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Micklewick Bay #6
A Snowy Seaside Christmas
As snow falls over Micklewick Bay, Lark Harker is preparing for the busy festive season at her vintage clothing boutique, creating enchanting window displays of sequinned dresses and crafting handmade Christmas decorations from shimmering silk ribbon.
But her festive preparations are put on hold when Nate Wilkinson arrives at her cottage door. The owner of a local upcycling business, Nate asks for her help clearing out the long-abandoned Crayke’s Cottage – a place locals whisper is cursed and haunted by its smuggling past.
Deep within the cottage’s shadowy rooms, Lark discovers two mysterious leather suitcases. The first reveals a treasure trove of 1940s clothes that sparkle with wartime romance and mystery. But the second holds a darker smuggling artefacts, cryptic coded messages and a rusty iron key that gets Lark’s mind racing.
As Lark consults the town’s museum curator to unlock the suitcases’ secrets, she finds herself torn between growing feelings for her dear friend Nate and her inexplicable intuition that warns her away from love. When the rusty key leads to a shocking discovery in the cottage, Lark must trust her instincts and overcome her fears to finally find the greatest treasure of all…
Escape to Micklewick Bay in this uplifting, emotional, feel-good page-turner that sparkles with Christmas magic, perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.
But her festive preparations are put on hold when Nate Wilkinson arrives at her cottage door. The owner of a local upcycling business, Nate asks for her help clearing out the long-abandoned Crayke’s Cottage – a place locals whisper is cursed and haunted by its smuggling past.
Deep within the cottage’s shadowy rooms, Lark discovers two mysterious leather suitcases. The first reveals a treasure trove of 1940s clothes that sparkle with wartime romance and mystery. But the second holds a darker smuggling artefacts, cryptic coded messages and a rusty iron key that gets Lark’s mind racing.
As Lark consults the town’s museum curator to unlock the suitcases’ secrets, she finds herself torn between growing feelings for her dear friend Nate and her inexplicable intuition that warns her away from love. When the rusty key leads to a shocking discovery in the cottage, Lark must trust her instincts and overcome her fears to finally find the greatest treasure of all…
Escape to Micklewick Bay in this uplifting, emotional, feel-good page-turner that sparkles with Christmas magic, perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.
- GenresChristmas
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2025
104 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Eliza J. Scott
16 books96 followersEliza writes heartwarming romance stories with happy endings.
She lives in North Yorkshire with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden. Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.
Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write stories that will make you cry tears of joy, laughter and sadness.
You can find out more or get in touch here:
Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/elizajscot...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizajscott/
She lives in North Yorkshire with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden. Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.
Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write stories that will make you cry tears of joy, laughter and sadness.
You can find out more or get in touch here:
Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/elizajscot...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizajscott/
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 18, 2025
A cozy mystery, with comforting Christmas energy and some sweet, wholesome romance! 4.5 stars rounded up!
This title is part of The Micklewick Bay series, but does act as a standalone (as I think each of the books do).
While it is nice to have read some of the other books prior, since you will recognize some of the characters and have a connection to them- it really shouldn’t be much of a bother if you haven’t.
So, have no fear if it’s your first step into the series. You can still enjoy it.
I have read some of Eliza J. Scott’s writing in the past, and really liked it! This particular story was slightly different from what I would typically expect from her, but no less enjoyable.
We still get those warm, cozy, small-town vibes, with all of the happy friendship and love stories that we usually get from her Micklewick Bay series. Which of course, I love. But this book comes with an added element of mystery and some mystical psychic themes.
This makes it feel different from your typical Christmas romance novel, and I think that makes it a lot more fun.
If you’re looking for something new and unique to read this upcoming holiday season, you might want to give this a go.
As for romance, this has the slow burn and friends-to-lovers tropes.
I don’t feel like the relationship between Lark and Nate is the main focus here, it is more of a side plot.
But, I personally think that works well given that this series is so friendship and found-family focused.
Note: I love the incorporation of the Northern England/Yorkshire way of speaking. I just think it adds such a fun touch, and some personality. It also helps me imagine these characters interacting with each other, which is great.
Thanks to this story, I think I long for a cold Yorkshire Christmas. With mince pies!
I'm so excited to read more from this author in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and author Eliza J. Scott for providing me with the eARC of “A Snowy Seaside Christmas”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: October 17th, 2025
This title is part of The Micklewick Bay series, but does act as a standalone (as I think each of the books do).
While it is nice to have read some of the other books prior, since you will recognize some of the characters and have a connection to them- it really shouldn’t be much of a bother if you haven’t.
So, have no fear if it’s your first step into the series. You can still enjoy it.
I have read some of Eliza J. Scott’s writing in the past, and really liked it! This particular story was slightly different from what I would typically expect from her, but no less enjoyable.
We still get those warm, cozy, small-town vibes, with all of the happy friendship and love stories that we usually get from her Micklewick Bay series. Which of course, I love. But this book comes with an added element of mystery and some mystical psychic themes.
This makes it feel different from your typical Christmas romance novel, and I think that makes it a lot more fun.
If you’re looking for something new and unique to read this upcoming holiday season, you might want to give this a go.
As for romance, this has the slow burn and friends-to-lovers tropes.
I don’t feel like the relationship between Lark and Nate is the main focus here, it is more of a side plot.
But, I personally think that works well given that this series is so friendship and found-family focused.
Note: I love the incorporation of the Northern England/Yorkshire way of speaking. I just think it adds such a fun touch, and some personality. It also helps me imagine these characters interacting with each other, which is great.
Thanks to this story, I think I long for a cold Yorkshire Christmas. With mince pies!
I'm so excited to read more from this author in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and author Eliza J. Scott for providing me with the eARC of “A Snowy Seaside Christmas”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: October 17th, 2025
September 30, 2025
review to follow
November 10, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
A Snowy Seaside Christmas is the sixth title in the Micklewick Bay series. I have not read the earlier books, yet I didn’t feel the least bit lost, as anything I really needed to know was addressed in either the narrative or the dialogue. I will definitely be checking out this series from the beginning now.
Lark and Nate have been friends for so long now. They might become more, but Lark always hesitates and holds back her true feelings. Nate owns an upscaling business, taking older items and revamping, repairing, or repurposing them for resale. Lark owns a vintage clothing boutique… and has a touch of precognition about items that she comes across, and certain “feelings” about people she meets. The cottage that Nate has asked Lark to help him clear out will certainly activate all of Lark’s psychic vibes about not only the property itself but also the items within. They are about to set out on a bit of a mystery, the smuggling history of the area playing strongly into their story. Their joint adventure will bring mystery and perhaps clarity to their relationship that is needed before they each can move forward.
I enjoyed A Snowy Seaside Christmas by Eliza J Scott. It easily drew me in and kept me guessing throughout Nate and Lark’s story. It’s well-written, full of emotions, a touch of mystery, a bit of a magical feel, and friends who could become so much more if they only let their walls down a bit and took a risk on what they’re both feeling. It’s not always easy to jump into a series that’s (at this point) six books in, but I found the story could easily be read as a standalone, as it intrigued me enough to want to know more about the people I met here. It’s always a plus for me when I discover a new-to-me author that I enjoyed and want to read more of their work.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*
A Snowy Seaside Christmas is the sixth title in the Micklewick Bay series. I have not read the earlier books, yet I didn’t feel the least bit lost, as anything I really needed to know was addressed in either the narrative or the dialogue. I will definitely be checking out this series from the beginning now.
Lark and Nate have been friends for so long now. They might become more, but Lark always hesitates and holds back her true feelings. Nate owns an upscaling business, taking older items and revamping, repairing, or repurposing them for resale. Lark owns a vintage clothing boutique… and has a touch of precognition about items that she comes across, and certain “feelings” about people she meets. The cottage that Nate has asked Lark to help him clear out will certainly activate all of Lark’s psychic vibes about not only the property itself but also the items within. They are about to set out on a bit of a mystery, the smuggling history of the area playing strongly into their story. Their joint adventure will bring mystery and perhaps clarity to their relationship that is needed before they each can move forward.
I enjoyed A Snowy Seaside Christmas by Eliza J Scott. It easily drew me in and kept me guessing throughout Nate and Lark’s story. It’s well-written, full of emotions, a touch of mystery, a bit of a magical feel, and friends who could become so much more if they only let their walls down a bit and took a risk on what they’re both feeling. It’s not always easy to jump into a series that’s (at this point) six books in, but I found the story could easily be read as a standalone, as it intrigued me enough to want to know more about the people I met here. It’s always a plus for me when I discover a new-to-me author that I enjoyed and want to read more of their work.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*
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October 19, 2025A Snowy Seaside Christmas is the sixth book in the Micklewick Bay series. Set up as a romance story, the author also includes a wide array of other themes. Lark's "friend" Nate requests her help in clearing out an old abandoned cottage. As a thank you, Nate gives two antique suitcases, and the treasures within, to Lark. The contents of the first suitcase include vintage clothing with positive, happy, and glowing vibes. The contents of the second suitcase include historical artifacts that link the cottage to the local history of smuggling. The items are of a darker nature, causing Lark's precognition to work into overdrive, causing anxiety and uncomfortable feelings.
I love the combination of intrigue, mystery, history, and romance. Lark has been fighting her attraction to Nate for a long time. No one understands her hesitation and dismissal of what is clearly mutual affection. As Lark and Nate spend even more time together during the clean out of the abandoned cottage, the reader can feel and see those feelings grow. Scared of what this means for their friendship, Lark pushes away but then is forced to confront her feelings.
The historical factor woven in this novel is also exciting. I loved learning about the smuggling ring, the ties to locals, and the history. Lark's precognition while inspecting the clothing and artifacts was interesting. The author did a great job writing about all the different threads and then tying them all together into a neat and tidy ending.
I love the combination of intrigue, mystery, history, and romance. Lark has been fighting her attraction to Nate for a long time. No one understands her hesitation and dismissal of what is clearly mutual affection. As Lark and Nate spend even more time together during the clean out of the abandoned cottage, the reader can feel and see those feelings grow. Scared of what this means for their friendship, Lark pushes away but then is forced to confront her feelings.
The historical factor woven in this novel is also exciting. I loved learning about the smuggling ring, the ties to locals, and the history. Lark's precognition while inspecting the clothing and artifacts was interesting. The author did a great job writing about all the different threads and then tying them all together into a neat and tidy ending.
October 18, 2025
As this is the sixth in the series, you get to catch up with several of the characters and locations that you have met before. The central characters in this story are Lark and Nate and the story felt a little different in tone. I think it is because there is a hint of magic realism in the story as they set about clearing out the gloomy Crayke's Cottage. Lark has certain psychic abilities which she has tried to dampen down.Nevertheless, she is very sensitive to her surroundings and gets feelings about people she meets. This causes her to worry about Nate, who she has held as a close friend for years and she shies away from the attraction she feels for him, despite the disparity in their age.
The area is full of tales of past smugglers and these feel central to the history of Crayke Cottage. Lark's father is beginning to come to terms with the death of his partner and arrives in Middlewick hoping for a fresh start. A history teacher, he is drawn to the history of the area and forms a friendship with like minded people. Lark has some deep seated misgivings to sort through but throughout, you feel that Nate is a true friend who genuinely likes her. As the snow falls, Lark begins to get clarity about her feelings. This wintry romance has a lot to offer for the season and provides a great return to Middlewick Bay and the friendships the characters have.
In short: heartwarming reading Thanks to the publisher
The area is full of tales of past smugglers and these feel central to the history of Crayke Cottage. Lark's father is beginning to come to terms with the death of his partner and arrives in Middlewick hoping for a fresh start. A history teacher, he is drawn to the history of the area and forms a friendship with like minded people. Lark has some deep seated misgivings to sort through but throughout, you feel that Nate is a true friend who genuinely likes her. As the snow falls, Lark begins to get clarity about her feelings. This wintry romance has a lot to offer for the season and provides a great return to Middlewick Bay and the friendships the characters have.
In short: heartwarming reading Thanks to the publisher
October 14, 2025
This is another book in the Micklewick Bay series, but very easily read as a standalone! And it's another warming installment of goings on in this small community and this time we are introduced to Lark who lives at seaside cottage and runs a vintage clothing business, and is best friends with Nate who runs an upcycling business so their work often runs in tandem.
when he asks her for help in clearing an old cottage they start off with weird vibes in the house and the mystery then deepens as to what link this cottage has to the past and with her 'sixth sense' powers they start to investigate and I found this part of the story really entertaining. I love the old history of places and that feeling if only buildings could talk!
There's lots of drama going on both with trying to solve this mystery alongside some personal issues and I liked how the pace of the story nicely clipped along so there was always something going on to entertain you , and the characters of Lark and Nate were also so lovely too that you were so invested in them as people both professionally and personally! A lovely read!
when he asks her for help in clearing an old cottage they start off with weird vibes in the house and the mystery then deepens as to what link this cottage has to the past and with her 'sixth sense' powers they start to investigate and I found this part of the story really entertaining. I love the old history of places and that feeling if only buildings could talk!
There's lots of drama going on both with trying to solve this mystery alongside some personal issues and I liked how the pace of the story nicely clipped along so there was always something going on to entertain you , and the characters of Lark and Nate were also so lovely too that you were so invested in them as people both professionally and personally! A lovely read!
October 11, 2025
This is the first book in the Micklewick series that I have read. It centers on Lark Harper, a vintage clothing boutique owner and Nate Wilkinson, an upcycle business owner that turns old furniture into refreshed furniture for his customers.
Even though this is Christmas feel good story, I had a sense of mystery as they try to figure out what is going on with an older home that Nate has been hired to clear out. The owner wants to sell the home but does not want to enter the home nor does he want any of the items.
Nate gets into a tight spot and his friends become worried.
I liked how Lark’s father comes to visit and scopes out the town for a possible home and job. He looks forward to seeing his daughter on a more frequent basis.
I look forward to reading more by Eliza J. Scott. Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced readers copy. These are my own opinions.
Even though this is Christmas feel good story, I had a sense of mystery as they try to figure out what is going on with an older home that Nate has been hired to clear out. The owner wants to sell the home but does not want to enter the home nor does he want any of the items.
Nate gets into a tight spot and his friends become worried.
I liked how Lark’s father comes to visit and scopes out the town for a possible home and job. He looks forward to seeing his daughter on a more frequent basis.
I look forward to reading more by Eliza J. Scott. Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced readers copy. These are my own opinions.
November 29, 2025
Thank you for allowing me to review this latest book in the Micklewick Bay series. I enjoyed the mystery of Crakes Cottage and the links to smuggling. It was set nicely alongside Nate and Lark's friendship. These characters had appeared in previous books, which tend to follow the story of different villagers. If you are new to the series, then don't let that stop you from reading this book, as backgrounds are given where needed. This is a different Christmas and story to many that are written and I enjoyed it for that reason.
I can recommend this book to those who enjoy cosy stories with a mystery as well.
I can recommend this book to those who enjoy cosy stories with a mystery as well.
September 30, 2025
Another sweet book in this series, this time with Lark. Lark and good friend Nate find some interesting mysteries when clearing out and old cottage and then Lark's ability to sense aura puts her tight friendship and hidden love for Nate at risk. Reads fine alone but better in series.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2026
A very cozy and nice read December read ♥ I really liked getting to know Lark and Nate. They were amazing MCs. And Micklewick Bay seemed such a wonderful place! The mystery was also pretty good!
Cozy and atmospheric, this holiday romance pairs scenic charm with gentle emotion. Eliza J. Scott’s writing is warm and inviting, perfect for festive reading.
Thanks, NetGalley!
Cozy and atmospheric, this holiday romance pairs scenic charm with gentle emotion. Eliza J. Scott’s writing is warm and inviting, perfect for festive reading.
Thanks, NetGalley!
September 27, 2025
Another heart warming Micklewick Bay story showing that anything can be overcome with the right friends and family around you. I enjoy the ups and downs of these stories and belief in humanity, giving so much atmosphere and feel good sensation.
December 27, 2025
This is a really lovely read. I very much enjoyed the historical aspect. While I read this as a stand-alone book, it is part of a series, Mickelwick Bay, and I suspect I would also enjoy the other books set in this village.
November 15, 2025
A fabulous festive read which made me feel it’s time to embrace the season. Wonderful characters in a unique community, I would love to spend time in.
January 8, 2026
I like Eliza's writing style, the stories are a perfect way to relax in the evening
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews