As the year draws to an end at Primrose Hall, Pia and her Lord of the Manor fiancé Jackson are putting the finishing touches to their annual Carols by Candlelight evening.
The past twelve months have not all been plain sailing – Jackson’s father Rex had a serious health scare, his long-lost brother Tom appeared unannounced, and Jackson himself had his own disaster. So the family are thrilled to finally be able to look forward to Christmas together and the event of the year – Jackson and Pia’s long-awaited wedding.
With the idyllic backdrop of Primrose Woods, the dream venue, and a community ready to celebrate with them, Pia and Jackson are counting the days until they are husband and wife. Now they just need to cross their fingers that the dramas of the previous year are all behind them…
Jill Steeples lives in a small market town in Bedfordshire with her husband. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, crocheting, musical theatre, baking cakes, eating them and the occasional tipple.
From an early age she fell in love with the fabulously funny romances of Jilly Cooper, and vowed, one day, she would have a go at writing one of her own.
Jill started her career writing short stories, particularly those with a twist in the tail, and her work has appeared in popular women’s magazines around the world and in a number of charity anthologies.
Now she writes feel-good, uplifting fiction for Boldwood Books and her works include The Dog & Duck series and The Primrose Woods series.
This was such a warm and cozy read that I sat and finished in one day. Right from the start, Jill sets the cozy mode on Hugh with her description of the wreath on the door and it sounds so festive and it just goes up from there. The sights and smells of the holidays are evoked and it's just lovely. This is a series and while they probably can be read as stand alone books, I have read them all, and I think it really helps because so many of the characters continue on throughout the series and you get so much of their backstory interwoven throughout each of the books This one finally brings us Pia and Jackson's wedding and all the events leading uo to it as well as life around the hall with all the other characters before the wedding. Tom is getting ready to start a new job but Jackson is trying to get him to join the family business full time instead. There's lots going on, but it all ultimately leads up to a happy ending for Pia and Jackson and a lovely conclusion to the series. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
The final book of the series, this was a good read and I enjoyed seeing Pia and Jackson finally tie the knot amongst close friends and family. I enjoyed how Steeples brought back characters from previous books, especially earlier ones in the series, creating a fitting conclusion to Primrose Woods.
Whilst the previous book caused me to dislike Jackson, he seems to have redeemed himself in this book, showing a more caring and loving attitude. He and Pia are naturally very excited about their forthcoming nuptials and I liked how Steeples guides readers through the festive season at the Hall. Furthermore, it would seem that love is in the air as other relationships take their commitment to the next level, making this even more heart-warming.
However, I think it is the trio of alpacas that stole the show for me. I thought Harry’s story to be touching and the arrival of the alpacas was just what Primrose Hall was missing! Should there have been a further book in the pipeline, I honestly think Steeples should have made the alpacas the stars of the story – perhaps an idea for later novels?!
This was an easy to read story and you can’t help but get caught up in the wedding bells and festive season – a perfect combination! I think my only criticism of the book was Pia during her hen night. I thought Steeples wrote the scene deliberately ambiguously, causing me to seriously fall out of love with Pia. I consequently held a grudge against the poor character until the very end; it would have been better if Steeples had not implied a disaster on Pia’s part, even if it did seem out of character for her.
A enjoyable series, some books better than others, it definitely did finish on a high point. I loved how all the characters came together to celebrate Pia and Jackson’s wedding; it felt like they were all celebrating the end of the series at the same time! The characters are all endearing in this book with no pantomime villains, and I was pleased to see that Jackson is presented as a more likeable human this time around.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a nice continuation of this series. Everyone is getting ready for Pia and Jackson’s wedding. It’s also leading up to Christmas and all the festivities. Romance is definitely in the air in this book and not just for Pia and Jackson. We get to catch up with previous characters we met and a few new ones. Love the alpacas too!
One of the things that I enjoy about the final book in a series is the way that the author ties up any loose threads from the previous books. This culminated in revisiting some of the much-loved characters, taking us all the way back to book one. It has been an absolute pleasure to get to know Abbie, Rhianna, and Lizzie, to see them find happiness, and to introduce new friends to the group. The more recent books have revolved around Pia, Jackson, and their extended families, creating a beautiful community built on genuine warmth and depth of friendships. As the title suggests, Pia and Jackson are about to celebrate their marriage before their much-loved friends and family. Of course, there are still some loose ends and surprises in store. A particularly lovely moment saw the Hall’s collection of animals growing and that part of the story was a joy. The challenges and issues that Jill’s characters have had to contend with are commonplace for many of us, which makes these books so relatable. It’s impossible not to love all the characters, but I have developed a real soft spot for Luke and Rhi, and so I was delighted to see them get their moment at last. If you’ve been following this delightful series, I am sure that you will be thrilled with how all the stories conclude and that the characters can look forward to an exciting, love-filled future. I’m well aware that the one good thing about the end of a series is the chance for a new one to take its place, and I’m already excited to discover where we are going next. I truly hope that you enjoy this final visit, it’s delightful.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have loved the Primrose Woods series (I have read most of them, if not all), and I love Jill's stories. And obviously, I love Christmas. So it's a gorgeous combination and I was really excited about it.
I read this at the beginning of September when it was still quite warm and muggy out, but once it gets to the -Ber months, in my heart, it's Christmas and so I am in full on Mrs Claus mode.
From the first paragraph, Jill has evoked the gorgeous sights and smells and feelings of the festive build up: wreaths and cinnamon and orange. Beautiful.
It was so easy to read. I read it in one day. It just envelops you into a warm hug and you don't want to leave. It's cosy and heart-warming and uplifting.
I can always rely on Jill's books to give me an uplift. They don't shy away from difficult topics that eery family go through, but you're never too sad or tense, it's always with an air of positivity and this is just such a a feel-good novel.
It is a series and I definitely think to get the most out of it you need to read them in order. Having said that, it can be a standalone, I mean, it's been a while since I read the previous one and so can't remember everything that happened and yet I didn't feel lost. So you can enjoy it on its own, but I really think to get the benefit and the most enjoyment out of it, then read it as a series.
Whenever I can, I buy copies of her books for friends and family to share the joy.
This series follows the same group of characters, but with particular focus on one individual or couple in each book. I've loved it all and whilst I don't know what her next direction will be, I am hoping this isn't the last we see of Primrose Hall.
Having absolutely adored the primrose hall series from one of my favourite authors I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this. I would highly recommend reading the series in order for full enjoyment.
It was a delight to be back at the hall and to reconnect with all of the characters and loved the festive feel. I would love for the hall and primrose wood to exist in reality as it sounds like the perfect place to visit.
This instalment focused on the build up to pia and Jackson’s wedding. I really hope this isn’t the last we hear from this series and these characters as they are such uplifting and cosy reads yet cover relatable issues at the same time.
I wouldn’t usually recommend only picking up the final book in a series – but although you might not be quite as engaged with some of the individuals as you would be if you’d been with them through their more difficult times, there plenty of catching up in this book, and you’ll soon feel as at home as I always do at Primrose Hall.
Pia and Jackson always have a busy time around Christmas, with all the events they put on at the Hall – but this year there’s a particularly important event to plan for, as they’re finally getting married. But the book dips into other people’s lives too – Jackson’s brother (and best man) Tom thinking about a change of direction, to the consternation of new partner Sophie, and his mother Ronnie’s concerns that philandering ex-husband Rex is moving on from his recent health shock by putting himself about a bit again, just when they seemed to be growing closer. And other long-standing friendships feature in the story too – nicely drawing their parts in the ongoing story to a close (with a few really special treats) as they all gather for the Christmas events and the wedding celebrations.
Jackson though – always thinking about developing his business, and hoping to keep Tom around – has plans to expand into property management, perhaps being just a little underhand in securing the last in a row of dilapidated cottages. But there’s no real skullduggery involved – and one of the pay-offs is in some welcome additions to Pia’s menagerie of animals at the Hall.
This book is really all about the love and romance – although maybe that should be in the plural, with some of the loveliest unexpected moments to bring a tear – and it’s all so beautifully done. But alongside all that, there’s the same focus on community, friends and family that has made this whole series such a joy, along with the perfectly drawn location. And it’s the best possible conclusion to such an enjoyable series – no loose ends, and every one of the individuals moving forward into a happy future.
I’m so sorry to see this delightful series ending – I’ll really miss those times when everyone gathers around the table in Primrose Hall’s kitchen – but I’m also very much looking forward to finding out where the author will take us next.
When I decided to read this book I was aware that it was part of a series, I was not aware at the time that it was the final book in the series!
This is the 6th book in the Primrose Woods series and I have to say it did work quite well as a stand-alone, even though it was the final book.
Primrose Woods sounds like a wonderful place, it has a good sense of family and the author has incorporated past books and storylines into this one so even though I was aware of events, I did have some understanding of the relationships between the characters. That being said, I do wish I had read this series from the start.
This is a romance and there is romance coming at the reader from all sides, established relationships, new relationships and ones that are possibly looking at the next step in their lives. There is a sense of trepidation as brothers Jackson and Tom are still getting to know each other after being estranged. Their father Rex has not had the best as far as track records go and with their mother still having a sense of doubt about Rex there is some sense of drama.
Primrose Hall is the central focus of the story as this is where Jackson and his bride-to-be, Pia live. They live a busy, chaotic life with animals, family and friends. Wedding plans, Christmas festivities and new ventures on the horizon all add to the excitement.
This was a wonderful book to read and the author has developed her characters well throughout the series. This is obvious when you read the book as the traits and quirks of the characters seem very natural.
If you are looking for a contemporary fiction series with family and friendship being at the centre then this is one you should have a look at. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would happily recommend it.
A Winter Wedding at Primrose Hall by Jill Steeples
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
As the year draws to an end at Primrose Hall, Pia and her Lord of the Manor fiancé Jackson are putting the finishing touches to their annual Carols by Candlelight evening.
The past twelve months have not all been plain sailing – Jackson’s father Rex had a serious health scare, his long-lost brother Tom appeared unannounced, and Jackson himself had his own disaster. So the family are thrilled to finally be able to look forward to Christmas together and the event of the year – Jackson and Pia’s long-awaited wedding.
With the idyllic backdrop of Primrose Woods, the dream venue, and a community ready to celebrate with them, Pia and Jackson are counting the days until they are husband and wife. Now they just need to cross their fingers that the dramas of the previous year are all behind them…
My Opinion
This was such a lovely read and it was great being back among the characters of Primrose Woods. I have followed these characters over the last few books I would highly recommend reading them in order, to get full enjoyment with no spoilers. It is almost Christmas at Primrose Hall and this book is just filled with festivities, as we follow the preparations for the wedding of Jackson and Pia. Jill Steeples has once again written a cosy book that was a joy to read. I finished this book in one day as I enjoyed my visit.
A Winter Wedding at Primrose Hall is the sixth book of the Primrose Woods series but the first I’ve read, much to my embarrassment. How have I been sleeping on these books?! I have to mention that I do think you need to read the others and in order – while Steeples does an excellent job to introducing readers to her characters, I did have a sense of being late to the party. That’s on me, though, and it doesn’t reflect in my rating. I will have to go back and read the rest. Poor me, lol.
I’ll begin with the setting. Primrose Woods sounds lush and I want to move there immediately. The Hall is full of people and animals, particularly alpacas. Not sure what the sudden surge of alpacas in romance books is about, but I don’t overly mind. They are cute (though I prefer goats).
The characters. Oh gosh, they are so well-drawn and individual! I loved everyone, though I wanted to throttle dad Rex on occasion. I adored Jackson, though, and Pia was a sweetheart. Even though they’re engaged at this point, there’s enough drama to be worried about their nuptials. I’m just glad it went off without too much of a hitch. (I don’t think I’m spoiling anything here as this is a romance.)
Steeples’ prose is lovely. She weaves setting and characters with a deft hand and a touch of comedy that will make you smile. The sense of community in Primrose Woods comes through in every chapter. It’s not perfect – because nowhere is – but it does sound warm and friendly.
A simply gorgeous book in a gorgeous setting, and I’m off to buy the rest!
The Primrose Woods series is one I can always get into. I've read all in the series and am saddened to hear this is the last one in this series, but I eagerly look forward to a new series by the author and getting to know these characters. This was a quick read as it was hard to put down. The book is warm and festive, full of lightness and joy. The book, well the series really feels like being wrapped in a warm hug. The beautiful setting of Primrose Hall is front and center in this charming and uplifting book. The book has a wonderful sense of family though some misunderstandings and family drama comes along at times. In the end though family is family and there for each other amongst the ups and downs showing they've got your back. The characters are so well developed, romance is front and center as we see several different relationships blooming along here. The characters and situations are commonplace and relatable making them seem all the more realistic. Which is a good thing as I think we all like to be able to relate with what we are reading. I loved the addition of the animals, and they brought a smile to my face when I read about them. Warm and festive a delightful holiday book not to miss. I suggest reading the whole series though each can be read as a stand-alone.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
In the latest Primrose Woods novel, readers return to Primrose Hall where Pia and Jackson are planning the yearly Carols by Candlelight event after a year of health scares, surprise siblings, engagements, wedding planning, and other disasters. With Jackson and Pia planning their wedding and hoping that the drama of the last year is at an end, readers join them for Christmas and a wedding and a happy ending for the community of Primrose Hall. With a fantastic romance, a happy ending, and holiday cheer in store for readers, the newest instalment is a cheery, charming, and heartwarming read perfect for the winter months and the holiday season. Pia, Jackson, Rex, Tom, and the rest of the family continue to draw readers into the story and life at Primrose Hall, and Jill Steeples has continued to extend their character development and their stories in this new release. Brilliantly written with a complex and beautiful winter setting, the novel’s atmosphere and setting are absolutely perfect and create a fantastic backdrop for Carols by Candlelight and Jackson and Pia’s wedding. Jill Steeples’s new book is a fantastic, immersive, and enjoyable holiday release that fans of the Primrose Woods series will love and struggle to put down.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
As the year comes to a close at Primrose Hall, Pia and her Lord of the Manor fiancé, Jackson, are finalizing their annual Carols by Candlelight event. The past year has been challenging – with Jackson’s father Rex experiencing a serious health scare, the unexpected arrival of his long-lost brother Tom, and Jackson's personal misfortune. However, the family is excited to celebrate Christmas together and the most anticipated event of the year: Jackson and Pia's wedding. Set against the picturesque Primrose Woods, their dream venue, and with a community eager to join the celebration, Pia and Jackson eagerly await the day they become husband and wife, hoping the previous year's dramas are now behind them.
This book offers an easy read with a holiday twist, starting in autumn and culminating in a pre-Christmas wedding. The setting is charming, but I struggled to connect with the characters, possibly because I haven't read the earlier books in the series. While not much occurs in this final chapter, the author provides enough backstory to pique interest. For a more immersive experience, I suggest starting with the earlier installments. With thanks to Boldwood books for an arc in exchange for a review.
I feel like I’ve been waiting for ages for this book, I really enjoy the Primrose series and have been waiting for Pia and Jackson their big day and it was everything I wanted and more. Jill Steeples is a wonderful and always manages to suck me in to every series I’ve rather of hers. Although most these books can be read as standalone, I’m not sure I would recommend it for this book in the series, I just feel like you might be a bit lost but then I’ve read books at the end of the series and enjoyed them and it’s made me go back and buy them all so who am I to judge?
A Winter Wedding at Primrose Hall was a delight to read so much happiness, joy and just pure pleasure, I don’t think I could describe how much I love this. It’s such a feel good book, full of love , life, new beginnings and of course a wedding ! I love these characters and I’m so happy I got the story I wanted, what happens? Well no spoilers so you’re gonna have to read yourself.
If you’re looking for a breather, hideaway some happiness, than A Winter Wedding at Primrose Hall is your perfect escape, why not honour the couple with your presence, you won’t regret it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This has all the ingredients you look for in the final book in a series and even better, it is set in the run up to Christmas, so it has a wonderful, festive feel. Pia and Jackson are busy working their way through the calendar events at Primrose Hall, with their eyes very firmly set on the final date, their wedding day. You get to meet all the characters from the previous books, so you feel that you are fully up to speed with their lives.
There is plenty of humour to be found in the characters who all build up a wonderful feeling of family, friendship and community. Jackson is recovering from his road accident but realising the effect finding his half brother has had on him as a person. Pia and Jackson are not the only ones with romance on their mind and there are others who have to work out their feelings and where they want their futures to be. None more so than Tom, Jackson's brother. Pia as usual, is the glue which holds the family together. She has a few moments of uncertainty but you always feel the sincerity of her relationship with Jackson. As their fur family grows, they look forward to a gorgeous future.
In short: a fitting finale to a wonderful series Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
A Winter Wedding at Primrose Hall is the sixth romance in the Primrose Woods series. It’s almost Christmas time at Primrose Manor and Pia and Jackson are preparing for their wedding. After the craziness of the last few months, the couple are ready for things to calm down and to get on with their lives as a married couple. As the days count down all they can do is hope that the dramas of the last year are behind them.
This is the first book in this series that I have read and while I think it was successful being read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading this previous books in the series first. At least the ones revolving around Pia and Jackson. I wasn’t lost at all, just felt like I would have enjoyed it more if I knew the background better. With the said, I still enjoyed this book the whole time and thought it was the perfect feel good holiday romance that should be read cuddled up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate. I loved the setting, the characters and the sweet story that played out on the pages. I definitely need to go back and start Pia and Jackson’s story from the beginning so I can appreciate this sweet romance even more.
Continuing Pia and Jackson’s story in the lead up to their winter wedding it also updates other character's stories around Primrose Hall. Although this can be read as a standalone book I would definitely recommend starting with the first book in the series to really enjoy it. As usual I struggle to connect with Jackson with his single minded business strategies, but to be fair most people around him do as well, but his soft centre does regularly appear. There was a scene at Pia's hen party that made me initially uncomfortable, however this was short-lived as the surprise guest was revealed. The description of the festival of lights brought to mind the one held at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, making it easy for me to visualise and appreciate. It was good to catch up with the other characters in the series, plus introduction of new ones including three alpacas. In summary an excellent ending to a series that I've really enjoyed. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily. Somehow, when I requested this book, I did not see that this book is part of a series. In fact, it’s the sixth and final book. Had I known that I would have read the prior volumes before tackling this one. While it read fine as a standalone novel, I did definitely feel like there was a lot of backstory that’s inferred or left out.
That’s not to say that this is a bad book at all, though! It’s a sweet, cozy book about a couple who are going to get married, as well as several other subplots. There was no major drama or great suspense, it was just a nice, sweet book set in what appears to be a lovely town. And quite frankly, a book without a huge emotional roller coaster was perfect for my current mood.
I enjoyed this book well enough to go back and get the rest of the series to read over the next few months.
Meh... Perfectly sweet, but also very bland and flat. Maybe just a little too sweet, too much niceness and no real challenge or "drive" for the story, a lack of conflict. This is a happy, feel good book about love and marriage, life changes, new beginnings and love love love. It's all jolly good!
But without any friction - a bit flat falls the fiction.
I love the characters and the setting and I've read all the books in the series. For me this one was a bit disappointing. I don't need trauma, war, fights or anything drastic, but I would like there to be just a little more something to create a bit of a development, a little tension, some sort of a hook, or just something that would get me more engaged.
A perfect book if you want something free of conflict, if you've watched the news too much or if you're scared that Trump might win the election ... Then this could be a perfect escape 😅
This cozy, festive novel transports readers into a winter wonderland, perfect for the holiday season. Though it’s the final book in a series, it stands well on its own, allowing readers to enjoy the heartwarming story without feeling lost. Set at the enchanting Primrose Hall, where Jackson and his fiancée Pia are preparing for their Christmas wedding, the book is filled with warmth, family, and friendship. With well-developed characters and a charming setting, it’s an uplifting and enjoyable read, ideal for fans of contemporary fiction centered around love, family, and festive cheer.
Thank you Boldwood Books, NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing with an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.
A Winter Wedding at Primrose Hall has taken me back to Primrose Hall and Christmas time makes for a wonderful setting for this book. I was drawn into the characters, setting, romance and second chances this book has in store for me. As I was reading it, it felt like I was with family and surrounded by love. Each book in the series can be read alone and sadly this is the final one in the Primrose Woods series. Thank you NetGalley, Jill Steeples and Boldwood Books for the copy of the book. This is my personal review.
A great reading . At Primrose Hall everyone is getting ready for Jackson and Pia's wedding . Tom don't want to live in a small flat and having several jobs so he accepts to work at his old job which means he will have to stop helping with the stables . Will Jackson persuade to start together a family business ? Will our couple have their dream wedding and live happily ever after ? I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
I loved returning to Primrose Hall (Primrose Woods book 6). Catching up with the previous characters from the previous books. This book was more about Pia and Jackson's wedding, which included family and friends. This book ended on a positive result but it would be nice for Pia and Jackson to start a family of there was any chance of another book in this series.
Unbeknown to me this is the 6th book in the Primrose Wood series, I haven't read any of the previous books. Because of this, I am probably missing out on a lot of background information and character development. However that being said I still enjoyed the book. I will probably go back and read the series from the beginning and I loved the characters and writing style. I also love books set in small villages and communities.
This was such a lovely, warm and cozy book that I actually need up finishing it in a few hours. From the first page the author transported me to the Christmas period with the wonderful smell of cirtus, pine needles and cooking. Once of those books you could read any time and it would give you the Christmas spirit. The hall is getting ready for Pia and Jackson’s wedding. I absolutely adore a Christmas wedding so I was invested in a happy ending for them from the beginning. The book is filled with interesting and quirky characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A nice addition to the Primrose Hall series as we approach Pia and Jackson's wedding. I enjoyed this in concluding the story but on its own it was only ok. Definitely need to read the other stories to enjoy this finale.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audio version through my local library. It is a very cute, heartwarming Christmas novel. I really love reading books from this author. Her novels are not over the top, dramatic, and lighthearted. I always love all the characters she writes in her books. Perfect read for the Christmas season!
Lovely holiday book. Jill Stepped has a wonderful talent for creating interesting and relatable characters and is beautifully creative in describing the settings of her stories. This book was no exception. Thanks #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks
This is the last book of the series but the first for me. I found it to be a lovely story full of wonderful characters and of course a Christmas wedding.