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Wynbridge #10
Home for Christmas
Bella is living her best life in Wynbridge, with her beloved Spaniel, Tink. She’s found a way to keep the house she inherited from her grandparents while expanding her dream business – Away With the Fairies – and she’s ecstatic that Christmas is on the horizon!
In fact, everything is perfect until family friend, Catherine Connelly asks Bella if she’d be willing to rent part of the house to freelance author, Jude who is researching the history of the Connelly Clan and Wynthorpe Hall ahead of turning his findings into a book. The plan had been for Jude to stay at the hall, but he can’t cope with the chaos and Bella reluctantly agrees to open her door to him.
Initially, the pair clash but then friendlier feelings begin to grow and Bella finds herself wondering if Jude could become more than just another guest before it’s time for him to leave. That is, until he announces he has no time for Christmas!
With her favourite time of the year suddenly in jeopardy, will Bella ever feel like she’s home for Christmas?
In fact, everything is perfect until family friend, Catherine Connelly asks Bella if she’d be willing to rent part of the house to freelance author, Jude who is researching the history of the Connelly Clan and Wynthorpe Hall ahead of turning his findings into a book. The plan had been for Jude to stay at the hall, but he can’t cope with the chaos and Bella reluctantly agrees to open her door to him.
Initially, the pair clash but then friendlier feelings begin to grow and Bella finds herself wondering if Jude could become more than just another guest before it’s time for him to leave. That is, until he announces he has no time for Christmas!
With her favourite time of the year suddenly in jeopardy, will Bella ever feel like she’s home for Christmas?
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
348 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Swain
29 books1,211 followersAlthough passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi Swain gained a degree in Literature, flirted briefly with a newspaper career, married and had two children before she finally plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously.
A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes contemporary fiction and enjoys the company of a whole host of feisty female characters.
Heidi can be found at the keyboard at all hours of the day and night and quite often scribbling longhand in her car during her lunch break. She lives in stunning south Norfolk with her wonderful son and daughter and a mischievous cat called Storm.
A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes contemporary fiction and enjoys the company of a whole host of feisty female characters.
Heidi can be found at the keyboard at all hours of the day and night and quite often scribbling longhand in her car during her lunch break. She lives in stunning south Norfolk with her wonderful son and daughter and a mischievous cat called Storm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
January 26, 2025
I really liked meeting new friends, and seeing old friends, in this delightful read.
October 3, 2024
I’ve read many of Heidi’s books and especially love returning to a previous setting. This time, we’re back in Wynbridge, where some characters from That Festive Feeling make a welcome return. However here Bella Bailey is the main character, along with her reluctant house guest Jude.
Bella loves Christmas, in fact you could say she is obsessed with it. She has her own business -‘Away with the Fairies’, her personalised fairies are very popular and Christmas is especially busy so when she is coerced into accepting an unexpected house guest and having to relocate her living and working space she is not best pleased. Even less so when the guest, Jude, appears to be rude, ungrateful and insensitive. And to make matters worse, he hates Christmas.
I’m not at all like Bella. I can be a bit of a Grinch – I do put a small tree up and a recycled wreath on the door and that’s as far as my Christmas decorations go but I loved the wintry, Christmassy vibe from this story and it was such an enjoyable read. Bella was such a joyful character, her and Jude were complete opposites and it seemed they couldn’t even be friends, such was the antagonism between them.
There was a wonderful feeling of community spirit and friendship throughout the story and catching up with Holly, now a successful author of Tall Tales from Small Dogs, and Bear, was a delight. There was even an appearance from Bear’s mother, the flamboyant actress May Madison who made such an impact in the previous Christmas book. I was intrigued by Jude’s intense dislike of Christmas but as his backstory was revealed, all become clear. The ‘will they, won’t they’ question made for a perfect slow burn romance however of course nothing runs smoothly for Bella and Jude with misunderstandings and unexpected events threatening any future plans.
With its captivating characters and village setting Home for Christmas is a lovely book to curl up with, particularly in the lead up to the festive season and I can highly recommend accompanying the reading experience with a comfy chair and hot chocolate.
Finally, a shout out is deserved for Bella’s lovely spaniel Tink, a great supporting canine character who clearly has a nose for sniffing out that perfect person.
Bella loves Christmas, in fact you could say she is obsessed with it. She has her own business -‘Away with the Fairies’, her personalised fairies are very popular and Christmas is especially busy so when she is coerced into accepting an unexpected house guest and having to relocate her living and working space she is not best pleased. Even less so when the guest, Jude, appears to be rude, ungrateful and insensitive. And to make matters worse, he hates Christmas.
I’m not at all like Bella. I can be a bit of a Grinch – I do put a small tree up and a recycled wreath on the door and that’s as far as my Christmas decorations go but I loved the wintry, Christmassy vibe from this story and it was such an enjoyable read. Bella was such a joyful character, her and Jude were complete opposites and it seemed they couldn’t even be friends, such was the antagonism between them.
There was a wonderful feeling of community spirit and friendship throughout the story and catching up with Holly, now a successful author of Tall Tales from Small Dogs, and Bear, was a delight. There was even an appearance from Bear’s mother, the flamboyant actress May Madison who made such an impact in the previous Christmas book. I was intrigued by Jude’s intense dislike of Christmas but as his backstory was revealed, all become clear. The ‘will they, won’t they’ question made for a perfect slow burn romance however of course nothing runs smoothly for Bella and Jude with misunderstandings and unexpected events threatening any future plans.
With its captivating characters and village setting Home for Christmas is a lovely book to curl up with, particularly in the lead up to the festive season and I can highly recommend accompanying the reading experience with a comfy chair and hot chocolate.
Finally, a shout out is deserved for Bella’s lovely spaniel Tink, a great supporting canine character who clearly has a nose for sniffing out that perfect person.
November 29, 2024
2.5 stars - the main character Bella was an insufferable know it all and that was the main reason this book wasn’t a win for me. The love interest Jude was very mid, if not below, I have no idea what he had going for him other than his blue eyes and long lashes.
The very idea of someone being put off another person they feel like they are falling in love with because they said they don’t like Christmas is absurd. The whole love story dragged on far too long and had too many silly twists and turns (mainly because the main character clearly has some serious issues and is actually quite mental) it meant I got bored and couldn’t wait for it to end.
On the other hand I did find the setting quite cozy with the grandparents house, the pub, the Christmas markets, all of that village life was quite fun to read about but I sadly wanted to drown Bella most of the time.
The very idea of someone being put off another person they feel like they are falling in love with because they said they don’t like Christmas is absurd. The whole love story dragged on far too long and had too many silly twists and turns (mainly because the main character clearly has some serious issues and is actually quite mental) it meant I got bored and couldn’t wait for it to end.
On the other hand I did find the setting quite cozy with the grandparents house, the pub, the Christmas markets, all of that village life was quite fun to read about but I sadly wanted to drown Bella most of the time.
November 24, 2025
I liked this one. slowburn. grumpy v sunshine. second chance romance.
October 7, 2024
4.5 stars
You can always rely on Heidi Swain to write a wonderful Christmas read full of love and all things festive.
Being back at Wynbridge with the Connolly has been lovely - familiar faces and some new have real brought this story to life.
Bella was a sparky character and I loved her ‘all in ‘ attitude to Christmas - she’s a girl after my own heart when it comes to the festive season. ‘Away with the Fairies’ was the perfect sounding business for her and I loved how she was a really important player in the community. The slow burning chemistry between her and Jude the perfect distraction from all the festivities.
You can always rely on Heidi Swain to write a wonderful Christmas read full of love and all things festive.
Being back at Wynbridge with the Connolly has been lovely - familiar faces and some new have real brought this story to life.
Bella was a sparky character and I loved her ‘all in ‘ attitude to Christmas - she’s a girl after my own heart when it comes to the festive season. ‘Away with the Fairies’ was the perfect sounding business for her and I loved how she was a really important player in the community. The slow burning chemistry between her and Jude the perfect distraction from all the festivities.
October 13, 2024
Oh my goodness, this was just the most beautiful book!
I adore Heidi’s books, especially her festive ones and this one is just perfection!
I love the settings of Wynbridge and Wynthorpe Hall, so to have both places included is a real joy, and the opportunity to meet some wonderful new characters, that fitted into the settings so well was the icing on the (Christmas) cake!
Bella is amazing, I want to be her! Such a fantastic business she has, I’d love to have one of her beautiful fairies for my Christmas tree!
Jude crashing into her life was absolutely thrilling to watch, his attitude to Christmas really caused some issues and it was intriguing to watch them overcome their differences and to gradually become friends. Of course the road to love is never straight forward, and it was captivating to follow their journey through some unexpected events that were thrown at them.
Once again Heidi has captured the spirit of Christmas with this gorgeous story, it was marvellous to meet up with old friends and new ones in these stunning settings - if only Wynthorpe Hall was real, I’d be there for the festive activities in a heartbeat.
Christmas isn’t Christmas without my fix of festive fun and shenanigans from Heidi’s brilliant book characters, and this was everything I had hoped for.
I adore Heidi’s books, especially her festive ones and this one is just perfection!
I love the settings of Wynbridge and Wynthorpe Hall, so to have both places included is a real joy, and the opportunity to meet some wonderful new characters, that fitted into the settings so well was the icing on the (Christmas) cake!
Bella is amazing, I want to be her! Such a fantastic business she has, I’d love to have one of her beautiful fairies for my Christmas tree!
Jude crashing into her life was absolutely thrilling to watch, his attitude to Christmas really caused some issues and it was intriguing to watch them overcome their differences and to gradually become friends. Of course the road to love is never straight forward, and it was captivating to follow their journey through some unexpected events that were thrown at them.
Once again Heidi has captured the spirit of Christmas with this gorgeous story, it was marvellous to meet up with old friends and new ones in these stunning settings - if only Wynthorpe Hall was real, I’d be there for the festive activities in a heartbeat.
Christmas isn’t Christmas without my fix of festive fun and shenanigans from Heidi’s brilliant book characters, and this was everything I had hoped for.
October 2, 2024
Home For Christmas is the perfect read, no matter what trope you're looking for.
It has festive fun, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, and more!
Bella adores all things Christmas. Jude is a proper Grinch. When they're thrown together, who will have the stronger will?
I really loved how this story played out. I absolutely couldn't wait to be back in Wynbridge with the Connelly clan. It's where I would choose to spend the festive season myself, if I could. It was wonderful being back in the Square at the jolliest time of year.
Before reading this book, I found myself feeling like Jude. I was dreading Christmas for many reasons, but mostly because I lost my wonderful husband on December 16th last year. But being surrounded by Bella's joy is infectious and I'm now raring to deck the halls!
A massive thank you to Heidi for writing the book I didn't know I needed. And thanks to the publishers for sending an arc, and a beautiful finished copy.
It has festive fun, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, and more!
Bella adores all things Christmas. Jude is a proper Grinch. When they're thrown together, who will have the stronger will?
I really loved how this story played out. I absolutely couldn't wait to be back in Wynbridge with the Connelly clan. It's where I would choose to spend the festive season myself, if I could. It was wonderful being back in the Square at the jolliest time of year.
Before reading this book, I found myself feeling like Jude. I was dreading Christmas for many reasons, but mostly because I lost my wonderful husband on December 16th last year. But being surrounded by Bella's joy is infectious and I'm now raring to deck the halls!
A massive thank you to Heidi for writing the book I didn't know I needed. And thanks to the publishers for sending an arc, and a beautiful finished copy.
