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Bella's Countryside Christmas
An uplifting festive romance perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and authors such as Phillipa Ashley, Trisha Ashley, Sue Moorcroft, Rebecca Raisin and Donna Ashcroft.
Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.
Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.
A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.
But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …
Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.
Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.
A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.
But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2024
About the author
Claire Huston
5 books157 followersClaire Huston lives in Warwickshire, UK. She writes uplifting modern love stories about characters who are meant for each other but sometimes need help figuring that out.
A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for all the cakes mentioned in her first novel, Art and Soul, on her website along with over 150 other recipes. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.
As well as her website, you can find her on various social media. Find your favourite here: linktr.ee/clairehuston_author.
A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for all the cakes mentioned in her first novel, Art and Soul, on her website along with over 150 other recipes. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.
As well as her website, you can find her on various social media. Find your favourite here: linktr.ee/clairehuston_author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 28, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ cozy Christmas fiction
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ September 18, 2024
Series ~ Haileybrook Village
Est Page Count ~ 331 (48 chapters)
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ brief fake relationship, small town, no steamage
Author Note: This is a “sweet” or “closed door” romance
Bella (36) and Jack (40) meet when she pretends to be his girlfriend at his ex-girlfriend's wedding. They have a great night together, but then Bella has to leave for a family emergency. Since they don’t live in the same town it’s not likely they’ll see each other again…or is it?
Bella moves from London to the quaint small town of Haileybrook for a job at a retirement home. Surprisingly Jack started working there just recently. It doesn’t seem like it’s fate though when Jack isn't too thrilled to see her.
It’s festive, but it’s not overly Christmasy. No gift giving, just decorations, mince pies and gingerbread house making. Perhaps a mistletoe or two. I’d definitely put this in the category of a Hallmark style movie, even though I never watch them. There’s a small mystery to solve and a smidgen of romance. There are a good mix of lovable and crazy characters to keep it interesting. I’m happy to know some of them (the good ones) already have their own book, so I’ll have to be sure to check them out.
Overall, a quick, easy and descriptive read. While the romance is not the main focus of the story you can’t help but fall in love with both Bella and Jack and root for their happily ever after.
Side note ~ this is marketed as a cozy Christmas romance, but the romance is super light, so I’m going with just cozy Christmas fiction
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ cozy Christmas fiction
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ September 18, 2024
Series ~ Haileybrook Village
Est Page Count ~ 331 (48 chapters)
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ brief fake relationship, small town, no steamage
Author Note: This is a “sweet” or “closed door” romance
Bella (36) and Jack (40) meet when she pretends to be his girlfriend at his ex-girlfriend's wedding. They have a great night together, but then Bella has to leave for a family emergency. Since they don’t live in the same town it’s not likely they’ll see each other again…or is it?
Bella moves from London to the quaint small town of Haileybrook for a job at a retirement home. Surprisingly Jack started working there just recently. It doesn’t seem like it’s fate though when Jack isn't too thrilled to see her.
It’s festive, but it’s not overly Christmasy. No gift giving, just decorations, mince pies and gingerbread house making. Perhaps a mistletoe or two. I’d definitely put this in the category of a Hallmark style movie, even though I never watch them. There’s a small mystery to solve and a smidgen of romance. There are a good mix of lovable and crazy characters to keep it interesting. I’m happy to know some of them (the good ones) already have their own book, so I’ll have to be sure to check them out.
Overall, a quick, easy and descriptive read. While the romance is not the main focus of the story you can’t help but fall in love with both Bella and Jack and root for their happily ever after.
Side note ~ this is marketed as a cozy Christmas romance, but the romance is super light, so I’m going with just cozy Christmas fiction
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
January 7, 2025
I found myself laughing out loud over and over again as I was reading BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS by Claire Huston. I couldn't help it. Some of the conversations were just so funny and they made me feel like I was right there in the retirement center with all of these wonderful characters. If you are looking for a funny holiday tale, you must read BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS! As secret comes out, there are tears and then laughter. A story that starts out with fake dating is always fun and throw Christmas in the mix, what more could a reader ask for? What a holiday to remember right?
Open up a copy of BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS and you will find yourself surrounded by a mix of people. Bella sneaks out of a boring work conference and finds herself in the church she was supposed to be getting married in. This is where she meets Jack and almost gets taken out by a big Christmas tree! BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS is filled with crazy drama, love, happiness, tears, and second chances. Bella winds up spending the day with Jack, helping his friend with her wedding dress, going to the wedding, and watching a group of kids from the wedding. This is not what Bella had planned! But we all know how plans go. She sneaks away from Jack at the end if the night, not even saying goodbye. She arrives back in the countryside, one year later and finds out that Jack is working at the exact same place as Bella! Oh yeah, here we go!!
In BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS, all of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with Bella and Summer. I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Claire Huston does that to me each and every time. She has me longing to find friends just like her characters. The storyline is sweet and plays out smoothly, with the minor characters adding depth and dimension. There are some lovable and some not so lovable characters that make the story interesting and engaging. There is so much heart in Claire's writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. Claire Huston is the queen of writing heartfelt stories about women and family drama. If you are looking for a quick, funny, feel good story, you can’t go wrong with BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
Open up a copy of BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS and you will find yourself surrounded by a mix of people. Bella sneaks out of a boring work conference and finds herself in the church she was supposed to be getting married in. This is where she meets Jack and almost gets taken out by a big Christmas tree! BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS is filled with crazy drama, love, happiness, tears, and second chances. Bella winds up spending the day with Jack, helping his friend with her wedding dress, going to the wedding, and watching a group of kids from the wedding. This is not what Bella had planned! But we all know how plans go. She sneaks away from Jack at the end if the night, not even saying goodbye. She arrives back in the countryside, one year later and finds out that Jack is working at the exact same place as Bella! Oh yeah, here we go!!
In BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS, all of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with Bella and Summer. I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Claire Huston does that to me each and every time. She has me longing to find friends just like her characters. The storyline is sweet and plays out smoothly, with the minor characters adding depth and dimension. There are some lovable and some not so lovable characters that make the story interesting and engaging. There is so much heart in Claire's writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. Claire Huston is the queen of writing heartfelt stories about women and family drama. If you are looking for a quick, funny, feel good story, you can’t go wrong with BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
August 26, 2024
I was attracted by the blurb for this book – Christmas and romance – what’s not to like. Unfortunately, I enjoyed it so much I continued reading ‘just one more chapter’ until 3am when I finished the book!
When Bella escapes from a very boring conference, she goes to have a look at the church she would have got married in – if her engagement hadn’t come to an abrupt end! Inside the church she meets Jack, has a dangerous encounter with a tree, and finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend – well she couldn’t leave him the subject of pity – and he was very cute! After a brief kiss at the end of the evening Bella has to run off to help out her sister (the only character in the book I didn’t like) and they lose touch. A year later Bella returns to the village and a new job. Imagine her surprise when Jack is also working there, but isn’t happy about her disappearing act. Can Bella get him back o side? And maybe more??
Whilst there are a few enemies to lovers type books around, this one is so well written, with such believable characters, and a few plot twists, it makes for a wonderful story. Definitely one to read on a cold wintery evening. I really enjoyed it.
When Bella escapes from a very boring conference, she goes to have a look at the church she would have got married in – if her engagement hadn’t come to an abrupt end! Inside the church she meets Jack, has a dangerous encounter with a tree, and finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend – well she couldn’t leave him the subject of pity – and he was very cute! After a brief kiss at the end of the evening Bella has to run off to help out her sister (the only character in the book I didn’t like) and they lose touch. A year later Bella returns to the village and a new job. Imagine her surprise when Jack is also working there, but isn’t happy about her disappearing act. Can Bella get him back o side? And maybe more??
Whilst there are a few enemies to lovers type books around, this one is so well written, with such believable characters, and a few plot twists, it makes for a wonderful story. Definitely one to read on a cold wintery evening. I really enjoyed it.
April 24, 2026
I read this book for BBNYA 2025, my opinions are all my own.
I really enjoyed the excerpts of this one and so I was excited to read this one further/completely! It was really fun reading this one during the holiday season aka December. It is the perfect book for that period.
🥰 The cover! Let's start with that one. It is such a fun one and it gives me all the happy Christmas vibes!
🥰 I loved reading about the little town and all that came with it. The meddling old people. The little shops. The snow that made it all Christmas card worthy. The little streets. The way the houses were described. I just wanted to step inside the story and glimpse it all for myself.
🥰 I loved how it began with Bella at a conference and Jack at a wedding nearby needing a fake date. I loved how they connected and sparks were just flying. Plus, I loved reading about the wedding and all the grand things happening there. I want some of that cake now! Yum! Plus, I loved seeing Bella take charge when things went a bit south, she really steps up even though she is not obliged to do so. She could have just said heck no and go back to the party but she helped out! Oh, and I loved what happened near the end of it all.
🥰 Bella was such a fun MC and I was just so proud that she took back the reigns in her life and decided her own path. No more big shot companies but something smaller. Like working as an accountant at a retirement home (and boy did they need her help, haha). I loved seeing her get more comfy at the village and feel more at home with each day. Though haha, I could understand that at times she wanted to just step away from it all. She just wants to settle and have some time for herself after everything. Oh well, I think in the end she is more than happy with all the chaos that came along during this Christmas time.
🥰 I was so delighted that with Bella going back to the town we also meet the two people she helped back a year ago! And see them become more friends.
🥰 The oldies in the retirement home were such a hoot! From the bossy Lavender to the ever cooking/crafting Wendy to the not always there Iris. I really had fun when this group appeared!
🥰 I have to say I wasn't such a fan of Summer and her begging/expecting everything to go her way. So when she appeared in the story to visit our MC I was just wondering if I would have to DNF the story or if I could continue. Thankfully, I could continue. Yes, Summer isn't the best to like, but as the story continued I started liking her more and more. Eventually I loved how the sisters were together and how they always help the other out. Though I was proud when Bella put a line in the ground in regards to certain things. Good girl. Finally.
🥰 Jack. Or well, start of the story Jack and middle of the book Jack. When he was swoony and sweet and the sparks were flying. He was an interesting character and I loved learning more about him and his family. About why he decided to work at the retirement home.
🥰 The romance. Well, OK, the start and the middle of the story romance. Haha. Read my meh part on why I wasn't invested in the part between those. But the begin part and the middle story romance was just so sweet and I was just shipping the two together. They really have chemistry and I wanted them to explore it. To talk, Bella has a whole thing about her ex-fiance and the drama that came with that and Jack has his things. To kiss. To just make Christmas even more magical. I loved the banter between them and I love it when they made snow angels together, so cute!
🥰 That it was set during Christmas/around Christmas! Which meant decorating, yummy food, markets, and snow!
🥰 The ending was so cute and sweet and I had so much fun.
🥰 The mystery! Yup. There is also a bit of mystery as things were stolen at the retirement home + surrounding that. I knew right away though who the culprit was but I still had fun with the mystery and seeing more things disappear and our MC and the oldies try to figure out things. I loved how Bella just really went detective mode when things started to escalate and I love how the mystery was solved!
😬 I didn't like how Jack acted when he and Bella met again. I mean, seriously dude, what the actual fuck. I just wanted to punch him. I have to say that for a bit of time my like for Jack just went away and I couldn't ship the two of them together. I just wanted him to first say sorry for his delusions and jackass way he reacted.
All in all, I had so much fun with this one! I loved it more and more as I read on. I wouldn't mind more stories from this town~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I really enjoyed the excerpts of this one and so I was excited to read this one further/completely! It was really fun reading this one during the holiday season aka December. It is the perfect book for that period.
🥰 The cover! Let's start with that one. It is such a fun one and it gives me all the happy Christmas vibes!
🥰 I loved reading about the little town and all that came with it. The meddling old people. The little shops. The snow that made it all Christmas card worthy. The little streets. The way the houses were described. I just wanted to step inside the story and glimpse it all for myself.
🥰 I loved how it began with Bella at a conference and Jack at a wedding nearby needing a fake date. I loved how they connected and sparks were just flying. Plus, I loved reading about the wedding and all the grand things happening there. I want some of that cake now! Yum! Plus, I loved seeing Bella take charge when things went a bit south, she really steps up even though she is not obliged to do so. She could have just said heck no and go back to the party but she helped out! Oh, and I loved what happened near the end of it all.
🥰 Bella was such a fun MC and I was just so proud that she took back the reigns in her life and decided her own path. No more big shot companies but something smaller. Like working as an accountant at a retirement home (and boy did they need her help, haha). I loved seeing her get more comfy at the village and feel more at home with each day. Though haha, I could understand that at times she wanted to just step away from it all. She just wants to settle and have some time for herself after everything. Oh well, I think in the end she is more than happy with all the chaos that came along during this Christmas time.
🥰 I was so delighted that with Bella going back to the town we also meet the two people she helped back a year ago! And see them become more friends.
🥰 The oldies in the retirement home were such a hoot! From the bossy Lavender to the ever cooking/crafting Wendy to the not always there Iris. I really had fun when this group appeared!
🥰 I have to say I wasn't such a fan of Summer and her begging/expecting everything to go her way. So when she appeared in the story to visit our MC I was just wondering if I would have to DNF the story or if I could continue. Thankfully, I could continue. Yes, Summer isn't the best to like, but as the story continued I started liking her more and more. Eventually I loved how the sisters were together and how they always help the other out. Though I was proud when Bella put a line in the ground in regards to certain things. Good girl. Finally.
🥰 Jack. Or well, start of the story Jack and middle of the book Jack. When he was swoony and sweet and the sparks were flying. He was an interesting character and I loved learning more about him and his family. About why he decided to work at the retirement home.
🥰 The romance. Well, OK, the start and the middle of the story romance. Haha. Read my meh part on why I wasn't invested in the part between those. But the begin part and the middle story romance was just so sweet and I was just shipping the two together. They really have chemistry and I wanted them to explore it. To talk, Bella has a whole thing about her ex-fiance and the drama that came with that and Jack has his things. To kiss. To just make Christmas even more magical. I loved the banter between them and I love it when they made snow angels together, so cute!
🥰 That it was set during Christmas/around Christmas! Which meant decorating, yummy food, markets, and snow!
🥰 The ending was so cute and sweet and I had so much fun.
🥰 The mystery! Yup. There is also a bit of mystery as things were stolen at the retirement home + surrounding that. I knew right away though who the culprit was but I still had fun with the mystery and seeing more things disappear and our MC and the oldies try to figure out things. I loved how Bella just really went detective mode when things started to escalate and I love how the mystery was solved!
😬 I didn't like how Jack acted when he and Bella met again. I mean, seriously dude, what the actual fuck. I just wanted to punch him. I have to say that for a bit of time my like for Jack just went away and I couldn't ship the two of them together. I just wanted him to first say sorry for his delusions and jackass way he reacted.
All in all, I had so much fun with this one! I loved it more and more as I read on. I wouldn't mind more stories from this town~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
April 11, 2026
Bella’s Countryside Christmas is an engaging and cozy Christmas Romance with a cast of colorful characters, witty banter, and a memorable “meet-cute.”
Bella is attending a (boring) work conference and decides to drive to a nearby town to look around and escape the conference for a while. While in town, she stops at the church where her canceled wedding was to take place. It brings up some bad feelings, especially since she encounters people who are there for their own wedding. She meets a handsome usher who has been stood up and she impulsively offers to be his plus one. They are having a great time at the reception when Belle receives an urgent call from her sister and needs to leave immediately. Is this the end of a budding relationship?
The fake date trope is an opportunity for some witty banter and awkward situations. In this case, we are treated to a memorable “meet-cute.”
As Bella and Jack experience an immediate attraction to each other and we have hopes for their future, Bella receives an urgent phone call from her sister and needs to leave right away. Unfortunately, she neglects to inform Jack who is off performing his usher duties.
Bella goes back to her conference and the story fast forwards to one year later when Bella takes a new job in this very same town. In the intervening year, Bella and Jack have not spoken because they never exchanged contact information. As one can predict, they run into each other and have a lot of explaining to do and hurt feelings (his) to manage.
Will Bella and Jack be able to pick up where they left off? Jack feels jilted and has some angry feelings to reconcile. Bella has no excuse for having left without an explanation or not reaching out. (Someone in this small town must know him!)
On the way to resolve the “will they or won’t they,” we are treated to retirement home shenanigans (they both conveniently work there), family drama, a caring community, and Christmas festivities.
I love a “romance with more,” and Bella’s Countryside Christmas delivers an abundance of retirement home entertainment and family drama, including meaningful and compelling sister content.
Fans of witty banter, Christmas festivities, a colorful cast of characters, and family drama will enjoy this engaging story with a side of closed-door romance.
In the blogging world, Bella’s Countryside Christmas was the 9th place 2025 BBNYA Finalist (Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award).
Thanks @The_WriteReads @BBNYA_Official for a complimentary eARC of #BellesCountrysideChristmas upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Bella is attending a (boring) work conference and decides to drive to a nearby town to look around and escape the conference for a while. While in town, she stops at the church where her canceled wedding was to take place. It brings up some bad feelings, especially since she encounters people who are there for their own wedding. She meets a handsome usher who has been stood up and she impulsively offers to be his plus one. They are having a great time at the reception when Belle receives an urgent call from her sister and needs to leave immediately. Is this the end of a budding relationship?
