Beneath the Winter Lights

by Grace Harper

Lara Lloyd didn’t plan on coming home to Talbot Bay after graduating, but slinging pints at the Salty Siren and dodging the winter gales of the Irish Sea feels safer than the life she left behind. That is until Woody Preston strolls back into her orbit.
He’s everything she swore off. Charming, infuriating, and dangerously familiar. The kind of man who can turn a casual smile into a promise she’s not ready to hear. Over whisky sours, stolen glances, and a New Year’s kiss that tastes like trouble, old habits begin to look a lot like second chances.

But in a town where the rumour mill runs faster than the tide, and where Woody’s privileged world and Lara’s hard-won independence could never fit neatly together, wanting each other might be the easy part.

Under the glow of fairy lights and the bite of winter wind, Lara has to decide if she’s ready to risk her heart before the season, and Woody, slip away.

A witty, slow-burn romance full of banter, longing, and the pull of home, Beneath the Winter Lights will sweep you back to Talbot Bay where love might just be worth the risk.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Born and raised in Wales, in a sleepy town just outside Cardiff, Grace developed a love of stationery at a very early age. She still can’t pass a pen shop without nipping in for a quick look around.

Writing and publishing since 2012, Grace has many books in her back catalog, all in the Romance genre. They range from Rock Star Romance to Small Town Romance and Family Sagas. Be warned, her books have a high heat level!

In a nutshell?
21st Century Romance – Writing about understated powerful women. Understated love stories with a powerful message, each and every time.

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Reviews

[Alanna Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a three star read for me. It was an enjoyable read. I will be over on my social channels discussing this book and all the others!

[Owella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath The Winter Lights is a novella based in Talbot Bay and features Lara and Woody. Lara and Woody both have a connection but haven't really explored it over the years because of their backgrounds. Woody's family has money and it creates a divide between them both that they can't seem to cross.

I loved reading these characters and how they developed throughout the course of the book so that they could over come all the hurdles to be together. It's such a heartwarming book that gave me the feels. I would definitely recommend!

[Ann (Literary Lust) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love spending time in Talbot Bay. There’s something truly special about this charming town and the people who call it home. Beneath the Winter Lights tells Lara and Woody’s story - and it's one you definitely shouldn't miss!

Lara and Woody are such a wonderful pairing. Lara has my full admiration: she’s hardworking, resilient, and determined to pursue the dreams she holds for her future. Woody, is incredibly kind and caring. Together, their chemistry is undeniable, and I found myself completely immersed in their back-and-forth interactions and emotional journey.

What really stood out is how Lara and Woody come from completely different backgrounds, and both must navigate those differences for their relationship to blossom. I appreciated how the story explored both perspectives, showing the real work that goes into building a connection despite personal histories and challenges.

Grace Harper’s The Talbot Girls series is a delightful collection of Christmas and winter-themed novellas - perfect for cozy autumn and winter reading. Since Lara is Eloise’s sister, we even get a lovely update on Ivor and Eloise from Snowflakes at Dawn, which adds an extra layer of continuity and charm to the series.

I would happily keep returning to Talbot Bay for as long as there are love stories to discover. I highly recommend this book - and the entire series - to anyone who enjoys heartfelt romance set in a close-knit community.

[Yvonne Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Quick and easy read

[Sue de Boeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

An apt final chapter in the Talbot girls series.