New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn

by Georgia Hill

Welcome to Lullbury Bay, where new beginnings come wrapped in tinsel, snowflakes, and second chances...

When Livvy's boyfriend bails on her just days before they're due to take over a run-down cliffside pub, she's left with a give up or do it all alone. So, with a battered heart and a head full of dreams, she rolls up her sleeves and throws herself into transforming The George into the sophisticated gastropub she always imagined.

But Lullbury Bay has other plans.

From Silent Ernie and his cherry picker to the local quiz nights, festive frolics and a springer spaniel called Angel, Livvy soon finds herself swept into the warm and slightly bonkers embrace of village life. And then there's Mark—the kind, thoughtful, frustratingly handsome local who might just be exactly what Livvy needs... if she can open her heart again.

But when a string of unsettling events threatens everything she's built, Livvy must decide what really style or substance, success or belonging, ambition or love?

Genres: Christmas

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Alison Cairns · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn by Georgia Hill. So nice to return to Lullbury Bay for the story of another resident. This time Livvy, who’s taken over as Landlady of the Runaways Pub. The pub has gone downhill in recent times and she’s got her hands full getting it up to scratch. Regulars include grumpy old Pete and his dog Skip, and then there’s handsome accountant Mark. The pub soon becomes the heart of the community and Livvy fits in and makes friends. But someone is out to scupper her plans, targeting her with nasty vandalism. Can she get to the bottom of it? A lovely community read - and good to meet old friends from the previous Lullbury Bay books. #bloodhoundbooks #newbeginningsatthelittlechristmasinn

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Livvy’s boyfriend bails on her just days before they are due to take over a run-down pub she decides to not give up and do it alone. This is the story of what happens, in amongst the renovation and restoration of the pub all on the run up to Christmas. It is an easy to read Christmas romance. The author has developed some great characters in this book, and maybe some are not what they appear to be on the surface.
This is my first time reading this author and whilst this book appears to have connected books set in Lullbury Bay, this can be read as a stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would rate as a 3.5 rounded up to 4.

My thanks to Bloodhound books for the copy of this book.

[Susan Blissett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story starts with Livvy buying a pub in Dorset, right by the sea, but her boyfriend has left her and so she is initially alone in her new adventure. There were lots of different and interesting characters in this story and it felt quite heartwarming in that everyone rallies around to help each other in Lullbury Bay and there is plenty of community spirit. Friendship benches have been put in place, as well as many community events and people are keen to help one another in the village; however, I did feel that things seem to fall into place a little too easily for Livvy in terms of making friendships, getting new staff, fixing up the pub and acquiring any items needed. Other restaurants and pubs were eager to help too, and although the community spirit was nice to read about it felt a little unrealistic. I also felt, for much of the story, that there wasn’t much happening and although Livvy encounters some issues, they just felt like everyday issues one might encounter and have to overcome. The story felt a little predictable although I did particularly enjoy the ending and the sprinkling of Christmas festivities throughout.

I received an ARC from Bloodhound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and cosy Christmas romance that as soon as I saw the front cover, I just couldn't resist.

I always say it's never too early to start with the festive reads and this was a perfect quick and easy read to ease us into the best season of all!

This is the third book that I've read by this author and I've really enjoyed the writing style and settings of each one so far.
They all promise a lovely heartwarming story, characters that are relatable and a setting to really immerse yourself in for a few hours.

This book was everything I'd expected and more.

Poor Livvy finds her dream slipping away when her boyfriend bails on her just days before they take over the run-down clifftop pub.
Undeterred, she finds that throwing herself into the task alone brings out the best in herself and the local community, even maybe finding a new love too!

This wasn't without its conflicts and I loved how Livvy tackled everything and was determined to make her dream a reality.
Despite all this, we see some good friendships develop and this gives all the festive feels I needed.

Another great read and I'm looking forward to more from this author soon!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book; it definitely was a feel good Christmas read that left me really in the Christmas spirit. The book has tree lighting, Christmas parades and much more, a touch of romance as Christmas is not Christmas with put a stop of romance.
Livvy and her boyfriend are due to take over a run down inn in Lulbury Bay where they had plans to make into a thriving Inn. Livvy’s boyfriend decides at the last minute that he does not want to run a pub, so Livvy throws herself into transforming the pub on her own.
Livvy finds that everyone is really lovely and helpful from recommendations to help with the renovation to bar staff. But not everyone is as nice as it seams as a cat is found up the chimney and paint thrown at her car who is trying to scare her off.
I would definitely recommend this book

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn by Georgia Hill. It’s a heartwarming festive read that captures the magic of the holiday season and the charm of small-town life. The characters are endearing, and the setting is wonderfully cozy – I could almost smell the mulled wine and hear the carols. While I did find the story a little slow in places and some of the plot turns a bit predictable, it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment. It’s the kind of feel-good book that leaves you smiling, perfect for curling up with on a winter evening.

[Liz T · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was lovely to be back in Mulberry Bay and its friendly, close community. The book has a great feel good cosy Christmas atmosphere for anyone who loves all things Christmassy. However, this story of new comer Livy who has taken over the Runaway pub, now renamed The George, didn’t quite pull me in as much as the other books. There was not enough depth to the story and it had rather a slow start. Others may enjoy it more than me. Thanks to Bloodhound Books for an arc of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely woman's fiction/romance book. It follows Livvy's journey as the new owner of a pub in Lullbury Bay, Dorsetshire. The story had me hooked from the first. I liked the characters, and the plot was well written. If you like stories with interesting characters and a touch of romance, you will like this book, which I highly recommend to other woman's fiction/romance readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely Christmas novel, gets me into the Christmas spirit even though I’m not a fan. Livvy takes on an old pub in Lullbury Cove even though her partner has backed out with cold feet. She single handedly takes on the renovations and restoration of the local inn despite somebody doing their best to sabotage her efforts. Some lovely characters and events make it a page turner.

[Tina Fulcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely cosy Christmas read about a young lady who buys the local pub and her adventures whilst setting it up. Will there be romance? This book has a real community spirit. A great read and I highly recommend this book. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy and leave this review willingly.

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes, when you read a light romance, the good guy turns out to be evil and the villain is secretly a hero. Other times, the characters are exactly as they first appear. This is an easy to read Christmas feel good story, where good prevails over bad and hard work brings rewards. A cosy novel, ideal for Christmas escapism.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really lovely festive romance.
I loved the whole feeling of this book, and although the romance was signposted from early on that didn't matter, it was still a really enjoyable read.
Felicity was a likeable main character, and the supporting characters all grew nicely throughout the story.
Thoroughly recommend this one.

[Rachel Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect snuggle under a blanket with a glass of mulled wine read. Absolutely wonderful and charming and Christmasey.

Livy, deserted by her boyfriend, takes on an old coach house in Lullbury Bay and whilst the road is not smooth it is certainly snowy.

Thank you Georgia for another great Christmas read. Here's to more Lullbury Bay tales!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A festive read with interesting, likeable characters showing a lovely sense of community spirit.
Livvy decides to continue her move to the pub when her boyfriend bails last minute. She throws herself into the renovation and builds friendships with the local community.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the eARC.

[CA · Rating 3 out of 5]

love the community

I really enjoyed getting to know Livvy and watching her build a community at The George. The other characters within the story added humour, kindness and strength. Pete and Skip were my favourites. The storyline was a little unbelievable and ‘hallmark movie’ worthy with an obvious villain but a cozy winter read.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia Hill gradually inches her way to Christmas in "New Beginnings at the Christmas Inn". It starts gently and gathers pace being studded with great characters and their quirky personalities. I thoroughly enjoyed this seasonal read.

[Rock Chick Fee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this series, I do like this series, its like sunshine bursting through the clouds.

A good read, nice to catch up with people you got to know in the previous books too, and good to revisit Lulberry Bay again.

A very enjoyable read.

[Jane Welchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely cosy romance for Christmas. A definate for sitting by a warm fire on a cold night wrapped in a blanket. Another hit for the author in this series. Each book can be read as a stand alone.
A Christmas Cracker. Looking forward to the next one in the Lullbury Bay series.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good feel good Christmas book to get you in the spirit of things. Good characters and story line. This is a book about community spirit at Christmas time when a young woman buys the pub. Worth a read.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect read for this time of year! I enjoyed revisiting Lullbury Bay & the new (& old) characters. The author is perfectly able to describe living in small communities & how they work. Likeable characters & a great setting; fans of this type of book will not be disappointed.

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a nice easy Christmas read. Livvy has no choice but to go it alone when her boyfriend does a complete 360 on their dream, buying a local pub in Lulbury Bay. A great sense of community and Livvy is made to feel most welcome, but it seems for somebody she is far from welcome.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

New beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn was an enjoyable, cosy little christmas book.
The characters were likeable, but the storyline was a little predictable and the ending felt a little rushed.

[Shaz Mcdill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realise this was part of a series but I enjoyed it all the same a lovely Christmas read with a touch of romance thrown in what's not to love

[CeeCee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a lightweight Christmas romance that I read in almost one sitting.
I can only liken it to watching a Hallmark Christmas movie on a wet weekday afternoon.
Livvy has bought a rundown pub in the village of Lullbury Bay in Dorset. Her boyfriend has done a runner, leaving her to embark on the venture solo.
Cue an abundance of village characters who step up to the mark and provide her, more or less at the drop of a hat, with builders, kitchen staff, a chef extraordinaire, a whizz of a cleaner, a contact for pub furniture and on and on.
No sooner does Livvy bump into a new neighbour who just happens to own a flower shop when they're suddenly going for coffee and cake and becoming firm friends.
Add into the mix the inevitable romance with local boy Mark, Christmas songs blasting from every available speaker from October onwards, six foot of snow on Christmas day, the sly baddie who wants to sabotage Livvy's chances of making it, and your clichéd Christmas story is complete.
I unfortunately didn't detect an ounce of chemistry between Livvy and Mark, and the usual "does he love me, or are we just friends?" scenarios just added to the tedium.
It was an easy enough read, and Christmas is definitely chucked down your throat at every turn. In fact, there's hardly a page where a Christmas hit or carol isn't mentioned.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.