The fake date trope is an opportunity for some witty banter and awkward situations. In this case, we are treated to a memorable “meet-cute.”
As Bella and Jack experience an immediate attraction to each other and we have hopes for their future, Bella receives an urgent phone call from her sister and needs to leave right away. Unfortunately, she neglects to inform Jack who is off performing his usher duties.
Bella goes back to her conference and the story fast forwards to one year later when Bella takes a new job in this very same town. In the intervening year, Bella and Jack have not spoken because they never exchanged contact information. As one can predict, they run into each other and have a lot of explaining to do and hurt feelings (his) to manage.
Will Bella and Jack be able to pick up where they left off? Jack feels jilted and has some angry feelings to reconcile. Bella has no excuse for having left without an explanation or not reaching out. (Someone in this small town must know him!)
On the way to resolve the “will they or won’t they,” we are treated to retirement home shenanigans (they both conveniently work there), family drama, a caring community, and Christmas festivities.
I love a “romance with more,” and Bella’s Countryside Christmas delivers an abundance of retirement home entertainment and family drama, including meaningful and compelling sister content.
Fans of witty banter, Christmas festivities, a colorful cast of characters, and family drama will enjoy this engaging story with a side of closed-door romance.
In the blogging world, Bella’s Countryside Christmas was the 9th place 2025 BBNYA Finalist (Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award).
Thanks @The_WriteReads @BBNYA_Official for a complimentary eARC of #BellesCountrysideChristmas upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
April 6, 2026
Bella’s Countryside Christmas is a contemporary, cosy festive romance set in a charming English village. called Haileybrook. It’s book two of the Haileybrook Village series, but works perfectly as a standalone. You will notice recurring characters if you commit to the series. The book is similar in style to authors like Sarah Morgan and Phillipa Ashley. Think warm and cosy, “Hallmark movie” vibes with themes of second chances, starting over, family relationships and small-town life. The story is told from the single narrative, 3rd person perspective of Bella, who is trying to escape a painful breakup and a job she hates. She arrives in the picturesque village of Haileybrook, and she ends up being the “fake date” for a stranger named Jack at a Christmas wedding. Following a magical evening and an instant connection, Bella suddenly leaves town and their connection seems relegated to memory. However, one year later, Bella returns to the village for a fresh start in a new job and dreams of a quieter life. Until she bumps into Jack, unearthing supptessed feelings, and she becomes swept along in family drama and small-town tensions, complicating he rplans.
Bella has to decide whether she truly craves the peace and quiet of a solo life, or all the complications of a busy village life and small town romance. A sweet, feel-good story. #bellascountrysidechristmas #clairehuston #blogtour #bbnya2025 #finalist #thewritereads
Bella has to decide whether she truly craves the peace and quiet of a solo life, or all the complications of a busy village life and small town romance. A sweet, feel-good story. #bellascountrysidechristmas #clairehuston #blogtour #bbnya2025 #finalist #thewritereads
April 9, 2026
Blurb
Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.
Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.
A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.
But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …
This cosy, uplifting festive romance is perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and authors such as Sarah Morgan, Phillipa Ashley and Sue Moorcroft.
Review
This book claimed 9th place in the BBNYA 2025 Book Award and I can very much see why. This book was a pleasure to read from the very first page, and left you with the ultimate feel good factor. It is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone, I hadn’t read the first one and I don’t feel it affected my enjoyment of the book whatsoever, I will however now eagerly seek out the first book in the series, and look forward to meeting some of the characters again.
The central character in the book, Bella, is a feisty woman who will speak her mind, but at the opening of the book we find her going through a difficult time with a relationship with her fiancée having recently broken down. On a whim she instantly acts as a fake date for Jack at a wedding and the following evening event. This led to some really lovely moments, including one incident in a toilet where talking to a couple of women she ‘enhanced’ Jack’s reputation with the other women Jack knows.
Both Jack and Bella are really delightful characters who you very much enjoy spending time with, and end up rooting for them throughout the book in this endearing meet cute. Following Bella moving to the village she first encountered in meeting Jack she embarks on a number of adventures, including at one point turning into the equivalent of Mrs Marple! There were so many great and entertaining moments in this book, and the relationship between Bella and Jack just rounded off a great read and a great book for me. It was so well-written and paced and was helped by the many great characters in the book.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, if you want the ultimate feel good read do pick up this book. It has Christmas in the title but don’t let that put anyone off as Christmas only really had a small incidental part in the book, and it can very much be read at any time of the year. This is the second book I have read by this author and she is very much a must read author for me.
If I had one beef it would be the book being described as Women’s Fiction, I am very much not a woman, and for me it is just a great story that anyone could enjoy.
Book Details
Page Count: 363 Pages
Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
Age Category: Adult
Date Published: September 18, 2024
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/6yhZ2JS (Canada) https://a.co/d/jaRU3n0 (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/9DuOzFo (UK)
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Story Graph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/d...
Author Bio
Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire, UK, with her husband and two children. She writes uplifting modern love stories about characters who are meant for each other but need a little help to realise it.
A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for all the cakes mentioned in Art and Soul, her first novel, at clairehuston.co.uk along with over 150 other recipes. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.
You can also find Claire on various social media platforms. Find your favourite here: https://linktr.ee/clairehuston_author
About BBNYA
BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.
If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.
Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.
Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.
A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.
But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …
This cosy, uplifting festive romance is perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and authors such as Sarah Morgan, Phillipa Ashley and Sue Moorcroft.
Review
This book claimed 9th place in the BBNYA 2025 Book Award and I can very much see why. This book was a pleasure to read from the very first page, and left you with the ultimate feel good factor. It is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone, I hadn’t read the first one and I don’t feel it affected my enjoyment of the book whatsoever, I will however now eagerly seek out the first book in the series, and look forward to meeting some of the characters again.
The central character in the book, Bella, is a feisty woman who will speak her mind, but at the opening of the book we find her going through a difficult time with a relationship with her fiancée having recently broken down. On a whim she instantly acts as a fake date for Jack at a wedding and the following evening event. This led to some really lovely moments, including one incident in a toilet where talking to a couple of women she ‘enhanced’ Jack’s reputation with the other women Jack knows.
Both Jack and Bella are really delightful characters who you very much enjoy spending time with, and end up rooting for them throughout the book in this endearing meet cute. Following Bella moving to the village she first encountered in meeting Jack she embarks on a number of adventures, including at one point turning into the equivalent of Mrs Marple! There were so many great and entertaining moments in this book, and the relationship between Bella and Jack just rounded off a great read and a great book for me. It was so well-written and paced and was helped by the many great characters in the book.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, if you want the ultimate feel good read do pick up this book. It has Christmas in the title but don’t let that put anyone off as Christmas only really had a small incidental part in the book, and it can very much be read at any time of the year. This is the second book I have read by this author and she is very much a must read author for me.
If I had one beef it would be the book being described as Women’s Fiction, I am very much not a woman, and for me it is just a great story that anyone could enjoy.
Book Details
Page Count: 363 Pages
Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
Age Category: Adult
Date Published: September 18, 2024
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/6yhZ2JS (Canada) https://a.co/d/jaRU3n0 (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/9DuOzFo (UK)
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Story Graph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/d...
Author Bio
Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire, UK, with her husband and two children. She writes uplifting modern love stories about characters who are meant for each other but need a little help to realise it.
A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for all the cakes mentioned in Art and Soul, her first novel, at clairehuston.co.uk along with over 150 other recipes. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.
You can also find Claire on various social media platforms. Find your favourite here: https://linktr.ee/clairehuston_author
About BBNYA
BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.
If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.
September 24, 2024
Do you know those Christmas movies where the main characters meet in the beginning.
And one of them helps the other out by being their fake date?
They feel like two pieces of a puzzle making it whole.
But one of them has to leave they don’t know each other’s names or have a number or way to contact each other.
Then a year later they meat again?
Well take that movie and make it a book with a bit more to the story with some fun twists amazing group of retired woman.
A straight forward always there for when the people she loves need her female main character? That’s Bella for you!
And Jack we love Jack he is adorable and the rest you can see for yourself when you read this book come Christmas because if you love the romcom Christmas movies and the get all the feels with chemistry you feel zinging while reading the book.
Then this is for you!!
I honestly loved it so much I could re read it almost immediately.
It didn’t feel like i was reading a book most of the time I just felt part of the story and if I was there watching it all unfold. So good was the writing to me.
Rating:
🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶/5
I can’t write the entire scene which made me laughing out loud.
But i can say this was my favourite part:
‘And I may have given them the impression that you’re basically the Shakespeare of the erotic text message. Hence why so many women are suddenly giving you their numbers.’
‘Come on Jack! You didn’t have “gaining a reputation as the wordsworth of dirty talk” on your wedding bingo card?’
‘Does that mean our fictional sexting involved mentions of daffodils?’
So if you think well know i need more context or want to know more of this story? Read this book!
And one of them helps the other out by being their fake date?
They feel like two pieces of a puzzle making it whole.
But one of them has to leave they don’t know each other’s names or have a number or way to contact each other.
Then a year later they meat again?
Well take that movie and make it a book with a bit more to the story with some fun twists amazing group of retired woman.
A straight forward always there for when the people she loves need her female main character? That’s Bella for you!
And Jack we love Jack he is adorable and the rest you can see for yourself when you read this book come Christmas because if you love the romcom Christmas movies and the get all the feels with chemistry you feel zinging while reading the book.
Then this is for you!!
I honestly loved it so much I could re read it almost immediately.
It didn’t feel like i was reading a book most of the time I just felt part of the story and if I was there watching it all unfold. So good was the writing to me.
Rating:
🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶/5
I can’t write the entire scene which made me laughing out loud.
But i can say this was my favourite part:
‘And I may have given them the impression that you’re basically the Shakespeare of the erotic text message. Hence why so many women are suddenly giving you their numbers.’
‘Come on Jack! You didn’t have “gaining a reputation as the wordsworth of dirty talk” on your wedding bingo card?’
‘Does that mean our fictional sexting involved mentions of daffodils?’
So if you think well know i need more context or want to know more of this story? Read this book!
October 4, 2024
BELLA'S COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS is set in Haileybrook. To escape a boring conference, she fakes illness and goes to the church where she should have been married, if she hadn't called it off. While there, she saves a nativity scene from guaranteed disaster, as well as helping a cute man by pretending to be his date. After a better-than-expected day/evening and a moment of connection complete with a kiss, she disappears to help her younger sister, leaving Jack all alone. Fast forward a year (give or take) and Bella is returning to Haileybrook, this time to live and work.
This was such a great story! It is gentle, with no unnecessary angst or drama, with a healthy dose of mystery. Character-led with cameos from characters out of other books, this was a story I didn't want to end. The people here were funny and likeable, especially the ones from the home!
The flow of the story was smooth and left me wanting to continue reading, even when I got to the chapter breaks. It has Christmassy vibes but doesn't rule the whole story. A fantastic read and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 25, 2024
This was such a great story! It is gentle, with no unnecessary angst or drama, with a healthy dose of mystery. Character-led with cameos from characters out of other books, this was a story I didn't want to end. The people here were funny and likeable, especially the ones from the home!
The flow of the story was smooth and left me wanting to continue reading, even when I got to the chapter breaks. It has Christmassy vibes but doesn't rule the whole story. A fantastic read and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 25, 2024
September 22, 2024
I've found a new favourite book place in Haileybrook and so hope that my visit to Bella isn't the only chance I get to visit!
Bella's Countryside Christmas was such a cosy, festive read and for me, was a fantastic introduction to Huston's writing style. The characters were simply wonderful, warm and worthy.
Bella and Jack's story is a book of two halves with the first being their first meeting and the second centering on their next meeting.
The book was a joy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.
Bella's Countryside Christmas was such a cosy, festive read and for me, was a fantastic introduction to Huston's writing style. The characters were simply wonderful, warm and worthy.
Bella and Jack's story is a book of two halves with the first being their first meeting and the second centering on their next meeting.
The book was a joy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.
September 28, 2024
This was a sweet enchanting book. I liked it alot. A great contemporary romance. The author's usually makes you feel like your right part of the scenery , and thrilled with the stories
April 6, 2026
This was a five star read for me. Another brilliant and top quality BBNYA finalist.
What really stood to from was the witty and entertaining dialogue. The author has a real talent for writing engaging exchanges between characters. I loved the set up between Bella and Jack, you just new there was going to be fireworks here. I also loved the focus on Christmas and the fact that there were some mentions of church.
All around this will make you laugh and possibly cry but it will 100% keep you entertained.
What really stood to from was the witty and entertaining dialogue. The author has a real talent for writing engaging exchanges between characters. I loved the set up between Bella and Jack, you just new there was going to be fireworks here. I also loved the focus on Christmas and the fact that there were some mentions of church.
All around this will make you laugh and possibly cry but it will 100% keep you entertained.
April 7, 2026
One-word review: Cozy
Vibe: snowy village healing meets soft romance and beautifully messy humanity
This is the kind of book that… wraps around you slowly—like a warm blanket you didn’t realize you needed.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.25)
My thoughts:
From the very beginning, the story leans into emotional authenticity over drama, and that choice works. There’s no over-the-top chaos or forced tension. Instead, it’s the quiet moments that land the hardest. A gingerbread house. A lingering look. A conversation that says more than it should. It’s soft, but not shallow. Gentle, but not forgettable.
I loved the sense of place. The snowy village setting feels lived-in and comforting, with just enough chaos bubbling underneath to keep things interesting. The pacing mirrors that rhythm beautifully—cozy domestic moments flowing into interpersonal conflict, then introspection, then that slow-burn romantic spark. It’s predictable in structure… but in a way that feels intentional and satisfying rather than tired.
The characters are easily the standout.
Bella feels real in that achingly relatable way. She’s self-aware but still spiraling, trying to rebuild herself while second-guessing her worth at every turn. Her emotional journey isn’t rushed or magically resolved—it unfolds in layers, and I loved that. Jack brings that steady, warm energy that balances her perfectly. He’s thoughtful without being overwhelming, charming without trying too hard. Their dynamic feels natural, not performative.
And then there’s the village itself—the side characters who are a little nosy, a little chaotic, and a lot human. No one feels like filler. Everyone adds texture.
The writing is polished and inviting, with a cozy, sensory-rich style that fits the story perfectly. It leans more into character interiority than big plot twists, which makes this very much a feel-first read. If you’re looking for high-stakes drama, this might feel a little too quiet. But if you’re here for emotional depth and character-driven storytelling, it absolutely delivers.
Is it groundbreaking? Not really.
Is it effective? Completely.
Vibe: snowy village healing meets soft romance and beautifully messy humanity
This is the kind of book that… wraps around you slowly—like a warm blanket you didn’t realize you needed.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.25)
My thoughts:
From the very beginning, the story leans into emotional authenticity over drama, and that choice works. There’s no over-the-top chaos or forced tension. Instead, it’s the quiet moments that land the hardest. A gingerbread house. A lingering look. A conversation that says more than it should. It’s soft, but not shallow. Gentle, but not forgettable.
I loved the sense of place. The snowy village setting feels lived-in and comforting, with just enough chaos bubbling underneath to keep things interesting. The pacing mirrors that rhythm beautifully—cozy domestic moments flowing into interpersonal conflict, then introspection, then that slow-burn romantic spark. It’s predictable in structure… but in a way that feels intentional and satisfying rather than tired.
The characters are easily the standout.
Bella feels real in that achingly relatable way. She’s self-aware but still spiraling, trying to rebuild herself while second-guessing her worth at every turn. Her emotional journey isn’t rushed or magically resolved—it unfolds in layers, and I loved that. Jack brings that steady, warm energy that balances her perfectly. He’s thoughtful without being overwhelming, charming without trying too hard. Their dynamic feels natural, not performative.
And then there’s the village itself—the side characters who are a little nosy, a little chaotic, and a lot human. No one feels like filler. Everyone adds texture.
The writing is polished and inviting, with a cozy, sensory-rich style that fits the story perfectly. It leans more into character interiority than big plot twists, which makes this very much a feel-first read. If you’re looking for high-stakes drama, this might feel a little too quiet. But if you’re here for emotional depth and character-driven storytelling, it absolutely delivers.
Is it groundbreaking? Not really.
Is it effective? Completely.
September 30, 2024
Finished reading: September 29th 2024
"That was it. She needed a Sarah-Connor-style life makeover. Without the guns. That seemed excessive. She'd probably skip the chin-ups too."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
October 22, 2024
The Blurb :
Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.
Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.
A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.
But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …
My Thoughts :
We meet Bella, whilist attending a works function in the Cotswolds, she decides to visit the church nearby in the village of Haileybrook where she had planned to get married at, that was until her relationship ended with Ethan and he called the wedding off.
As fate would have it she has an encounter with a falling Christmas tree and a handsome man named Jack.
Bella learns he is there to attend the wedding of his ex girlfriend Ashley and his date hasnt turned up, Bella comes to the rescue and agrees to be his date for the duration under the alias Helen Snow.
After having the best time, Bella has to rush off to help her sister Summer and doesnt get the chance to say goodbye to Jack or even exchange phone numbers.
Fast forward a year and having had enough of her London life and job, Bella is back in Haileybrook taking a new job of the Finance Manager at the Brookfield Park retirement complex.
Little does Bella know but Jack (known as John) also works there as a handy/oddjob man.
When they set eyes on each other once again, Bella is met with a frosty welcome and Jack seems to hold a grudge over what happened 12 months ago.
As they set about working together and helping the community can Bella explain why she left and will Jack warm up to Bella and the reasons behind her sudden departure?!.
I thoroughly enjoyed this festive treat, Claire Huston had a way with the characters to make us fall in love with them. Both Bella and Jack were lovely people and they certainly deserved their second chance. The community on a whole added depth to the story and who couldnt fall in love with Haileybrook.
I liked the way the first part of the story told us how they met and then the second part brings us upto present day.
The story is full of festive treats, lots of snow and cosy nights in front of the fire under a blanket.
This is one book you wont want to put down.
** This has been reviewed for Whispering Stories blog, thank you for the copy **
Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.
Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.
A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.
But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …
My Thoughts :
We meet Bella, whilist attending a works function in the Cotswolds, she decides to visit the church nearby in the village of Haileybrook where she had planned to get married at, that was until her relationship ended with Ethan and he called the wedding off.
As fate would have it she has an encounter with a falling Christmas tree and a handsome man named Jack.
Bella learns he is there to attend the wedding of his ex girlfriend Ashley and his date hasnt turned up, Bella comes to the rescue and agrees to be his date for the duration under the alias Helen Snow.
After having the best time, Bella has to rush off to help her sister Summer and doesnt get the chance to say goodbye to Jack or even exchange phone numbers.
Fast forward a year and having had enough of her London life and job, Bella is back in Haileybrook taking a new job of the Finance Manager at the Brookfield Park retirement complex.
Little does Bella know but Jack (known as John) also works there as a handy/oddjob man.
When they set eyes on each other once again, Bella is met with a frosty welcome and Jack seems to hold a grudge over what happened 12 months ago.
As they set about working together and helping the community can Bella explain why she left and will Jack warm up to Bella and the reasons behind her sudden departure?!.
I thoroughly enjoyed this festive treat, Claire Huston had a way with the characters to make us fall in love with them. Both Bella and Jack were lovely people and they certainly deserved their second chance. The community on a whole added depth to the story and who couldnt fall in love with Haileybrook.
I liked the way the first part of the story told us how they met and then the second part brings us upto present day.
The story is full of festive treats, lots of snow and cosy nights in front of the fire under a blanket.
This is one book you wont want to put down.
** This has been reviewed for Whispering Stories blog, thank you for the copy **
December 18, 2024
Having read and reviewed previous books by Claire Huston I decided to get in the festive spirit with her new Christmas book, Bella’s Countryside Christmas. This is part of Claire’s Haileybrook series but you do not have to read any of her previous books to enjoy this one; it is the village of Haileybrook that is the common denominator rather that the characters. Like a Cinderella story, Bella meets Jack at a church just before Christmas. Always wanting to help others she agrees to pretend to be his girlfriend at a wedding, and there is a definite spark between them. But Bella has to leave quickly to deal with a family problem and for Jack there is no glass slipper to use to find her. When Bella moves to Haileybrook a year later she is surprised that Jack treats her frostly rather than with the warm festive spirit.
What I love about Claire Huston’s books is her wonderful characters. She draws them with warmth and care, capturing their individual personalities, their predilictions and making them personable. I have read Claire’s other books so had met Bella briefley in Clues to You. Bella has split from her fiance, and is looking for a change and having falling in love with Haileybrook takes a job there. Bella is a the kind of person who goes out of her way to help others even, like getting involved with the Christmas Fayre and letting her sister stay when she just turns up out of the blue. What I loved most about her was her straight taking with no filter, which she uses on Jack. Jack himself is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome, if at times he cuts his nose off to spite his face.
This is not an over the top festive read, it is simply set at the lead up to Christmas over two years. I really enjoyed the setting and the Christmas holidays with the village and it’s residents busy with the Christmas Fayre which in it’s own gives the plot a twist as money and jewellery is going missing. We see Bella, Jack and the ladies from the retirement home become sleuths, trying to find the culprit bring a cosy crime layer to the plot. There are some wonderful witty moments in the book, from falling christmas trees to Santa suits and a heist to find another tree, that made me smile.
Bella’s Countryside Christmas is a wonderful festive read. Bella and Jack make for a great romantic duo, and I enjoyed watching how their relationship developed. With the added sleuthing to find the thief, the build up to the Christmas Fayre and the lovely ladies from the retirement home there were plenty of laughs and surprises along the way. If you are looking for a romantic festive read with warm, humour and spirit then treat yourself to this book this Christmas.
What I love about Claire Huston’s books is her wonderful characters. She draws them with warmth and care, capturing their individual personalities, their predilictions and making them personable. I have read Claire’s other books so had met Bella briefley in Clues to You. Bella has split from her fiance, and is looking for a change and having falling in love with Haileybrook takes a job there. Bella is a the kind of person who goes out of her way to help others even, like getting involved with the Christmas Fayre and letting her sister stay when she just turns up out of the blue. What I loved most about her was her straight taking with no filter, which she uses on Jack. Jack himself is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome, if at times he cuts his nose off to spite his face.
This is not an over the top festive read, it is simply set at the lead up to Christmas over two years. I really enjoyed the setting and the Christmas holidays with the village and it’s residents busy with the Christmas Fayre which in it’s own gives the plot a twist as money and jewellery is going missing. We see Bella, Jack and the ladies from the retirement home become sleuths, trying to find the culprit bring a cosy crime layer to the plot. There are some wonderful witty moments in the book, from falling christmas trees to Santa suits and a heist to find another tree, that made me smile.
Bella’s Countryside Christmas is a wonderful festive read. Bella and Jack make for a great romantic duo, and I enjoyed watching how their relationship developed. With the added sleuthing to find the thief, the build up to the Christmas Fayre and the lovely ladies from the retirement home there were plenty of laughs and surprises along the way. If you are looking for a romantic festive read with warm, humour and spirit then treat yourself to this book this Christmas.
October 16, 2024
Bella’s Country Christmas is described as ’an uplifting festive romance perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and authors such as Phillipa Ashley, Trisha Ashley, Sue Moorcroft, Rebecca Raisin and Donna Ashcroft.’
Trying to escape an awful December corporate event in Haileybrook for a while, Bella sought refuge in the village’s festively decorated church where, unbeknownst to her, a wedding was about to take place. The church holds unhappy memories for Bella as her own wedding should have been held there, but it wasn’t to be.
'Bella sighed as she shuffled up the side isle towards the tree. It would have been quicker to stroll up the main isle, but she didn’t dare. Her treacherous imagination might place her dad at her side, his chest puffed out, the proud father of the bride. And worse, if her gaze landed on the space in front of the altar, she might see Ethan waiting there, his eyes brimming with tears of joy above a wide smile. A smile she would probably never see again. A thought which delivered yet another blow to her dented heart.'
A near mishap with the church’s Christmas tree brought Jack into her orbit and when Bella learned he’d been stood up by his plus-one, in a Bella-like gesture, she offered to stand in. Bella and Jack clicked almost immediately and a spark was ignited. Unfortunately for Bella, an unexpected phone call from her sister meant she had to leave without explanation, which put paid to what might have been.
Fast forward twelve months and Bella has left her stressful job as an accountant and returned to Haileybrook to take up a position at Brookfield Park, the local retirement community, and hopefully to find a slower, more peaceful pace of life. She was more than surprised to find Jack working there too under a different name and was mystified and hurt when she realised he wasn’t too eager to resume their friendship.
Bella’s Country Christmas is a delightful story with a lovely twosome in Bella and Jack as well as an engaging cast of well fleshed out characters. Bella’s longed for change of pace didn’t quite work out as she hoped, despite the cosy cottage she was renting, with plenty to keep her busy including family dynamics, a Christmas Fair to help organise, a mystery to solve, an overbearing colleague. All that as well as trying to sort out her personal life. The village and its inhabitants are brought to life extremely well and are a diverse mixture, just as you would imagine. A lovely, cosy winter romance.
Trying to escape an awful December corporate event in Haileybrook for a while, Bella sought refuge in the village’s festively decorated church where, unbeknownst to her, a wedding was about to take place. The church holds unhappy memories for Bella as her own wedding should have been held there, but it wasn’t to be.
'Bella sighed as she shuffled up the side isle towards the tree. It would have been quicker to stroll up the main isle, but she didn’t dare. Her treacherous imagination might place her dad at her side, his chest puffed out, the proud father of the bride. And worse, if her gaze landed on the space in front of the altar, she might see Ethan waiting there, his eyes brimming with tears of joy above a wide smile. A smile she would probably never see again. A thought which delivered yet another blow to her dented heart.'
A near mishap with the church’s Christmas tree brought Jack into her orbit and when Bella learned he’d been stood up by his plus-one, in a Bella-like gesture, she offered to stand in. Bella and Jack clicked almost immediately and a spark was ignited. Unfortunately for Bella, an unexpected phone call from her sister meant she had to leave without explanation, which put paid to what might have been.
Fast forward twelve months and Bella has left her stressful job as an accountant and returned to Haileybrook to take up a position at Brookfield Park, the local retirement community, and hopefully to find a slower, more peaceful pace of life. She was more than surprised to find Jack working there too under a different name and was mystified and hurt when she realised he wasn’t too eager to resume their friendship.
Bella’s Country Christmas is a delightful story with a lovely twosome in Bella and Jack as well as an engaging cast of well fleshed out characters. Bella’s longed for change of pace didn’t quite work out as she hoped, despite the cosy cottage she was renting, with plenty to keep her busy including family dynamics, a Christmas Fair to help organise, a mystery to solve, an overbearing colleague. All that as well as trying to sort out her personal life. The village and its inhabitants are brought to life extremely well and are a diverse mixture, just as you would imagine. A lovely, cosy winter romance.
August 27, 2024
As I have previously enjoyed books by this author, I did not hesitate to choose Bella’s Countryside Christmas. Not normally a fan of Christmas-themed books, it was a relief to discover that the whole story did not take place around that time, only the ending. Jack and Bella meet in St Stephen’s church in the Cotswolds village of Haileybrook, just before the wedding of his ex, and as he has been stood up by his plus-one Bella offers to take her place. It is a particular form of torture, which I have never experienced myself, to voluntarily attend the wedding of someone you once loved. Certain that he is not imagining the connection between them, Jack is left distraught with no way of contacting Bella after she just disappears into the night following a phone call from her flighty younger sister.
Almost one year later, Bella is back in Haileybrook to start a new job at the local retirement community, Brookfield Park, as Finance Manager, when she discovers that Jack is the recently appointed Estate Manager there. There is so much more to this story than the fledgling relationship between Bella and Jack. The village is a hive of activity as the residents of the retirement community organise their Christmas fair, and everyone is roped in in some capacity. When jewellery and cash start to go missing, the narrative takes on a Richard Osman-like cosy crime feel as they have to put their heads together to unmask the thief.
The world-building here is excellent, the characters well drawn and believable, and the ending brings everything to a very satisfying festive conclusion. Both Jack and Bella have problematic relationships with their families to work through, but ultimately make the decisions that are right for them. Until I read the acknowledgements, I had not made the connection that some of the minor characters had appeared in the author’s earlier books. I suppose this is not surprising when you consider how many books I get through. Bella’s Countryside Christmas is so much more than a romance novel, but there is enough interaction between the main characters for their romance to be believable. I really liked this heartwarming story, and look forward to the author’s next book. I read Bella’s Countryside Christmas as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT
Almost one year later, Bella is back in Haileybrook to start a new job at the local retirement community, Brookfield Park, as Finance Manager, when she discovers that Jack is the recently appointed Estate Manager there. There is so much more to this story than the fledgling relationship between Bella and Jack. The village is a hive of activity as the residents of the retirement community organise their Christmas fair, and everyone is roped in in some capacity. When jewellery and cash start to go missing, the narrative takes on a Richard Osman-like cosy crime feel as they have to put their heads together to unmask the thief.
The world-building here is excellent, the characters well drawn and believable, and the ending brings everything to a very satisfying festive conclusion. Both Jack and Bella have problematic relationships with their families to work through, but ultimately make the decisions that are right for them. Until I read the acknowledgements, I had not made the connection that some of the minor characters had appeared in the author’s earlier books. I suppose this is not surprising when you consider how many books I get through. Bella’s Countryside Christmas is so much more than a romance novel, but there is enough interaction between the main characters for their romance to be believable. I really liked this heartwarming story, and look forward to the author’s next book. I read Bella’s Countryside Christmas as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT
September 8, 2024
I rarely read romance but I really enjoyed this book which is much more than a romance novel. I enjoyed the character of Bella, a woman who is successful in her career in finance but it has not brought her happiness in life. As a fellow successful woman in finance, all of Bella's frustrations and miseries were highly relatable to me. I understood perfectly her enthusiasm for life in a small town she visited and met a pleasant and good looking man. Every time I go on holiday, I fall in love with the place I'm visiting and wish I could move their permanently away from my job and career. Of course, I'm not as brave as Bella so I've never actually done it like Bella did.
Bella attends a work conference situated at a venue near where she had planned to be married before her romance failed. She sneaks off to visit the church she'd chosen and meets a lovely man as a result of an accident with a Christmas tree. She plays hooky from her conference dinner and volunteers to attend a wedding taking place that evening at the church with the lovely man. His Plus One hasn't materialised and Bella wants to help him out of an uncomfortable situation as the bride is his ex-girlfriend.
The lovely man, called Jack, falls hard for Bella and she likes him too but before they can exchange phone numbers after a delightful evening, Bella is called away by her flighty sister who is always needing financial assistance. One year later, Bella goes back to this same small town, this time with a job and a new life lined up.
This story is really delightful. The characters are beautifully drawn and I was very drawn into their lives and loves. The story revolves around a retirement village which I also found different and interesting. I liked the involvement of characters who were older. There are a couple in interesting sub-plots in this tale that keep everything ticking over nicely as the romance progresses.
A wonderful read that I highly recommend.
Bella attends a work conference situated at a venue near where she had planned to be married before her romance failed. She sneaks off to visit the church she'd chosen and meets a lovely man as a result of an accident with a Christmas tree. She plays hooky from her conference dinner and volunteers to attend a wedding taking place that evening at the church with the lovely man. His Plus One hasn't materialised and Bella wants to help him out of an uncomfortable situation as the bride is his ex-girlfriend.
The lovely man, called Jack, falls hard for Bella and she likes him too but before they can exchange phone numbers after a delightful evening, Bella is called away by her flighty sister who is always needing financial assistance. One year later, Bella goes back to this same small town, this time with a job and a new life lined up.
This story is really delightful. The characters are beautifully drawn and I was very drawn into their lives and loves. The story revolves around a retirement village which I also found different and interesting. I liked the involvement of characters who were older. There are a couple in interesting sub-plots in this tale that keep everything ticking over nicely as the romance progresses.
A wonderful read that I highly recommend.
September 18, 2024
I have read and enjoyed Claire Huston's previous books and was quite eager to read Bella's Countryside Christmas. Bella is staying about an hour away from Haileybrook for a work conference. She doesn't want to be at the conference or with the people she works with, so drives to the small village of Haileybrook to visit the local church where she was supposed to get married, before her fiancé canceled the wedding. While there she meets a handsome stranger, Jack, and finds herself offering to pretend to be his date, Helen Snow. They hit it off, but Bella has to leave quickly for a family emergency, and ends up back at the dreaded job she hates. Fast forward a year and she is starting a new job, in Haileybrook at the local retirement home. She is looking for a quiet life and remembered how much she loved the village. What she doesn't expect is that she will be working with Jack. With lots going on in this story, including Christmas activities and catching a thief, this story captivated me from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed Bella's Countryside Christmas. The characters were all wonderful, from the residents of the retirement home to the owners of the wedding venue. We do meet some of Bella's and Jack's families and learn a bit about how they ended up the way they did. Bella and Jack were great together from their initial meet cute, working together, dealing with "emergencies" at the Christmas Fair and more. I loved their banter, they were always making each other smile. Of course after disappearing a year earlier, Jack was hesitant to spend time with Bella, but she eventually wears him down. There is a mystery dealing with missing money and jewelry, that added a bit more to the story, but I did figure that part out early in the story. I really enjoyed the Christmas festivities, the snowy weather and all the talk of mince pies. This was a great holiday romance that I definitely recommend.
I really enjoyed Bella's Countryside Christmas. The characters were all wonderful, from the residents of the retirement home to the owners of the wedding venue. We do meet some of Bella's and Jack's families and learn a bit about how they ended up the way they did. Bella and Jack were great together from their initial meet cute, working together, dealing with "emergencies" at the Christmas Fair and more. I loved their banter, they were always making each other smile. Of course after disappearing a year earlier, Jack was hesitant to spend time with Bella, but she eventually wears him down. There is a mystery dealing with missing money and jewelry, that added a bit more to the story, but I did figure that part out early in the story. I really enjoyed the Christmas festivities, the snowy weather and all the talk of mince pies. This was a great holiday romance that I definitely recommend.
September 2, 2024
When Bella and Jack meet rescuing a Christmas crib together, actually he is in the area for his friend's Ashley's wedding, only trouble here is that Ashley is his ex ( and a bit of a bridezilla), Bella is actually supposed to be at a work conference, so after calming the bride down and being mistaken for Jack's new girlfriend Bella finds herself going along with the story and attending the wedding as his girlfriend. What could possibly go wrong? Especially when almost all the other females there seem to have eyes for Jack!
Jumping forward to one year later and Bella is just moving into the village of Haileybrook and has a job all lined up at Brookfield Park, a retiree home. Almost immediately after starting work there, she is asked to help with the upcoming Christmas fair, both with the organising and helping to run it. She is surprised when she finds Jack also works there, but the committee ladies said his name was John! What is going on? As Christmas approaches and Christmas parties and fairs take place, will it mean that Bella and Jack are bound to meet up? When so-called disasters call for their help, will they be able to locate a big enough tree to make a big impression on the ladies organising the fair. And with Summer (Bella's sister) in the picture, is she a help or hindrance?
It's a cosy Christmas story with a lovely location and likeable characters (and some annoying ones, too!). Reading it is like cuddling up with a big mug of hot chocolate (just like Bella loves) while reading about love, friendship, and Christmas.
A christmassy four star read from me.
Jumping forward to one year later and Bella is just moving into the village of Haileybrook and has a job all lined up at Brookfield Park, a retiree home. Almost immediately after starting work there, she is asked to help with the upcoming Christmas fair, both with the organising and helping to run it. She is surprised when she finds Jack also works there, but the committee ladies said his name was John! What is going on? As Christmas approaches and Christmas parties and fairs take place, will it mean that Bella and Jack are bound to meet up? When so-called disasters call for their help, will they be able to locate a big enough tree to make a big impression on the ladies organising the fair. And with Summer (Bella's sister) in the picture, is she a help or hindrance?
It's a cosy Christmas story with a lovely location and likeable characters (and some annoying ones, too!). Reading it is like cuddling up with a big mug of hot chocolate (just like Bella loves) while reading about love, friendship, and Christmas.
A christmassy four star read from me.
September 18, 2024
Given that its only just September and my family {namely my mam} know not to mention the 'C' word to me until at least after Halloween, for me there's always the worry that reading a 'Christmas' novel might feel a little, well, a little odd BUT given that the nights' are already drawing in {and my hottie bottie, Felicity speak for a hot water bottle, has already put in an appearance} reading this was akin to being cuddled wrapped in my favourite blanket.
A surprisingly enjoyable read; sweet but not so sweet as to be saccharine sickly sweet, PLUS with money and jewellery going missing from Brookfield Park, the retirement village where Bella works, there is also a cozy-crime element which added an equally enjoyable dimension to the story.
Wonderful, memorable characters that I'd love to see more of in future books. Bella's the type of person I'd like as a friend and as for Jack, what can I say about Jack? Hmm! Ideal boyfriend material??? And as for the 'old folk' of the retirement village, they add a wonderfully humorous element to the story.
All in all, if you are looking for a charming festive story to read this winter you could do a lot worse than to pick up a copy of Bella's Countryside Christmas.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book, agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own; no financial compensation was asked for nor given; threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
A surprisingly enjoyable read; sweet but not so sweet as to be saccharine sickly sweet, PLUS with money and jewellery going missing from Brookfield Park, the retirement village where Bella works, there is also a cozy-crime element which added an equally enjoyable dimension to the story.
Wonderful, memorable characters that I'd love to see more of in future books. Bella's the type of person I'd like as a friend and as for Jack, what can I say about Jack? Hmm! Ideal boyfriend material??? And as for the 'old folk' of the retirement village, they add a wonderfully humorous element to the story.
All in all, if you are looking for a charming festive story to read this winter you could do a lot worse than to pick up a copy of Bella's Countryside Christmas.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book, agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own; no financial compensation was asked for nor given; threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
September 25, 2024
In the next romance released by Claire Huston the story takes us to Haileybrook, an English village, at two consecutive Christmases. Escaping a horrendous corporate event, Bella explores a wedding venue where she ends up helping the best man, Jack, deal with problems including entertaining a bored group of children. Once everything is going well Bella and Jack begin to become better acquainted but an emergency call from Bella’s needy sister, Summer, causes her to leave suddenly, in the middle of a snowstorm.
We move to the following December when accountant, Bella has given up her successful job in London to take up a post in charge of the finances of a residential estate for Seniors. This job is in the same village she had briefly visited a year ago so she has high hopes for a less stressful life but at first, she finds some of her new colleagues are unexpectedly awkward and some of the residents are very demanding. Gradually she settles happily in her cottage even when her sister turns up unexpectedly and she deals very efficiently with mysterious thefts. The fact that she now finds herself working with Jack, whom she had warmed to the previous year, should have been a bonus but unfortunately he spends his time avoiding her.
I always enjoy reading Claire Huston’s romances, but this one is particularly enjoyable as it deals with complex family relationships as well as providing a very satisfactory conclusion. It will certainly put you into the mood for Christmas cheer.
We move to the following December when accountant, Bella has given up her successful job in London to take up a post in charge of the finances of a residential estate for Seniors. This job is in the same village she had briefly visited a year ago so she has high hopes for a less stressful life but at first, she finds some of her new colleagues are unexpectedly awkward and some of the residents are very demanding. Gradually she settles happily in her cottage even when her sister turns up unexpectedly and she deals very efficiently with mysterious thefts. The fact that she now finds herself working with Jack, whom she had warmed to the previous year, should have been a bonus but unfortunately he spends his time avoiding her.
I always enjoy reading Claire Huston’s romances, but this one is particularly enjoyable as it deals with complex family relationships as well as providing a very satisfactory conclusion. It will certainly put you into the mood for Christmas cheer.
September 25, 2024
An enjoyable and engaging festive romance just right for curling up with on a cold winters evening by the fire. This heartwarming story kept me happily turning the pages. Whilst running away from her awful job and recent heartache, Bella finds herself at a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook. Getting swept up in the festive spirit she agrees to act as a ‘fake date’ to a very handsome stranger called Jack. Jack and Bella’s connection was instant and they had a magical evening together, but then Bella had to leave in a hurry. Returning to Haileybrook a year later Bella is seeking a fresh start.
Looking forward to a quitter life with a cosy cottage and a new job close by Bella is preparing for a peaceful Christmas. However, she can’t help but wonder if Jack also has fond memories of their time together. Along with surprises by her family and small-town feuds Bella may not have the quiet Christmas she wanted after all. Especially when romantic dramas also disrupt Bella’s plans and force her to wonder if she really does want to be alone at Christmas.
I love the likeable and relatable characters, Bella and Jack and their chemistry came across in the narrative. The setting of Haileybrook came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel fully immersed in the story. The festive feel to this sweet romance left me feeling uplifted and with a smile!
Looking forward to a quitter life with a cosy cottage and a new job close by Bella is preparing for a peaceful Christmas. However, she can’t help but wonder if Jack also has fond memories of their time together. Along with surprises by her family and small-town feuds Bella may not have the quiet Christmas she wanted after all. Especially when romantic dramas also disrupt Bella’s plans and force her to wonder if she really does want to be alone at Christmas.
I love the likeable and relatable characters, Bella and Jack and their chemistry came across in the narrative. The setting of Haileybrook came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel fully immersed in the story. The festive feel to this sweet romance left me feeling uplifted and with a smile!
September 14, 2024
There is no magical formula for writing a romantic comedy, but if there were, this could be used as a template. The premise simply works, and the way everything comes together is perfect! Anyway, I’m supposed to be writing a review, not simply praising the author.
Broken-hearted Bella is unhappy in her role with a large accountancy firm and sneaks off during a corporate event in the run-up to Christmas. As the synopsis explains, she meets Jack and finds herself posing as his plus one at a wedding. From their initial meeting, there is an evident chemistry between Jack and Bella, but she lives in London, and he’s in the Cotswolds, so there’s no future for them.
Bella is an absolute treat of a character, and I definitely want a friend like her. Yes, she’s a trifle ditsy, but in an endearing way, her ditziness is far outweighed by her beautiful heart. She’s determined to make life better for everyone that she encounters, even those who are less than kind to her. Bella’s diminutive stature and playful nature mean she’s well-suited to helping with the kids at the wedding, leading to a few memorable moments with Jack.
Once Bella returned to Haileybrook and started working at the retirement village, the addition of the senior characters introduced a welcome dimension and some real comedic moments. This is an ensemble piece, and I enjoyed the variety of ages represented by the residents. While I am not even a vague fan of so-called cosy crime, I managed to take the mysterious thefts in my stride and didn’t find the references off-putting.
If you are looking for a well-executed Christmas book with a light dash of cosy crime and a generous helping of romantic comedy, look no further than Bella’s Countryside Christmas; it’s charming.
Broken-hearted Bella is unhappy in her role with a large accountancy firm and sneaks off during a corporate event in the run-up to Christmas. As the synopsis explains, she meets Jack and finds herself posing as his plus one at a wedding. From their initial meeting, there is an evident chemistry between Jack and Bella, but she lives in London, and he’s in the Cotswolds, so there’s no future for them.
Bella is an absolute treat of a character, and I definitely want a friend like her. Yes, she’s a trifle ditsy, but in an endearing way, her ditziness is far outweighed by her beautiful heart. She’s determined to make life better for everyone that she encounters, even those who are less than kind to her. Bella’s diminutive stature and playful nature mean she’s well-suited to helping with the kids at the wedding, leading to a few memorable moments with Jack.
Once Bella returned to Haileybrook and started working at the retirement village, the addition of the senior characters introduced a welcome dimension and some real comedic moments. This is an ensemble piece, and I enjoyed the variety of ages represented by the residents. While I am not even a vague fan of so-called cosy crime, I managed to take the mysterious thefts in my stride and didn’t find the references off-putting.
If you are looking for a well-executed Christmas book with a light dash of cosy crime and a generous helping of romantic comedy, look no further than Bella’s Countryside Christmas; it’s charming.
December 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this – perfect for a Christmas read. It’s great fun with just enough intrigue to lift it from a simple romcom into something more interesting, with some lovely characters to root for.
If I ever have to move into a retirement home, I’d love to live in the place where Bella works, but let’s get back to the beginning. Bella is escaping a failed relationship and a conference dinner with the company she works for. She hates her job and needs to get away for a bit. While hiding in the church in the pretty village of Haileybrook in the Cotswolds, she has an unfortunate encounter with a Christmas tree, followed by an embarrassing rescue by the handsome Jack. This results in her posing as his plus one and all seems fun and lighthearted. And maybe a bit romantic as well.
But when she has to rush off, it looks like Jack is just a distant memory. Until she returns to Haileybrook to take up a new position as finance manager at the retirement home.
We meet lots of new people in Bella’s Countryside Christmas plus a few from Claire’s other books like Elle, Kate and Lucinda. I particularly love the retirement home’s committee, or as I call them The Ladies with Lavender (see what I did there) and Iris, Wendy and co.
Another great story from Claire – probably my favourite though I said that last time! Many thanks to the author for an ARC.
If I ever have to move into a retirement home, I’d love to live in the place where Bella works, but let’s get back to the beginning. Bella is escaping a failed relationship and a conference dinner with the company she works for. She hates her job and needs to get away for a bit. While hiding in the church in the pretty village of Haileybrook in the Cotswolds, she has an unfortunate encounter with a Christmas tree, followed by an embarrassing rescue by the handsome Jack. This results in her posing as his plus one and all seems fun and lighthearted. And maybe a bit romantic as well.
But when she has to rush off, it looks like Jack is just a distant memory. Until she returns to Haileybrook to take up a new position as finance manager at the retirement home.
We meet lots of new people in Bella’s Countryside Christmas plus a few from Claire’s other books like Elle, Kate and Lucinda. I particularly love the retirement home’s committee, or as I call them The Ladies with Lavender (see what I did there) and Iris, Wendy and co.
Another great story from Claire – probably my favourite though I said that last time! Many thanks to the author for an ARC.
August 27, 2024
What a great read with a wonderful storyline.
We first meet Bella in a church, shortly before she becomes entangled in a Christmas Tree. Her hero in rescuing her is Jack. Very quickly he becomes someone she decides to help out by becoming his fake plus one at the wedding about to take place in the church.
A year later Bella moves to the same village she met Jack in. Except he's a bit frosty to her this time around. Bella has more than enough to keep her occupied though. She needs to settle into village life after her demanding London career and adjust to her new job at a retirement complex.
So many lovely characters in this book, as well as revisiting some of the ones we met in Claire's earlier books. This is a totally standalone novel though. I really liked the main character Bella, she was straight talking and just got on with everything, whilst being a nice person. Sometimes her internal voice was not in her best interest and I longed for her to see her way through what was happening.
Reflecting on the story, such a lot happens but in a very natural way. Each time I put the book down I couldn't wait to get back to it. It was like a little warm hug when you entered the pages.
We first meet Bella in a church, shortly before she becomes entangled in a Christmas Tree. Her hero in rescuing her is Jack. Very quickly he becomes someone she decides to help out by becoming his fake plus one at the wedding about to take place in the church.
A year later Bella moves to the same village she met Jack in. Except he's a bit frosty to her this time around. Bella has more than enough to keep her occupied though. She needs to settle into village life after her demanding London career and adjust to her new job at a retirement complex.
So many lovely characters in this book, as well as revisiting some of the ones we met in Claire's earlier books. This is a totally standalone novel though. I really liked the main character Bella, she was straight talking and just got on with everything, whilst being a nice person. Sometimes her internal voice was not in her best interest and I longed for her to see her way through what was happening.
Reflecting on the story, such a lot happens but in a very natural way. Each time I put the book down I couldn't wait to get back to it. It was like a little warm hug when you entered the pages.
September 20, 2024
An absolutely delightful Christmas read, I loved how festive this made me feel. The end of August and September has definitely been a very festive few reading weeks and with the weather mostly here in the UK it hasn’t largely felt unseasonally early for once !
I adored Bella, I connected with her so much and was willing her on throughout, hoping she’d get her HEA which she deserved (no spoilers here you have to read , but we all know we will get a happy ending) the banter between Bella and Jack was lovely and I enjoyed them working through their own family issues as well as misunderstandings.
I really do appreciate and love a great community in my books and Bella’s Countryside Christmas had such a heartwarming community and such a great cast of characters, you can’t help feel at home. I loved the humour of all the folk at the retirement home they were such legends.
If you’re after a Christmas story with romance, but much more than that, with Community, drama, a wonderful engaging story, then Bella’s Countryside Christmas will tick all the boxes and wrap a pretty festive ribbon on top.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2024
Bella's Countryside Christmas by Claire Huston
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.
Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.
A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.
But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …
My Opinion
I took part in the cover reveal for this book and from seeing the cover I knew that this was a book I really wanted to read. Bella escapes from a work event and visits the wedding venue she was supposed to be getting married at before her big day was called off.
I thought that this was a well-written book and is going to make for a great addition to your festive reading list.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Fleeing her heartache and horrendous job, Bella stumbles upon a December wedding in the beautiful village of Haileybrook and the spirit of the season moves her to act as a fake date to handsome stranger Jack.
Jack and Bella hit it off, but Bella has to leave in a hurry and their magical evening soon becomes nothing more than a blissful memory.
A year later, Bella is returning to Haileybrook, seeking a fresh start and a quieter life. With a new job close to her cosy cottage home, a peaceful Christmas is surely only days away.
But it’s not long before family surprises, small-town feuds and romantic drama disrupt Bella’s plans, and she has to wonder if being alone is what she really wants for Christmas …
My Opinion
I took part in the cover reveal for this book and from seeing the cover I knew that this was a book I really wanted to read. Bella escapes from a work event and visits the wedding venue she was supposed to be getting married at before her big day was called off.
I thought that this was a well-written book and is going to make for a great addition to your festive reading list.
Rating 4/5
September 23, 2024
I love Christmas books and this one definitely ticked all the boxes, offering a small town Hallmark feel, that kept me turning the pages.
The setting of the book within the small village sounded so picturesque and I could almost imagine myself curled up on the couch within the quaint cottages. I really liked the retirement village aspect of the book and this added more depth to the story.
The characters within the book were so well written and it was easy to become invested within their goings on. I really liked the slow burn romance between Bella & Jack (who was just perfect 😍) and you could feel the sexual tension between them, but the romance progressed at a good rate and I loved the ending for them. There were so many side characters who definitely added to the story and I really did love them all.
The storyline of the book was so good and I liked how there were also some sub storylines occurring as well, especially within the retirement village and these offered some twists along the way. Who knew they could get up to so much trouble!
This was a perfect Christmas read, offering romance, family drama and laughs along the way. This was my first time reading one of Claire's books and her writing style has definitely drawn me in and I can't wait to read more.
The setting of the book within the small village sounded so picturesque and I could almost imagine myself curled up on the couch within the quaint cottages. I really liked the retirement village aspect of the book and this added more depth to the story.
The characters within the book were so well written and it was easy to become invested within their goings on. I really liked the slow burn romance between Bella & Jack (who was just perfect 😍) and you could feel the sexual tension between them, but the romance progressed at a good rate and I loved the ending for them. There were so many side characters who definitely added to the story and I really did love them all.
The storyline of the book was so good and I liked how there were also some sub storylines occurring as well, especially within the retirement village and these offered some twists along the way. Who knew they could get up to so much trouble!
This was a perfect Christmas read, offering romance, family drama and laughs along the way. This was my first time reading one of Claire's books and her writing style has definitely drawn me in and I can't wait to read more.
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