers did for this particular characters, and for how the "how alive" this author brought each character's personality. This was a sweet love story on several different levels. Highly recommended as Christian fiction with a beautiful message of redemption.
I really liked this story. It is one of transformation and God's loved that helped a man full of hurt and anger to a man changed by grace, God's grace. I loved the setting of the story, the time of year, the descriptions of what the villagers did for this particular characters, and for how the "how alive" this author brought each character's personality. This was a sweet love story on several different levels. Highly recommended as Christian fiction with a beautiful message of redemption.
February 19, 2023
Lovely
What a truly heart-warming story. It begins pretty bleak, but just keeps getting better and better. Absolutely love the characters of the town. Love how they all look out for each other and help each other out. Real givers. The turn-around is breath-taking. Made me wish could make this happen in all the lives have been praying for. A real heart warmer. If you need a 'pick-me-up', read this.
What a truly heart-warming story. It begins pretty bleak, but just keeps getting better and better. Absolutely love the characters of the town. Love how they all look out for each other and help each other out. Real givers. The turn-around is breath-taking. Made me wish could make this happen in all the lives have been praying for. A real heart warmer. If you need a 'pick-me-up', read this.
February 26, 2023
Could not put it down! Carter is from New York ,is an author, and basically a recluse. He has not written a bookin a long time,so he decides to go spend a month in Berrycombe, which is an inn in a small village in Europe. Bill owns the inn and since his wife died, his daughter Laura helps him.
Carter meets Laura and she brings him out of his shell. Great story with wonderful characters from the village.
Carter meets Laura and she brings him out of his shell. Great story with wonderful characters from the village.
March 14, 2023
This is a cute faith filled story. It is fun to be transported to England in time for Christmas. It is filled with English banter. Even the American uses some English terms, if that bothers you, you may not enjoy it as much. It it doesn’t bother me. It is fun to watch Carter come out of his shell and realize how much people have cared about him in his life as he comes to know and welcome Christ in his.
February 17, 2023
A White Christmas in Berrycombe
This is best Christmas story I have read. The characters are real, the timeline is current, and it exemplifies what Christmas and community should be like all year long.
Thank you T N Traynor for a book that reminds of what faith is while entertaining us with believable characters.
This is best Christmas story I have read. The characters are real, the timeline is current, and it exemplifies what Christmas and community should be like all year long.
Thank you T N Traynor for a book that reminds of what faith is while entertaining us with believable characters.
February 17, 2023
A sweet, touching story about how love and faith can turn a heart around. Carter has closed himself off to the world, but when he meets Laura, that all changes. They both have past disappointments to contend with, but their feelings for one another help them overcome the past and look forward to the future.
February 27, 2023
a lonely life lost and a full life found
What a beautiful Christmas story. The author took so much time to “flesh out” the many characters in this book and bring a superb plot. What a throughly enjoyable read and probably my favorite Christmas story of all time.thank you for the gift of this story and I recommend reading it for all ages.
What a beautiful Christmas story. The author took so much time to “flesh out” the many characters in this book and bring a superb plot. What a throughly enjoyable read and probably my favorite Christmas story of all time.thank you for the gift of this story and I recommend reading it for all ages.
August 29, 2025
A White Christmas
This story touched my heart . It shows that even if we don’t really believe in Christmas or God He believes in us. Just as the theme running through the story . For God so loved the world that he gave is only begotten Son. That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish. Very good story!
This story touched my heart . It shows that even if we don’t really believe in Christmas or God He believes in us. Just as the theme running through the story . For God so loved the world that he gave is only begotten Son. That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish. Very good story!
March 13, 2023
This was a great Christmas book. It was a short and easy read so perfect book if you wanted something quick to read. I would recommend this book to someone and I would read another book by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of the book via Voracious Readers Only
I received a complimentary copy of the book via Voracious Readers Only
December 10, 2023
This charming book ticked all the boxes for me. I wasn't expecting a lot from it, but that really turned out to be my mistake. Characters were believable and engaging, plot was well constructed and also believable, and the subject of a person mending his shattered life, always enthralling, had me almost holding my breath at times. The matter of the hero's childhood trauma was handled sensitively and with delicacy, which is an area in which many writers fall down, but Traynor nailed it. The book is impeccably presented too, another area in which many writers nowadays fail.
It's a beautiful piece of Christian fiction, but if read purely as a romance, it works very well that that way too. Five stars and I'll definitely seek out more from this author.
It's a beautiful piece of Christian fiction, but if read purely as a romance, it works very well that that way too. Five stars and I'll definitely seek out more from this author.
December 17, 2023
Unique Christmas read
The male protagonist is a bleak and wounded soul who finds his way to love and Christmas apparently by accident. This tale has all the elements a good Christmas story needs without being a copy of any other.
The male protagonist is a bleak and wounded soul who finds his way to love and Christmas apparently by accident. This tale has all the elements a good Christmas story needs without being a copy of any other.
January 12, 2025
This starts out a bit rough then starts making more sense, the further in. A clean read written with British & UK slang, with lots of errors. Also, the American would use his words for clothing, not the British one's. I get that hard slang was used, not commenting on that.
March 26, 2023
Delightful!
This was a truly heartwarming Christmas story, emphasizing the true meaning, not the commercial version of Christmas, very good short story
This was a truly heartwarming Christmas story, emphasizing the true meaning, not the commercial version of Christmas, very good short story
December 27, 2023
Heartwarming Christmas story
I really enjoyed this book. It’s very well written, cozy and keeps you interested. What more can you ask for?
I really enjoyed this book. It’s very well written, cozy and keeps you interested. What more can you ask for?
September 2, 2025
A Lovely story, well worth reading, about Love and faith.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews