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Wynmouth #2
Under juletræet
For beboerne i den lille engelske landsby Wynmouth er Wynter Træer ikke bare stedet, hvor man køber sit juletræ, men også der, hvor julen bliver vakt til live.
Sådan er det bare ikke for Liza Wynter. For Liza er Wynter Træer snarere en kilde til sorg end glæde. Forretningen var hendes fars hjertebarn, og nu hvor han er borte, kan Liza ikke holde ud at være der. Men det bliver hun tvunget til, da farens forretningspartner beslutter sig for at gå på pension og efterlader forretningen til Liza og sin søn, Ned.
Liza indvilliger i at hjælpe til med endnu en julesæson, og derefter har hun andre planer med sit liv. Det går dog hurtigt op for hende, at den elskede juletræsforretning blomstrer under Neds ledelse. Vil julestemningen hos Wynter Træer alligevel gøre hendes hjerte blødt? Og vil Lizas fornyede tilknytning til Wynmouth kunne ændre hendes planer for fremtiden?
Sådan er det bare ikke for Liza Wynter. For Liza er Wynter Træer snarere en kilde til sorg end glæde. Forretningen var hendes fars hjertebarn, og nu hvor han er borte, kan Liza ikke holde ud at være der. Men det bliver hun tvunget til, da farens forretningspartner beslutter sig for at gå på pension og efterlader forretningen til Liza og sin søn, Ned.
Liza indvilliger i at hjælpe til med endnu en julesæson, og derefter har hun andre planer med sit liv. Det går dog hurtigt op for hende, at den elskede juletræsforretning blomstrer under Neds ledelse. Vil julestemningen hos Wynter Træer alligevel gøre hendes hjerte blødt? Og vil Lizas fornyede tilknytning til Wynmouth kunne ændre hendes planer for fremtiden?
380 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2024
90 people are currently reading
1651 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Swain
31 books1,231 followersAlthough passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi Swain gained a degree in Literature, flirted briefly with a newspaper career, married and had two children before she finally plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously.
A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes contemporary fiction and enjoys the company of a whole host of feisty female characters.
Heidi can be found at the keyboard at all hours of the day and night and quite often scribbling longhand in her car during her lunch break. She lives in stunning south Norfolk with her wonderful son and daughter and a mischievous cat called Storm.
A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes contemporary fiction and enjoys the company of a whole host of feisty female characters.
Heidi can be found at the keyboard at all hours of the day and night and quite often scribbling longhand in her car during her lunch break. She lives in stunning south Norfolk with her wonderful son and daughter and a mischievous cat called Storm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 414 reviews
October 22, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
What a delightful and festive book Underneath the Christmas Tree is. I loved everything about it. From its eye-catching cover to its captivating plot, and its spectacular setting. This story had everything you could want in a Christmas read. Grab yourself a copy, a blanket, and a mug of hot chocolate, and be prepared to be sucked into this heart-warming scenic story.
Author Heidi Swain has written another masterpiece as she carefully unravels the life of Liza Wynter who has been avoiding the business she is a co-owner of since her dad died a few years ago. Now though she can’t put off being back at Wynter’s Trees in Norfolk any longer as the other shareholder has announced his retirement and he needs her to appear in person so that he can sign over his share of the business to his son Edward (Ned).
Liza is a very head-strong young woman, also quite stubborn and set in her ways, but her upbringing and a move to Norfolk as a teenager made her resentful of the place and her father. When she sees Wynter Trees it isn’t happy nostalgic thoughts that she has, but sad memories, ones she would love to run and hide from, forever.
Ned is a caring soul, He has a passion for growing the trees and the business and would really love to teach Liza to fall in love with the business and stay as a partner. He also has an adorable Husky.
This is a gorgeous story filled with beautiful characters. It is just what you need in the run-up to Christmas as it has plenty of festive cheer and a touch of romance to top it off.
What a delightful and festive book Underneath the Christmas Tree is. I loved everything about it. From its eye-catching cover to its captivating plot, and its spectacular setting. This story had everything you could want in a Christmas read. Grab yourself a copy, a blanket, and a mug of hot chocolate, and be prepared to be sucked into this heart-warming scenic story.
Author Heidi Swain has written another masterpiece as she carefully unravels the life of Liza Wynter who has been avoiding the business she is a co-owner of since her dad died a few years ago. Now though she can’t put off being back at Wynter’s Trees in Norfolk any longer as the other shareholder has announced his retirement and he needs her to appear in person so that he can sign over his share of the business to his son Edward (Ned).
Liza is a very head-strong young woman, also quite stubborn and set in her ways, but her upbringing and a move to Norfolk as a teenager made her resentful of the place and her father. When she sees Wynter Trees it isn’t happy nostalgic thoughts that she has, but sad memories, ones she would love to run and hide from, forever.