January 2, 2025
This one was a cute, closed door romance that had a bit of a grumpy sunshine dynamic. He’s kind of a scrooge about christmas due to something bad that happened in his past, meanwhile she’s a christmas fanatic. She’s crafty and he’s a research novelist. He’s a minimalist, and she’s a maximist. She does short flings and he does committed relationships. But much in the way that opposites attract, these two do.
I loved the forced proximity of these two having to share a home, as it really moved their relationship along. I’m not sure these two would have spent much time together otherwise and what a tragedy that would have been!
Listened to on: LibroFM
I loved the forced proximity of these two having to share a home, as it really moved their relationship along. I’m not sure these two would have spent much time together otherwise and what a tragedy that would have been!
Listened to on: LibroFM
December 21, 2024
T gaf Wattpad vibes
Sorry maar waarom kan je niet met iemand daten die niet even veel van kerst houdt dan je zelf doet. K haatte de hoofdpersoon echt een beetje
Sorry maar waarom kan je niet met iemand daten die niet even veel van kerst houdt dan je zelf doet. K haatte de hoofdpersoon echt een beetje
October 9, 2024
I love Heidi Swain, and have read every single one of her books with relish. However, this one just felt like it didn't hit the usual mark for me.
Whilst I was beyond thrilled to be returning to Wynbridge and Wynthorpe Hall (my favourite setting of all the series), and the pages were filled with Swain's usual delicious descriptions that envelope the reader in Christmas cosiness, this time the main protagonists were not for me.
Both Bella and Jude sadly grated on me, and I was happiest when some of the earlier characters such as the Connelly's were on the page with them. I especially liked the short cameo appearance from Chris and Steve in the market square!
All in all, it was a good book, and an easy festive read for the holiday season. It just wasn't up there with the previous titles for me.
* Thanks to Simon & Schuster UK, via NetGalley, for this ARC *
Whilst I was beyond thrilled to be returning to Wynbridge and Wynthorpe Hall (my favourite setting of all the series), and the pages were filled with Swain's usual delicious descriptions that envelope the reader in Christmas cosiness, this time the main protagonists were not for me.
Both Bella and Jude sadly grated on me, and I was happiest when some of the earlier characters such as the Connelly's were on the page with them. I especially liked the short cameo appearance from Chris and Steve in the market square!
All in all, it was a good book, and an easy festive read for the holiday season. It just wasn't up there with the previous titles for me.
* Thanks to Simon & Schuster UK, via NetGalley, for this ARC *
December 15, 2024
Another wonderful festive tale set in Wynbridge by the Queen of cosy fiction. Heidi never disappoints!
November 3, 2024
A lovely, cozy festive story. It was filled with such good humor that I was left feeling very happy when I was reading it. Perfect for a winter's day. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
Very cheesy and very twee but a lovely easy Christmas read 🎅🏻🎄
January 7, 2025
A straight forward Christmas romance, easy and entertaining read. Good to meet some familiar characters again.
October 17, 2024
Aww I absolutely loved this book. The most perfect characters. Definitely gets you in the mood for Christmas with all the festivities in this.
January 9, 2025
⭐️ 3.5
Litt treg i starten, men rundt midten av boken bygde den seg opp og jeg slet med å legge fra meg boka. Elsker historien
Litt treg i starten, men rundt midten av boken bygde den seg opp og jeg slet med å legge fra meg boka. Elsker historien
November 25, 2025
Nice very festive..some what predictable read...enjoyed it ❤️🌲
December 16, 2024
2.5
On the plus side the book was cosy and romantic and very Christmassy! It was also nice to have previous characters from the books make an appearance but on the negative I found the main character really irritating, bit of a know it all and quite sanctimonious!
If you are after a nice predictable cosy read then if recommend though!
On the plus side the book was cosy and romantic and very Christmassy! It was also nice to have previous characters from the books make an appearance but on the negative I found the main character really irritating, bit of a know it all and quite sanctimonious!
If you are after a nice predictable cosy read then if recommend though!
November 23, 2024
I feel awful about this but sadly this one wasn’t for me. I think it’s probably me but i just couldn’t sink into Wynbridge like I normally do. And trust me I hated myself for it. I love Heidi’s books so much which is why I’m certain it’s me not the book - just I found myself rolling my eyes at Bella and some of the thoughts she had.
Please don’t let me sway you though, Heidi is a fab writer, how do I know this well I’ve read most of her collection!!
Please don’t let me sway you though, Heidi is a fab writer, how do I know this well I’ve read most of her collection!!
November 15, 2025
This one took me some getting into but once I gave it some time, I got hooked. I enjoyed the dynamic between Bella and Jude, which kept me listening because I needed to know how it was going to end between them both.
Combine one die hard Christmas fan and one who loathes it and sparks are bound to fly - maybe more of the irritable, not compatible type but will the Scrooge thaw for Christmas? Tale as old as time but so entertaining!!
I loved the audiobook and it was my first of the many of the year with a Christmas jigsaw and all the Christmas lights on- perfect!
Combine one die hard Christmas fan and one who loathes it and sparks are bound to fly - maybe more of the irritable, not compatible type but will the Scrooge thaw for Christmas? Tale as old as time but so entertaining!!
I loved the audiobook and it was my first of the many of the year with a Christmas jigsaw and all the Christmas lights on- perfect!
October 10, 2024
I confirm that it was lovely to spend last weekend curled up with this gorgeous festive book, catching up on the residents of Wynbridge. But please don’t worry if you haven’t read one of Heidi’s books before – this can be read independently.
Bella loves Christmas and has a busy few weeks planned selling her beautiful handmade creations but finds her life being altered when she has an unexpected house guest. How can she stop him hating Christmas? Can he repay the favour and help Bella to start trusting people?
I loved how Bella and Jude’s relationship developed (aided by Tink) as they helped each other understand what they were missing from life. Can they stop their past spoiling their future possible selves?
This would make a gorgeous Christmas present, from the pretty festive cover to the uplifting festive story. The story is a lovely mix of friendships, Christmas, dogs, fairies, cake and embracing change.
This gorgeous five star read has been published today in the UK in paperback and ebook formats, so please look out for it in the shops this weekend. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and to start you craving festive food (* it did to this reader!).
Bella loves Christmas and has a busy few weeks planned selling her beautiful handmade creations but finds her life being altered when she has an unexpected house guest. How can she stop him hating Christmas? Can he repay the favour and help Bella to start trusting people?
I loved how Bella and Jude’s relationship developed (aided by Tink) as they helped each other understand what they were missing from life. Can they stop their past spoiling their future possible selves?
This would make a gorgeous Christmas present, from the pretty festive cover to the uplifting festive story. The story is a lovely mix of friendships, Christmas, dogs, fairies, cake and embracing change.
This gorgeous five star read has been published today in the UK in paperback and ebook formats, so please look out for it in the shops this weekend. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and to start you craving festive food (* it did to this reader!).
December 31, 2024
It was ok, predictable and a bit boring in parts. Even still, I was still rooting for the main characters. I don't think Christmas chicklit books are for me though. Next year I will try a Christmas mystery or thriller instead.
October 11, 2024
What an absolute treat of a book, I love the setting of Wynbridge and especially Wynthorpe Hall and the Connelly family. Bella loves Christmas and makes beautiful bespoke creations, she has a cute dog Tink. Jude is not a fan of Christmas at all. When the two end up sharing a house they are in for a few surprises but Christmas is a magical season and there was definitely a hint of magic in this book and I read it in a day as I was so enchanted by the storytelling.
October 17, 2024
A clean (minus like two sentences) cute Christmas story I loved this for real
November 26, 2024
Cozy holiday audiobooks are my refuge in the last few weeks before Christmas, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
December 7, 2024
Loved it! A cheesy, over the top rom com with lots of Christmassy feels.
December 10, 2024
this made me feel warm and happy about the festive season
RTC
RTC
December 31, 2024
A lovely Christmas read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews