Snowdown at the Old Schoolhouse

The Glenbriar #6

by Margaret Amatt

Whatever happens this Christmas, they didn’t forecast this!

When charismatic and handsome weather presenter Marcus Bowman walks back into Willow Roxburgh’s life three weeks before Christmas, her quiet job as an admin worker at the Old Schoolhouse residential care centre in Glenbriar is shattered. He’s not only the man she used to crush on, he’s also the one who thwarted her TV forecasting dreams.

But she’s no longer the anonymous studio assistant; she’s secretly Scotland’s new favourite weather forecaster, Rocky Rainman.

With the Schoolhouse facing closure, Marcus is on an assignment to drum up festive support. However, he’s discovered the internet sensation Rocky Rainman lives somewhere nearby and is determined to expose him after Rocky’s recent damaging comments on social media. Seeing Willow, the girl he used to obsess over, shakes his priorities.

When a blizzard hits, Willow and Marcus are snowed in, and she discovers her perception of him wasn’t as accurate as her forecasts. Marcus isn’t convinced it’ll be a white Christmas, but he’s determined to win Willow’s heart. Can their new love weather the storm if he discovers her secret? Because how can there be a future for Marcus Bowman and Rocky Rainman?

Tropes in this story

Age Gap
Stranded in a Snow Storm
Celebrity (Weather Forecaster)
Cerebral Palsy Representation
Rivals
Secret Admirer
Secret Identity
Forced Proximity

The Glenbriar Series is a heartwarming collection of cosy contemporary small-town romances set in the fictional Highland town of Glenbriar, Scotland. Filled with community spirit, friendship, family, humour and a sprinkle of spice, each book follows a different couple while familiar faces return throughout the series. Every story can be enjoyed as a standalone, but together they create an uplifting romance world readers love to revisit. Ideal for readers who love binge-reading interconnected romance series.

Perfect if you're looking for:

Small-town romance
Scottish Highlands setting
Interconnected standalone series
Feel-good romance
Cosy escapism

Snowdown at the Old Schoolhouse is the sixth book in The Glenbriar Series.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2023

About the author

Margaret Amatt is the author of heartwarming contemporary romance novels set in Scotland, filled with close-knit communities, unforgettable characters and uplifting happily-ever-afters.

Her stories are filled with friendship, family, humour, emotional journeys and a sprinkle of spice. Whether they're set beside a sparkling loch, on a windswept Hebridean island or in a bustling Highland town, every book celebrates the people and places that make Scotland so special.
Margaret is the author of four romance series:

The Glenbriar Series – an interconnected collection of cosy small-town romances set in the fictional Highland town of Glenbriar, where each novel follows a different couple while familiar faces return throughout the series.
The Glenbriar Castle Series – continuing the story of Glenbriar with a fresh focus on Dairvin Castle and the Bruce family, while keeping all the warmth, community spirit and romance readers have come to love.
Scottish Island Escapes – an interconnected collection of standalone, feel-good contemporary romances set on the beautiful Isle of Mull, featuring stunning scenery, fresh starts and an unforgettable island community.
Love on the Edge – Barra – an interconnected collection of standalone contemporary romances set on the spectacular Hebridean island of Barra, where family, friendship and second chances are never far away.

Although the books are interconnected, every novel can be enjoyed as a standalone. Readers who start from the beginning will enjoy spotting returning characters, revisiting favourite places and watching the communities grow with each new story.

Margaret has been making up stories since she was five years old, when her primary school teacher wrote, "Margaret has a flair for creative writing." Thankfully, she never stopped writing. These days she's a full-time professional daydreamer, lifelong book lover and unapologetic chocolate enthusiast who still believes there's nothing better than getting completely lost in a good romance.
If you're looking for somewhere romantic, you've found the right place.