Ned is a caring soul, He has a passion for growing the trees and the business and would really love to teach Liza to fall in love with the business and stay as a partner. He also has an adorable Husky.
This is a gorgeous story filled with beautiful characters. It is just what you need in the run-up to Christmas as it has plenty of festive cheer and a touch of romance to top it off.
October 15, 2021
How I would love to visit Wynter's Trees , it sounds like such a gorgeous place to work and live, after all it's a Christmas Tree farm, and with it's new additions this year, it is starting to feel like a one stop shop for all your Christmassy needs.
I loved the crafters beach hut concept, I loved Bandit, our 4 legged friend who just always seemed to be cute and photo worthy, I loved the green idea of renting your own live tree, and seeing how your own personal tree grows from year to year.
However Liza Wynter has never been keen on the farm and hasn't been back since her father passed away, despite being the majority share holder.
And David and Ned who are running it and part owners too, are not happy with the real reason that she has finally been persuaded to come back. And David especially never gives up hope that Liza will take her rightful place at the helm of business.
There must be something rather magical in the air in Wynmouth, as Liza is slowly sucked into the amazingness of the place, although whether she will follow her head or her heart is another matter.
I loved all the various people we get to meet, especially Liam who is a fine young man, all of the crafters, and Maya who helps with the trees too.
This is another fabulous Christmas book from Heidi Swain, that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I loved the recurring characters from the previous Wynmouth book, but this completely stands alone with a new focal point completely. It's even made me feel quite festive too, and wondering whether in the middle of October if it's too early to put up a tree or not!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I loved the crafters beach hut concept, I loved Bandit, our 4 legged friend who just always seemed to be cute and photo worthy, I loved the green idea of renting your own live tree, and seeing how your own personal tree grows from year to year.
However Liza Wynter has never been keen on the farm and hasn't been back since her father passed away, despite being the majority share holder.
And David and Ned who are running it and part owners too, are not happy with the real reason that she has finally been persuaded to come back. And David especially never gives up hope that Liza will take her rightful place at the helm of business.
There must be something rather magical in the air in Wynmouth, as Liza is slowly sucked into the amazingness of the place, although whether she will follow her head or her heart is another matter.
I loved all the various people we get to meet, especially Liam who is a fine young man, all of the crafters, and Maya who helps with the trees too.
This is another fabulous Christmas book from Heidi Swain, that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I loved the recurring characters from the previous Wynmouth book, but this completely stands alone with a new focal point completely. It's even made me feel quite festive too, and wondering whether in the middle of October if it's too early to put up a tree or not!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 23, 2021
This story is set in Wynmouth on the Norfolk coast with Liza Wynter looking at new options after her job comes to an end. She has her heart set on starting her own business however the one thing she doesn’t want to do is to return to her late father’s Christmas tree plantation – Wynter’s Trees. Although she is still a majority shareholder in the business, everything has been run by her father’s business partner David with the assistance of his son Ned, and that’s how she intends for things to stay, having ignored anything to do with it. Until David announces his decision to retire and puts pressure on Liza to return for a short time.
I have to admit it took me a while to warm to Liza. The reasons for her absolute refusal to return full time to Wynter’s were not immediately clear and I thought she was being unnecessarily stubborn when she was being made so welcome by everyone. The chemistry between her and Ned, who was a fabulous character, couldn’t be ignored even if there was someone else fighting for his attention.
There was a great sense of community spirit, especially when the beach huts arrived on site and the locals were selling their crafts – it all sounded so inviting and just for a moment I forgot it was fiction and I couldn’t go there to browse. I hadn’t realised there was so much involved in Christmas trees – cultivating them is one thing but customers not only buy but also rent the same tree every year, giving it a name and then returning it to be looked after until the next Christmas. 🎄
There are so many excellent supporting characters who in their own way all add to the drama of the story – for dog lovers there is Ned’s dog, Bandit the husky who always seem to sense when someone needs comforting. Liza’s nemesis from her schooldays – Chelsea who was the last person she wanted to see; the local bad boy Liam caught trespassing and of course David, whose retirement plans give Liza a dilemma.
Underneath the Christmas Tree was an utterly enjoyable read, with romance, humour, drama, and is full of those festive feels to get the reader in the mood for Christmas – and if it doesn’t then I won’t mention the hot chocolate…….!
I have to admit it took me a while to warm to Liza. The reasons for her absolute refusal to return full time to Wynter’s were not immediately clear and I thought she was being unnecessarily stubborn when she was being made so welcome by everyone. The chemistry between her and Ned, who was a fabulous character, couldn’t be ignored even if there was someone else fighting for his attention.
There was a great sense of community spirit, especially when the beach huts arrived on site and the locals were selling their crafts – it all sounded so inviting and just for a moment I forgot it was fiction and I couldn’t go there to browse. I hadn’t realised there was so much involved in Christmas trees – cultivating them is one thing but customers not only buy but also rent the same tree every year, giving it a name and then returning it to be looked after until the next Christmas. 🎄
There are so many excellent supporting characters who in their own way all add to the drama of the story – for dog lovers there is Ned’s dog, Bandit the husky who always seem to sense when someone needs comforting. Liza’s nemesis from her schooldays – Chelsea who was the last person she wanted to see; the local bad boy Liam caught trespassing and of course David, whose retirement plans give Liza a dilemma.
Underneath the Christmas Tree was an utterly enjoyable read, with romance, humour, drama, and is full of those festive feels to get the reader in the mood for Christmas – and if it doesn’t then I won’t mention the hot chocolate…….!
December 9, 2022
A Heidi Swain Christmas book is like a Hallmark Christmas film- you know what you’re going to get but you won’t be disappointed by the ending & you know you’re in for a cosy feel-good seasonal read. I was all set to give this one 4* for it’s well-rounded, believable characters & the cosy setting of the Wynter Christmas Tree Farm. But….
As other reviewers have said, it’s a good 4 chapters too long. Long after the plot climax & all the loose ends are tied the book rumbles (& rambles) on for another 3-4 chapters. It’s a shame & I think says more about the editing (there are also a smattering of spelling mistakes) than the writing as this should have been sorted long before it went to print.
If you’re looking for a cosy Christmas read though this will definitely tick those boxes.
As other reviewers have said, it’s a good 4 chapters too long. Long after the plot climax & all the loose ends are tied the book rumbles (& rambles) on for another 3-4 chapters. It’s a shame & I think says more about the editing (there are also a smattering of spelling mistakes) than the writing as this should have been sorted long before it went to print.
If you’re looking for a cosy Christmas read though this will definitely tick those boxes.
December 24, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this one. Yes, it was a Christmas book which I enjoyed but, the main character Liza wasn’t very nice. She seemed very selfish in lots of ways and also a little narrow-minded. She didn’t seem to think things through very well and that annoyed me quite a lot. All the other characters were lovely and the ending was great.
November 25, 2021
A lovely heartwarming, cosy read. Just what you expect from Heidi Swain.
I came away wishing I could live in the lodge and have a beach hut business at Wynter's Trees.
I came away wishing I could live in the lodge and have a beach hut business at Wynter's Trees.
November 8, 2021
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the cover of this novel? I love the candy pink shades and I also love the fact that the tree is front and centre on the cover. If you get the paperback copy of this one its also got gorgeous foil that shimmers in the light-just perfection!
I love the fact that a Heidi Swain Christmas novel focuses on someone who really isn't in the festive spirit. They begin the book wanting to ignore the whole thing but something in the Heidi Swain magic of everything seems sure to persuade them otherwise! This book is no exception and I took a lot of comfort in that. This is the first visit to the seaside town on Wynmouth in the winter time and it was lovely to be in a slightly different setting but still have some familiarity in terms of the people and the magic of the seaside. I also adored getting to know Liza, our aforementioned Christmas objector. She has had a whole heap of heart break in her life and so her avoidance of the season is totally understandable but she also goes on a massive journey throughout the pages of the book!
Wynter's trees is the perfect setting for this novel-what could be more festive than essential a Christmas tree farm? But it's what this place means to Liza and new resident Ned that really makes it special. I love the memories that have been made in the fields and in the lodge and the new traditions that are being made all the time-I really want to go and visit but I feel sure I would encounter some romance there and so probably best to avoid! The other thing about the setting is that it provides comfort for the whole community not just Ned and Liza.
Another thing that Heidi Swain also does really well is to champion the younger and more troubled members of the communities that she creates and I love that about her books. I adored meeting Liam and watching him grow throughout his journey, good and bad. I really hope we get to go back and meet him again in a future novel because I think he is such a deep character I know there is more to be heard from him in the future-here's hoping!
If you're worried that this novel could be too much Christmas for you then have no fear. A Heidi Swain novel is basically as festive as you make it. There's always a mention of the solstice and life outside of the festive season. But if you want warm drinks and snow and Christmas tress then there are plenty of thee within the pages of the book. I love the hope in a Heidi Swain novel but I particularly love it at Christmas time. I actually listened to the audiobook of this and the narrator (one of my favorites) did a great job too-highly recommend!
I love the fact that a Heidi Swain Christmas novel focuses on someone who really isn't in the festive spirit. They begin the book wanting to ignore the whole thing but something in the Heidi Swain magic of everything seems sure to persuade them otherwise! This book is no exception and I took a lot of comfort in that. This is the first visit to the seaside town on Wynmouth in the winter time and it was lovely to be in a slightly different setting but still have some familiarity in terms of the people and the magic of the seaside. I also adored getting to know Liza, our aforementioned Christmas objector. She has had a whole heap of heart break in her life and so her avoidance of the season is totally understandable but she also goes on a massive journey throughout the pages of the book!