Reviews

[Susanne Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous trip to the beautiful Highlands of Scotland, I do enjoy my trips to this gorgeous community!
I loved the concept of the story, especially the conflict between Marcus and the mysterious Rocky, it added another layer of intrigue to the story.
Willow was a captivating character and I soon warmed to her and her desire to stand on her own two feet to make a career for herself and to become independent too. Her crush with Marcus was fun to watch progress, and it was lovely to see Marcus letting down some barriers too.
A fine festive read that was heartwarming and entertaining in equal measure.

[Chrissie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book and the whole series is fantastic! Perfect festive reading.

[Marygrace Brinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start, the cover was the draw in for me in wanting to read and review this book. It is just gorgeous! The other reason I really wanted to read this book is that I love a good Hallmark-like book, and this was definitely that.

Both main characters, Marcus and Willow, both have different strengths, except for one, they are both great at predicting the weather. I love a good enemies to lovers, which I feel like this book has. We know from the start, with the dual points of view that both characters have feelings for each other, but due to some miscommunication there seems to be some resentment, at least from Willow's side.

The internal crisis that we see Willow go through when Marcus comes into her life really showcases her feelings for Marcus but also what the miscommunication really meant to her.

Then comes in the infamous Rocky Rainman. Marcus's new arch nemesis. Of course the reader knows who Rocky Rainman is, and it is very easy to piece it together, but of course Marcus has no idea even though it seems obvious. but of course the situation you are in never seems obvious until you finally piece it together. I really love that once Marcus figures out who Rocky Rainman is he even points fun of himself for how easy it was to figure out which I really enjoyed the realization of it.

This is a slow burn type of book, as nothing really happens, romantically, until the end. Most of the build up is seeing from both points of view what each person is feeling and the little things that they are doing for each other. I found this very endearing as it isn't always about the romantic end, sometimes the build up is just as special as the romance itself.

It is also so important that it showcases Willow getting more and more confident with herself and her ability to get in front of a camera, one of the only things holding her back from her dream job of being a weather forecaster.

This book is so fun, light, and uplifting. I really enjoyed reading it and being a part of the Glenbriar group! The bar has been set high for hallmark-like books this year by starting with this book!

This book is the sixth book in The Glenbriar series, but all books can be read as a standalone. This is my first book in the series, and I look forward to reading all the others in the series!

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowdown at the Old Schoolhouse by Margaret Amatt

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Whatever happens this Christmas, they didn’t forecast this!

When charismatic and handsome weather presenter Marcus Bowman walks back into Willow Roxburgh’s life three weeks before Christmas, her quiet job as an admin worker at the Old Schoolhouse residential care centre in Glenbriar is shattered. He’s not only the man she used to crush on, he’s also the one who thwarted her TV forecasting dreams. But she’s no longer the anonymous studio assistant; she’s secretly Scotland’s new favourite weather forecaster, Rocky Rainman.

With the Schoolhouse facing closure, Marcus is on an assignment to drum up festive support. However, he’s discovered the internet sensation Rocky Rainman lives somewhere nearby and is determined to expose him after Rocky’s recent damaging comments on social media. Seeing Willow, the girl he used to obsess over, shakes his priorities.

When a blizzard hits, Willow and Marcus are snowed in, and she discovers her perception of him wasn’t as accurate as her forecasts. Marcus isn’t convinced it’ll be a white Christmas, but he’s determined to win Willow’s heart. Can their new love weather storm if he discovers her secret? Because how can there be a future for Marcus Bowman and Rocky Rainman?

My Opinion

Snowdown at the Old Schoolhouse is the sixth book in the Glenbriar series and whilst it can be read as a standalone there is so much going on in this series I would recommend reading in the correct order. I have yet to be disappointed by a trip to the Highlands. Marcus and Willow have met before but it was great reading about the pair as they got to know each other - greatly helped by the fact that Amatt used alternating perspectives.

This was just a magical read, it was so nice reading about the blizzard whilst curled up under a blanket with a hot drink. An uplifting read. I am already hoping that we don't have a long wait before the next book in the series is released.

Rating 4/5

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a fun read with a distinctive central character. Willow has her own reasoms for wanting to be off camera but her talent and determination to be a successful weather forecaster are palin to see. With a big secret to hide, she finds herself in some tricky situations once Marcus has arrived in the Highlands. Marcus too is not how he appears to the public and he has kept a few secrets of his own out of the public view. Secrecy has become second nature to him and he jas definite trust issues. However, the chemistry between Marcus and Willow is pretty clear.

This story has quite a lot to say about following your dreams and facing up to what you actually want to do. Several stereotypes are dismantled and the message clearly is to look beneath the surface. As ever, the setting around Glenbriar lends itself to this expending series of stories and I am looking forward to number 7.

In short: Can you foretell the future?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely lovely story

I loved reading this book the 6th in the Glenbriar series. Willow loved reading the weather forecast but nobody knew who she really was. Her secret crush turned up where she worked and the rest is history. Such a feel good story. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves happy endings.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.

Snowdown At The Old Schoolhouse is actually book number six from the ‘Glenbriar’ series of books but can very easily be read as a stand alone with no problems at all.

I really enjoyed this book and soon became lost in all its festive goodness.

It was such an easy book to read and i found myself totally absorbed and turning the pages faster and faster so that i could find out how the story unfolds.

This was such a heartwarming, festive, romantic, funny story and sprinkled with a little bit of spice too and i thoroughly enjoyed it all…….

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowdown at the Old Schoolhouse is the sixth installment to the Glenbriar series by Amatt, but easily reads as a standalone.

Set among the Scottish Highlands, it's Christmas and there's a forecast of snow...sounds perfect to me 👌

I did like Willow and Marcus, but found myself wanting to knock their heads together, to get them to wake up and realise they were meant to be. How frustrating were they?

Heartwarming, enjoyable and an absolute delight to read. The perfect read for the countdown to Christmas.

[Lyndsey Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story from Margaret Amatt! This book is beautifully layered with humour and heartfelt moments that had me turning page after page until I devoured the whole thing!
Willow is a character you can’t help but root for, and Marcus is a grumpy Henry Caville look alike! Need I say more?
A fabulous story with all the festive feels!
Go read it!

[Heather Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the whole series each book is different but excellent. You feel that you know the characters already with each book. You will not be disappointed when you read the series of books.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embarking on another captivating sojourn to the enchanting Highlands of Scotland, one cannot help but revel in the joy of immersing oneself in the splendor of this picturesque community. The narrative's allure, particularly the dynamic interplay between Marcus and the enigmatic Rocky, adds an extra layer of intrigue, weaving suspense and complexity into the storyline.

Willow, an undeniably captivating character, resonates deeply with her tenacious spirit. Her pursuit of independence and career-building becomes a source of admiration, showcasing remarkable resilience. The evolving connection between Willow and Marcus contributes a delightful charm to the narrative, unfolding with a captivating cadence that holds readers in suspense. Witnessing Marcus gradually dismantle emotional barriers becomes a heartening experience.

In essence, this festive read seamlessly blends heartwarming moments with enthralling entertainment, leaving readers thoroughly enchanted and uplifted. The book, set in the magical backdrop of Glenbriar, expertly captures the imagination and cozily unfolds a gorgeous love story. While beginning in Glasgow, the story transports readers to a magical setting filled with familiar characters, ensuring that even newcomers can enjoy the narrative as a standalone experience.

Delightful characters, Marcus and Willow gently develop as the pages turn, both having endured judgment rooted in assumptions about their appearances. The enemies-to-lovers theme becomes a focal point, revealing that hasty judgments can lead to overlooked connections. The narrative skillfully addresses societal assumptions and prejudices, making it relatable and thought-provoking.

The ongoing feud between Marcus and Rocky Rainman adds an entertaining layer to the story, showcasing Marcus’s reactions to Rocky’s taunts. The narrative subtly explores the complexities of meteorology and the constraints of working in the media, providing an unexpected yet engrossing backdrop for the unfolding romance.

While the storyline may not seem overtly romantic on the surface, the author masterfully infuses romance into the narrative through the evolving relationships and the characters’ personal growth. The reader is not only treated to a love story but also gains insights into the challenges of weather predictions and the intricacies of navigating assumptions in a judgmental world.

In conclusion, this book proves to be a delightful journey, offering readers the opportunity to curl up with Marcus and Willow’s story. The blend of romance, relatable themes, and entertaining dynamics ensures that readers will thoroughly enjoy this literary escape into the captivating world created by the author. Treat yourself to the pleasure of this book, and you’ll find yourself glad that you did.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Storied Conversation

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! There was so much to adore about this book. It captured my imagination and kept it cosy as this gorgeous love story unfolded. I knew that returning to Glenbriar would be a treat, and I wasn’t disappointed. The book starts in Glasgow, but soon the reader is transported to this quite magical setting that is filled with wonderful characters who may have featured in previous books. I can assure you that this book can be fully enjoyed as a standalone.
Both Marcus and Willow were delightful characters and gently developed as the pages turned. Both had endured judgement in their lives as a direct result of people making assumptions about their appearances. Marcus is assumed to be a womaniser because he’s devastatingly handsome, yet rarely seen in anything even vaguely resembling a relationship. Willow is doubly judged, both as a woman and because of her physical anomalies.
However, the main focus of the story centred on meteorology and the restraints of working in the media as opposed to the freedom to make predictions without fear of repercussions. This may not seem like a hugely romantic premise, but trust me, it’s perfect. With an enemies-to-lovers theme, Willow soon discovers that she may have judged Marcus too quickly, and perhaps was guilty of making stereotypical suppositions about him. Not for the same reasons, but I found the assumptions that were made about Willow were painfully relatable.
The ongoing feud between Marcus and Rocky Rainman was entertaining, and it was fun to see how Marcus reacted to Rocky’s taunts. I’d love to tell you that I learned a lot about weather predictions, but I really didn’t, other than gaining a real respect for the work that goes into the job.
This is a smashing book and I thoroughly enjoyed following Marcus and Willow’s story. Treat yourself to a few hours curled up with this book, you’ll be glad that you did.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowdown at the Old Schoolhouse is romantic, fun, festive with plenty of heartfelt moments. Willows dream of having a quiet Christmas are shattered when old crush and weather presenter Marcus is thrown back into her life. When they end up snowed in will it be happy ever after or will too many sparks fly when he discovers she has a secret? I found this book so easy to escape into wanting to know how it would play out had me reading page after page as fast as possible. I absolutely adore Willow she is a kind hearted and fun loving character. The plot had my heart beating fast as it has a few different layers and I loved unwrapping every single one.

[Evie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow's sunny, Marcus is stormy, and they're about to be snowed in together!

Snowdown at the Old Schoolhouse is another fabulous romance from go-to author, Margaret Amatt.

It's a sweet and swoony Christmas gift of a book that I devoured in one sitting faster than a family-sized tub of Celebrations...

If you're looking for a festive romcom that ticks all the boxes on your Christmas list, then go read this now!

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series and the wonderful setting of Glenbriar. Willow is so lovely and sweet but doesn’t believe in herself. Marcus is standoffish and confident. There is an attraction between them but like the weather their feelings blow hot and cold! Festive, fun, dreamy and romantic with an ending which melted my heart.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous read in the Glenbriar series by Margaret Amatt. The two main characters, Willow and Marcus, are so different but so so likeable. They both really like each other but have no idea that the other one feels the same. They work together in Glasgow where drop dead gorgeous Marcus is one of the weather presenters. After a misunderstanding Willow, who has cerebral palsy, wants to get as far away from Marcus as possible and goes to work at the Old School House in Glenbriar. Marcus also has to contend with Rocky Rainman, an online weather forecaster who appears to be in competition with him. He is determined to find out who he is. I love how Margaret writes the chapters from the main characters perspective and how she has managed to show how it really isn’t how you look but who you are that is important. Absolutely brilliant and I can’t wait for the next one!!