Wynter's trees is the perfect setting for this novel-what could be more festive than essential a Christmas tree farm? But it's what this place means to Liza and new resident Ned that really makes it special. I love the memories that have been made in the fields and in the lodge and the new traditions that are being made all the time-I really want to go and visit but I feel sure I would encounter some romance there and so probably best to avoid! The other thing about the setting is that it provides comfort for the whole community not just Ned and Liza.
Another thing that Heidi Swain also does really well is to champion the younger and more troubled members of the communities that she creates and I love that about her books. I adored meeting Liam and watching him grow throughout his journey, good and bad. I really hope we get to go back and meet him again in a future novel because I think he is such a deep character I know there is more to be heard from him in the future-here's hoping!
If you're worried that this novel could be too much Christmas for you then have no fear. A Heidi Swain novel is basically as festive as you make it. There's always a mention of the solstice and life outside of the festive season. But if you want warm drinks and snow and Christmas tress then there are plenty of thee within the pages of the book. I love the hope in a Heidi Swain novel but I particularly love it at Christmas time. I actually listened to the audiobook of this and the narrator (one of my favorites) did a great job too-highly recommend!
November 6, 2021
This book has all the ingredients for a cosy, seasonal romance. The setting was wonderful and I loved the team at Wynter's trees. The only disappointment was in the main character (yes, that's quite a biggie!). With her art, her appreciation of nature and her teaching background there was a lot that really chimed with me. Unfortunately she seemed stupidly unaware of her feelings and those of the book's hero. Added to this she was unable to see the perfect situation she was in for her future business plans.
December 20, 2021
The perfect cosy Christmas read with heavy helpings of emotion and depth. Read for our book club and loved every page of it!
December 29, 2022
1.5 stars
The atmosphere of the novel was festive and cosy; it’s set in a tree farm that is a massive attraction during the Christmas period. It was fun to picture the winter markets and snowy settings while reading.
However, I found this novel lacking in depth and quite superficial. The relationship didn’t have compelling substance and the direct, obvious writing style reduced the chance for nuance.
Unfortunately, this was a let-down for me.
The atmosphere of the novel was festive and cosy; it’s set in a tree farm that is a massive attraction during the Christmas period. It was fun to picture the winter markets and snowy settings while reading.
However, I found this novel lacking in depth and quite superficial. The relationship didn’t have compelling substance and the direct, obvious writing style reduced the chance for nuance.
Unfortunately, this was a let-down for me.
September 17, 2022
*Christmas Nostalgia*
*4.5 Stars*
Liza Wynter is from a family business that is all about Christmas. Wynter’s Trees is where it’s at. Sadly this all changes when the heart of the business her father passes on. It had been the two of them for so long as her mother passed many years before. Liza cannot get away from the business fast enough, her father’s business partner David and his son Ned have been holding the fort. But as the main shareholder she is always kept up-to speed but she cannot bring herself to even acknowledge any emails, calls or otherwise.
She decides she must go travelling but when David decides he is going to retire, Liza decides to go back and she will tell them she is selling the shares to Ned, David’s son. This goes down like a lead balloon and as a compromise they ask her to stay on and work to cover the Christmas period. Liza grudgingly agrees on the proviso that they keep what she intends to do a secret. All she has to do is get her head down and she is off with the business behind her.
Upon her return she is fascinated that the business is thriving with Ned at the Helm introducing new things without diluting her father’s vision. She knows if the money can be raised it will be left in safe hands.
Will it be that easy to leave the business for good? Can she ignore the growing attraction to Ned? Her answer is to push him onto another person and she reminds herself she will be leaving after Christmas so what does it matter?
This is a cozy easy read and I loved it, it made me laugh and there were a few moments with tears in my eyes, just a wonderful read with a great assortment of characters with Christmas thrown in.
*4.5 Stars*
Liza Wynter is from a family business that is all about Christmas. Wynter’s Trees is where it’s at. Sadly this all changes when the heart of the business her father passes on. It had been the two of them for so long as her mother passed many years before. Liza cannot get away from the business fast enough, her father’s business partner David and his son Ned have been holding the fort. But as the main shareholder she is always kept up-to speed but she cannot bring herself to even acknowledge any emails, calls or otherwise.
She decides she must go travelling but when David decides he is going to retire, Liza decides to go back and she will tell them she is selling the shares to Ned, David’s son. This goes down like a lead balloon and as a compromise they ask her to stay on and work to cover the Christmas period. Liza grudgingly agrees on the proviso that they keep what she intends to do a secret. All she has to do is get her head down and she is off with the business behind her.
Upon her return she is fascinated that the business is thriving with Ned at the Helm introducing new things without diluting her father’s vision. She knows if the money can be raised it will be left in safe hands.
Will it be that easy to leave the business for good? Can she ignore the growing attraction to Ned? Her answer is to push him onto another person and she reminds herself she will be leaving after Christmas so what does it matter?
This is a cozy easy read and I loved it, it made me laugh and there were a few moments with tears in my eyes, just a wonderful read with a great assortment of characters with Christmas thrown in.
December 25, 2021
I couldn’t resist reserving Heidi Swain’s latest book ‘Underneath the Christmas Tree’ and as always the Queen of Christmas did not disappoint.
Since the passing of her father and becoming the majority shareholder. Liza Wynter has been able to avoid returning to her fathers Christmas tree plantation as thankfully her fathers business partner David has been running the place alongside his son Ned. However David has decided it’s time to retire forcing Liza to return home.
Heidi’s books are simply a joy to read, with relatable characters, beautiful settings and charming plots. ‘Underneath the Christmas tree’ had me in a festive cuddle from start to finish and I enjoyed it immensely.
If you fancy a festive romantic comedy than grab ‘Underneath The Christmas Tree’ especially as it’s a bargain 99p on kindle at the moment! I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Since the passing of her father and becoming the majority shareholder. Liza Wynter has been able to avoid returning to her fathers Christmas tree plantation as thankfully her fathers business partner David has been running the place alongside his son Ned. However David has decided it’s time to retire forcing Liza to return home.
Heidi’s books are simply a joy to read, with relatable characters, beautiful settings and charming plots. ‘Underneath the Christmas tree’ had me in a festive cuddle from start to finish and I enjoyed it immensely.
If you fancy a festive romantic comedy than grab ‘Underneath The Christmas Tree’ especially as it’s a bargain 99p on kindle at the moment! I promise you won’t be disappointed!
November 21, 2021
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a Heidi Swain book and this one didn’t disappoint. This has been a very welcome distraction at a difficult time for me.
This is our November book club read so I will hold off my review until we have had a final book chat.
This is our November book club read so I will hold off my review until we have had a final book chat.
October 21, 2021
I was sent this book from the lovely publisher and almost held off until closer to Christmas to read it but I thought you know what?
I need some Christmas spirit now. So, I read it and I've spent an enjoyable day on a Christmas tree farm. I thought these were American things so that was a nice surprise. Can't believe I have never been to one. If they are like the one in the book, take me there now!
A lovely homely read and one that really took me to a nice place for a while where I could sit and get to know some lovely people and to feel all festive. So thanks Heidi!
December 20, 2021
If you love Christmas romance then this is the book for you!
Unfortunately it wasn't really the book for me but I did love the setting of Wynter's Trees and the characters. This book has the expected plot of a Christmassy book which many people have come to love and there are dramatic disagreements and cute moments all leading up to the end. It is an easy to read and fast paced story but there is a little too much repetition of Liza's thoughts and feelings which got a bit boring for me.
Overall I liked the story but I'm not a big fan of this genre.
If you haven't read the first one, like me, this can be read as a standalone.
* I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
Unfortunately it wasn't really the book for me but I did love the setting of Wynter's Trees and the characters. This book has the expected plot of a Christmassy book which many people have come to love and there are dramatic disagreements and cute moments all leading up to the end. It is an easy to read and fast paced story but there is a little too much repetition of Liza's thoughts and feelings which got a bit boring for me.
Overall I liked the story but I'm not a big fan of this genre.
If you haven't read the first one, like me, this can be read as a standalone.
* I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
December 15, 2021
This was so meh .
I am sure that tomorrow I will not remember anything about this book !
I am sure that tomorrow I will not remember anything about this book !
January 7, 2023
⭐⭐.5/5
Overall impression: Under the Christmas Tree was hit and miss for me. The cute cover and tree farm setting should have made it the perfect novel to pop my contemporary romance and Christmas romance cherries. Unfortunately, I didn't really gel with Liza or Ned and I thought the romance aspect was too forced. Hopefully I'll have more luck next Christmas.
⚖️ Liza was a bit too bitter for me.
Liza was extremely unlikeable - . She seemed two-dimensional and shallow, only caring about her immediate needs. I didn't really see any character development over the course of the book, which made it so much worse.
⚖️ Ned needs to take anger management classes.
I wasn't a big fan of Ned either. He spent most of his time in a grumpy state and threw a few tantrums when things weren't going the way he had planned. I didn't really like how he spoke to Liza and Maya either, which made me completely support Liza .
❌ The romance really wasn't doing it for me.
There were way too many forced awkward encounters for me to find it enjoyable. Super gross and not cool guys. I also really hated the love triangle trope in this book - you 100% knew that one of the women was going to get hurt because the other two adults weren't adult enough to admit their emotions.
Overall impression: Under the Christmas Tree was hit and miss for me. The cute cover and tree farm setting should have made it the perfect novel to pop my contemporary romance and Christmas romance cherries. Unfortunately, I didn't really gel with Liza or Ned and I thought the romance aspect was too forced. Hopefully I'll have more luck next Christmas.
⚖️ Liza was a bit too bitter for me.
Liza was extremely unlikeable - . She seemed two-dimensional and shallow, only caring about her immediate needs. I didn't really see any character development over the course of the book, which made it so much worse.
⚖️ Ned needs to take anger management classes.
I wasn't a big fan of Ned either. He spent most of his time in a grumpy state and threw a few tantrums when things weren't going the way he had planned. I didn't really like how he spoke to Liza and Maya either, which made me completely support Liza .
❌ The romance really wasn't doing it for me.
There were way too many forced awkward encounters for me to find it enjoyable. Super gross and not cool guys. I also really hated the love triangle trope in this book - you 100% knew that one of the women was going to get hurt because the other two adults weren't adult enough to admit their emotions.
October 8, 2021
A wonderful, feel-good romantic story that's perfect for Christmas. This is the first book I've read by the author, and it was a heartwarming story that makes you wish it was Christmas already! Full of great characters, with some funny and some sad moments, you finish the book feeling as though you've made some wonderful friends. With a Christmas tree plantation, an adorable husky, and mugs of hot chocolate, it's perfect for snuggling up on the sofa for a few hours and forgetting about everything else. Highly recommend for getting you in the Christmas spirit!
November 4, 2021
I love all Heidi's books and she never disappoints at all and this one was outstanding from the first page and I wanted to keep reading. Full of Christmas romance and moving forward from the past and seeing old friends. Such a beautiful setting and great characters as well you can certainly curl up and read and forget everything for a time and enjoy a great read.
Liza has had shares in her father's Christmas tree farm where Christmas really comes alive but when her father died she left it to the business partner to run but he's let her know he's retiring and he wants his son to have his shares. Problem is she wants to sell her shares now to so heads to the farm to tell them that. She soon learns Ned is really making it work and she tells her she wants him to buy her share to but he can't afford it but wants to stall her thinking of she works there she will grow to love it. Will she change her mind will she make new friends and enjoy old ones to and will she find romance that she's been trying to hide so will she end up staying or going.
Liza has had shares in her father's Christmas tree farm where Christmas really comes alive but when her father died she left it to the business partner to run but he's let her know he's retiring and he wants his son to have his shares. Problem is she wants to sell her shares now to so heads to the farm to tell them that. She soon learns Ned is really making it work and she tells her she wants him to buy her share to but he can't afford it but wants to stall her thinking of she works there she will grow to love it. Will she change her mind will she make new friends and enjoy old ones to and will she find romance that she's been trying to hide so will she end up staying or going.
November 30, 2021
Love the setting of Wynters can really imagine the layout and the Christmas reel. Especially with the beach huts! Also the lodge sounds really cosy.
Classic story of crossed wires and romance. Whilst I do like a good predictable read this just lacked something for me.
Classic story of crossed wires and romance. Whilst I do like a good predictable read this just lacked something for me.
November 27, 2021
I enjoyed Liza and Ned’s story. A slow and steady very predictable read, but a nice heart warming story of friendship, love and hot chocolate. Not an awful lot happens in the story, an awful lot of characters seem to fill it out, but I enjoyed Liam and Chelsea’s addition - we’ve all had enemies at school that don’t seem so bad once we are adults! I felt the book went on and on where it could have been half the size and told exactly the same story. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for the advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for the advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
November 22, 2021
As soon as I saw a new Heidi Swain and that it’s Christmas themed I knew it was going to be a good reading Christmas year, I love everything Heidi has written so far so I know if anyone can write a gorgeous Christmas book it’s Heidi, I was not disappointed at all. Gorgeous characters, romance, emotion , family, community, friendships all the ingredients you want to make one warm hug of a book , another classic Heidi Swain book where I am left happier than I entered the book and wondering how long I must wait for her next book of happy.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
January 3, 2022
Christmas book set on a Christmas tree farm should have been an easy win for me but this one was a slog--a lot of pages where not a lot was happening.
September 27, 2021
Underneath the Christmas Tree was the perfect book to kick off my Christmas romance reads for the year. It is so much more than a Christmas romance, however. Underneath the Christmas Tree is about family, loss, grief, hope, and seeing life through someone else's eyes.
Liza has never been a fan of Wynter's Trees, the business her father started when she was but a girl. After her mother's passing, he moves poor Liza away from home to live on a tree farm where his love for Christmas grew while hers soured. As fast as she could, she disappeared from Wynter's Trees to live in the city, but that fateful decision started a domino effect that years later still had her all chewed up inside. Unfortunately, at least in Liza's opinion, when her father passed he left the controlling interest of Wynter's Trees in her hands, but she wanted nothing to do with it. After ignoring it for as many years as possible, Liza finally returns to the farm with intentions of selling her half and walking away.
Enter Edward, Ned to his friends, the man who has decided to take the helm from his father, David, as he retires. He never expects the beautiful partner to Wynter's Trees to want to sell it all to him and walk away, though. Determined to convince Liza to stay, Ned and David set about teaching Liza all the things she didn't know about the farm and the dreams her father had for it, and her.
The cast and crew of Underneath the Christmas Tree are rounded out with fun characters that impact the book a great deal. Maya, Liam, Wren, Noah, and Chelsea all offer the story a new point of view about the tree farm and what it means to the people who live in and around Wynmouth. For a month you live their stories as well until you realize they have all wrapped Liza in a cozy quilt of love and family, unbeknownst to her. You feel the love everyone has for the lost Wynter and their desire to bring her back into the fold to experience Christmas the way her father did. Even Bandit, the sweet husky that falls for Liza instantly, gets in on the shenanigans.
The problem is Liza. She can't let go of the anger she's had at her father for moving her from her home as a young girl nor the guilt she carries about his death. She's quite sure the only way to do that is to sell her shares and travel the world, putting as much distance between her and Wynmouth as possible.
As we all know, life is what happens while we're making plans, and it is no different for Liza. Slowly, and mostly unknowingly, Liza begins falling for the tree farm and her partner, Ned. She refuses to let herself believe she could be happy there on the farm with Ned, so she does everything in her power to make sure Ned finds a different love this Christmas. What she forgets is that the heart wants what the heart wants, and their hearts sing to each other.
This is a lovely romance that also reads heavily women's fiction, so if you love women's fiction, you would most definitely love this festive Christmas read. The romance is the smallest part of the plot in Underneath the Christmas Tree, in my opinion, overshadowed by the wonderful character arc of Liza and being part of her journey to rediscover her father's dream through nonguilt-laden eyes.
I love Heidi Swain's work and this book, in my opinion, was top-notch in characters, plot, setting, and heart. Underneath the Christmas Tree fills you with the Christmas spirit as it is meant to be and packs all the feels for a cozy Christmas read. Grab a mug of hot cocoa, your fuzzy socks, and a warm blanket, and tuck up for a read that will remind you of the fond traditions of the holiday season, and leave your heart singing for Liza as she rediscovers her father's love and explores her new love of a lifetime. Well done, Ms. Swain, another five-star Christmas read!
Liza has never been a fan of Wynter's Trees, the business her father started when she was but a girl. After her mother's passing, he moves poor Liza away from home to live on a tree farm where his love for Christmas grew while hers soured. As fast as she could, she disappeared from Wynter's Trees to live in the city, but that fateful decision started a domino effect that years later still had her all chewed up inside. Unfortunately, at least in Liza's opinion, when her father passed he left the controlling interest of Wynter's Trees in her hands, but she wanted nothing to do with it. After ignoring it for as many years as possible, Liza finally returns to the farm with intentions of selling her half and walking away.
Enter Edward, Ned to his friends, the man who has decided to take the helm from his father, David, as he retires. He never expects the beautiful partner to Wynter's Trees to want to sell it all to him and walk away, though. Determined to convince Liza to stay, Ned and David set about teaching Liza all the things she didn't know about the farm and the dreams her father had for it, and her.
The cast and crew of Underneath the Christmas Tree are rounded out with fun characters that impact the book a great deal. Maya, Liam, Wren, Noah, and Chelsea all offer the story a new point of view about the tree farm and what it means to the people who live in and around Wynmouth. For a month you live their stories as well until you realize they have all wrapped Liza in a cozy quilt of love and family, unbeknownst to her. You feel the love everyone has for the lost Wynter and their desire to bring her back into the fold to experience Christmas the way her father did. Even Bandit, the sweet husky that falls for Liza instantly, gets in on the shenanigans.
The problem is Liza. She can't let go of the anger she's had at her father for moving her from her home as a young girl nor the guilt she carries about his death. She's quite sure the only way to do that is to sell her shares and travel the world, putting as much distance between her and Wynmouth as possible.
As we all know, life is what happens while we're making plans, and it is no different for Liza. Slowly, and mostly unknowingly, Liza begins falling for the tree farm and her partner, Ned. She refuses to let herself believe she could be happy there on the farm with Ned, so she does everything in her power to make sure Ned finds a different love this Christmas. What she forgets is that the heart wants what the heart wants, and their hearts sing to each other.
This is a lovely romance that also reads heavily women's fiction, so if you love women's fiction, you would most definitely love this festive Christmas read. The romance is the smallest part of the plot in Underneath the Christmas Tree, in my opinion, overshadowed by the wonderful character arc of Liza and being part of her journey to rediscover her father's dream through nonguilt-laden eyes.
I love Heidi Swain's work and this book, in my opinion, was top-notch in characters, plot, setting, and heart. Underneath the Christmas Tree fills you with the Christmas spirit as it is meant to be and packs all the feels for a cozy Christmas read. Grab a mug of hot cocoa, your fuzzy socks, and a warm blanket, and tuck up for a read that will remind you of the fond traditions of the holiday season, and leave your heart singing for Liza as she rediscovers her father's love and explores her new love of a lifetime. Well done, Ms. Swain, another five-star Christmas read!
November 6, 2021
Real life very often is nothing like a picture postcard, with beautiful buildings, gorgeous landscapes and endless happy ever afters. Which is why we need books like Underneath The Christmas Tree (as long as you aren't one of the Bah Humbug brigade. If you are, step away now! This will be too festive and perfect for you!)
Heidi Swain takes us to the sea, to Wynmouth, and into the eco friendly wonderland of the pine scented Wynter's Trees plantation. The place was the inspirational business of Liza's Dad, and although he is no longer alive and Liza has never shown an interest in her legacy, David, a business partner is determined to convince Liza that this is where she belongs.
Underneath the Christmas Tree is a fondant fancy of a book with the largest, shiniest bow you could select. You could be in danger of ruining your dental health feasting on this selection box of sweet chapters, but in actual fact the magical location, the joy of the characters and the hope for new beginnings will melt the most frozen of hearts. Like me, you'll look up from reading to wonder why snowflakes aren't falling at the window and ponder the mystery of who turned off all the twinkling fairy lights, as Heidi Swain transports us away from dreariness into a colourful, festive gift of romance. And we all need a bit of love in our stocking now don't we?
With good tidings to Heidi Swain and Pigeonhole for the seasonal read and a booster jab of happiness.
Heidi Swain takes us to the sea, to Wynmouth, and into the eco friendly wonderland of the pine scented Wynter's Trees plantation. The place was the inspirational business of Liza's Dad, and although he is no longer alive and Liza has never shown an interest in her legacy, David, a business partner is determined to convince Liza that this is where she belongs.
Underneath the Christmas Tree is a fondant fancy of a book with the largest, shiniest bow you could select. You could be in danger of ruining your dental health feasting on this selection box of sweet chapters, but in actual fact the magical location, the joy of the characters and the hope for new beginnings will melt the most frozen of hearts. Like me, you'll look up from reading to wonder why snowflakes aren't falling at the window and ponder the mystery of who turned off all the twinkling fairy lights, as Heidi Swain transports us away from dreariness into a colourful, festive gift of romance. And we all need a bit of love in our stocking now don't we?
With good tidings to Heidi Swain and Pigeonhole for the seasonal read and a booster jab of happiness.
December 14, 2025
someone please tell me why I have never read any of Heidi’s books before?! New favourite author pending right there!
I loved the way she wrote with such emotion and you felt encased in the relationship with Liza and Ned and the whole community in general. I enjoyed the whole host of side characters who all added to the story. At first Liza was quite hard to like and stubborn but as the story unfolds you see why with her past history.
The details of Wynters Trees drew you in and I could feel I was there. Beautiful, cosy, fabulous, festive writing and a joy to read.
I can see why this is such a popular festive read with Christmas leaping off the page at you. Simply divine.
I loved the way she wrote with such emotion and you felt encased in the relationship with Liza and Ned and the whole community in general. I enjoyed the whole host of side characters who all added to the story. At first Liza was quite hard to like and stubborn but as the story unfolds you see why with her past history.
The details of Wynters Trees drew you in and I could feel I was there. Beautiful, cosy, fabulous, festive writing and a joy to read.
I can see why this is such a popular festive read with Christmas leaping off the page at you. Simply divine.
December 23, 2025
This was exactly what I needed to get into the Christmas spirit! This was adorable and cute. Wynter’s Trees sounded like a dream and @heidi_swain painted such a beautiful picture in my mind I was very jealous of not being there after finishing this! I loved Liza, she felt very real and stuck in her own head as I think a lot of us do sometimes. And how it all ended was like a Christmas miracle come true! Amazing read, would 100% recommend.
June 8, 2022
Liza is entrusted with saving her fathers christmas tree business , even though she wants to sell it and move on. It's a really magical site and I loved the idea of christmassy beach huts showcasing the local artists work. I could just imagine spending time browsing all the different crafts chatting to the stall holders that you feel you know. A very festive feel surrounds this book.
December 30, 2021
4.5 stars, review to come!
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