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Winter Library
Not yet published
Expected 22 Oct 26He spent years pretending she was just his sister's best friend.
She spent years trying to forget him.
Now they're both running out of excuses.
Winter has settled over Sugar Hill, covering the little mountain town in twinkling lights, holiday charm, and memories neither Evie Brooke nor Jonathan Walker can escape.
Evie has always known one thing: falling for Jonathan would be a mistake.
Jonathan has always believed one thing: Evie deserves someone other than him.
But when another man starts showing interest in Evie, the careful distance Jonathan has maintained for years suddenly becomes impossible to keep.
As long-buried feelings rise to the surface, both must face a question they've avoided for far too long:
What if the person they've been looking for has been standing right in front of them all along?
A heartwarming small-town romance packed with slow burn, emotional chemistry, humor, and a swoon-worthy hero.
While this is the second book in the Sugar Hill series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.
She spent years trying to forget him.
Now they're both running out of excuses.
Winter has settled over Sugar Hill, covering the little mountain town in twinkling lights, holiday charm, and memories neither Evie Brooke nor Jonathan Walker can escape.
Evie has always known one thing: falling for Jonathan would be a mistake.
Jonathan has always believed one thing: Evie deserves someone other than him.
But when another man starts showing interest in Evie, the careful distance Jonathan has maintained for years suddenly becomes impossible to keep.
As long-buried feelings rise to the surface, both must face a question they've avoided for far too long:
What if the person they've been looking for has been standing right in front of them all along?
A heartwarming small-town romance packed with slow burn, emotional chemistry, humor, and a swoon-worthy hero.
While this is the second book in the Sugar Hill series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book took me through the wringer! I laughed and cried in all the best ways. The winter setting, the adorable descriptions pulled me all the way in, and the throwbacks to the first book in this series were a lovely touch, too. Evie and Jonathan's story was just beautiful, and another fine example of how to develop characters backstorys throughout.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is genuinely one of the best small-town romances I've read in a long time.
Dagmara Birka writes so beautifully, but I think one of her biggest talents is creating characters who feel like real people. There were pieces of both Evie and Jonathan that I recognised in myself, and that made me incredibly attached to them.
Evie finding comfort in books and using them to quiet her mind felt especially relatable, while Jonathan's instinct to take care of everyone around him, carry everything himself and convince himself that denying what he wants is somehow the right thing to do hit me in an entirely different way.
And their relationship was everything I wanted it to be. The bickering, the history between them, the jealousy, the longing and all those little moments where it was painfully obvious how much they cared about each other long before they were willing to admit it. Watching these two finally figure themselves out was equal parts frustrating, hilarious and completely worth it.
But what really made Winter Library special for me was everything surrounding the romance. The friendships, the found family feeling and the little moments between the people of Sugar Hill made this world feel so warm and alive.
At one point I was genuinely laughing so hard that I had tears rolling down my cheeks, only for the next chapter to completely break my heart and turn them into sad tears. I don't remember the last time a small-town romance took me through such a ridiculous range of emotions.
It was funny, emotional, romantic, occasionally completely chaotic and full of characters I didn't want to leave behind.
Thank you so much to Dagmara Birka for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of Winter Library. 🤍
Dagmara Birka writes so beautifully, but I think one of her biggest talents is creating characters who feel like real people. There were pieces of both Evie and Jonathan that I recognised in myself, and that made me incredibly attached to them.
Evie finding comfort in books and using them to quiet her mind felt especially relatable, while Jonathan's instinct to take care of everyone around him, carry everything himself and convince himself that denying what he wants is somehow the right thing to do hit me in an entirely different way.
And their relationship was everything I wanted it to be. The bickering, the history between them, the jealousy, the longing and all those little moments where it was painfully obvious how much they cared about each other long before they were willing to admit it. Watching these two finally figure themselves out was equal parts frustrating, hilarious and completely worth it.
But what really made Winter Library special for me was everything surrounding the romance. The friendships, the found family feeling and the little moments between the people of Sugar Hill made this world feel so warm and alive.
At one point I was genuinely laughing so hard that I had tears rolling down my cheeks, only for the next chapter to completely break my heart and turn them into sad tears. I don't remember the last time a small-town romance took me through such a ridiculous range of emotions.
It was funny, emotional, romantic, occasionally completely chaotic and full of characters I didn't want to leave behind.
Thank you so much to Dagmara Birka for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of Winter Library. 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an Arc of Winter Library and I am so grateful I did because I loved it.
Just as the weather has turned colder, this book was exactly what I needed.
Evie was so relatable because books are my everything. Reading about her and Jonathan had me kicking my feet and smiling. It was so sweet and a perfect read to get you settled into the colder weather.
The book itself was written really well, it was easy to read and follow which was perfect for the genre and atmosphere, and it didn’t feel too slow or like it was dragging which I really liked because these types of stories risk that happening.
I would definitely recommend, especially if you enjoyed the Dream Harbour series by Laurie Gilmore as it gives a similar vibe. 😊
Just as the weather has turned colder, this book was exactly what I needed.
Evie was so relatable because books are my everything. Reading about her and Jonathan had me kicking my feet and smiling. It was so sweet and a perfect read to get you settled into the colder weather.
The book itself was written really well, it was easy to read and follow which was perfect for the genre and atmosphere, and it didn’t feel too slow or like it was dragging which I really liked because these types of stories risk that happening.
I would definitely recommend, especially if you enjoyed the Dream Harbour series by Laurie Gilmore as it gives a similar vibe. 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rule following, Stoic Cop and Sassy, Chaotic librarian with a foul mouth may be my new favorite pairing.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader copy in exchange for my honest review, and honestly…it may be my favorite non-fantasy romance read of the year.
I loved everything about this book. The banter, the tension, the yearning, the SPICE👀….literally giddy and kicking my feet at times. I loved Dagmara’s writing and didn’t find myself checking the page count to see how much longer I had to read. Just a very immersive and well done book.
I cannot wait to read Nelly and Andy’s book 🫶🏻
I received this book as an Advanced Reader copy in exchange for my honest review, and honestly…it may be my favorite non-fantasy romance read of the year.
I loved everything about this book. The banter, the tension, the yearning, the SPICE👀….literally giddy and kicking my feet at times. I loved Dagmara’s writing and didn’t find myself checking the page count to see how much longer I had to read. Just a very immersive and well done book.
I cannot wait to read Nelly and Andy’s book 🫶🏻
September 14, 2026
This is book two in The Sugar Hill series and it definitely did not disappoint.
I was very grateful to receive this as an arc, however I still would have read this.
The grumpy police officer Jonathan, has got it bad for local librarian Evie….. he just takes a while to realise it ❄️
Set in winter it’s a perfect read for now to dive head first! If it was not for the Evie’s love of books and getting hold of a first edition book would Jonathan have ever admitted his feelings… I doubt it.
The spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ so good 🥵!
Great read, although you can read as a stand alone I would recommend readying autumn cafe first
I was very grateful to receive this as an arc, however I still would have read this.
The grumpy police officer Jonathan, has got it bad for local librarian Evie….. he just takes a while to realise it ❄️
Set in winter it’s a perfect read for now to dive head first! If it was not for the Evie’s love of books and getting hold of a first edition book would Jonathan have ever admitted his feelings… I doubt it.
The spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ so good 🥵!
Great read, although you can read as a stand alone I would recommend readying autumn cafe first
September 16, 2026
arc review
this was really really good!!!! i was not expecting to be sucked into this world as quickly as i was, but i greatly enjoyed it! the characters are so funny and charming and even i had fallen for jonathan by the half way point. i did struggle with some of the repetitive parts, and also a few places where continuity didn’t match up, but otherwise, looking forward to more of this series!!
this was really really good!!!! i was not expecting to be sucked into this world as quickly as i was, but i greatly enjoyed it! the characters are so funny and charming and even i had fallen for jonathan by the half way point. i did struggle with some of the repetitive parts, and also a few places where continuity didn’t match up, but otherwise, looking forward to more of this series!!
September 28, 2026
Advanced Reader Copy Review!
I really enjoyed this book! I was privileged enough to get the eARC of the first book as well as this one and I think I like this one even better than the first! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Evie and Jonathan, their arguing back and forth was fun to read. I’m always a sucker for enemies-to-lovers, even when it’s more like “frenemies”. I also think this story sets up the next book well. I can’t wait to read that one!
I really enjoyed this book! I was privileged enough to get the eARC of the first book as well as this one and I think I like this one even better than the first! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Evie and Jonathan, their arguing back and forth was fun to read. I’m always a sucker for enemies-to-lovers, even when it’s more like “frenemies”. I also think this story sets up the next book well. I can’t wait to read that one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader
I really enjoyed this book! It’s such a cozy little read, especially with winter just around the corner. it immediately puts you in the mood for cold days, snow, and staying somewhere warm with a good book. ❄️
I especially loved the grumpy-guy-who-secretly-loves-her vibe. I’m always a sucker for a grumpy hero who acts like he can’t stand her while secretly caring way more than he lets on. I also really enjoyed the way they tease and challenge each other.
cute, cozy winter read 🫶🏼
I really enjoyed this book! It’s such a cozy little read, especially with winter just around the corner. it immediately puts you in the mood for cold days, snow, and staying somewhere warm with a good book. ❄️
I especially loved the grumpy-guy-who-secretly-loves-her vibe. I’m always a sucker for a grumpy hero who acts like he can’t stand her while secretly caring way more than he lets on. I also really enjoyed the way they tease and challenge each other.
cute, cozy winter read 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was just a joy to read, I am so happy I got the opportunity to receive an ARC.
The story pulls you in, I was smiling and laughing along with the story
The story pulls you in, I was smiling and laughing along with the story
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was absolutely AMAZING! I loved how the author started building the tension and chemistry between these two all the way back in book one. By the time you get to their story, you already have such a good understanding of their feelings for each other, and it makes their relationship even better!
The pacing was perfect, not only for the storyline but for the development of their relationship as well.
Nothing felt rushed, and I loved watching everything unfold so naturally.
And the chemistry?! STEAMYYYY!
Their connection was everything I expected from what we learned about them in book one, and the author definitely did not disappoint!
I seriously loved this book from beginning to end!
The romance, the tension, the characters... EVERYTHING!
You will absolutely fall in love with this story, and I already cannot wait to order a physical copy for my shelves!
The pacing was perfect, not only for the storyline but for the development of their relationship as well.
Nothing felt rushed, and I loved watching everything unfold so naturally.
And the chemistry?! STEAMYYYY!
Their connection was everything I expected from what we learned about them in book one, and the author definitely did not disappoint!
I seriously loved this book from beginning to end!
The romance, the tension, the characters... EVERYTHING!
You will absolutely fall in love with this story, and I already cannot wait to order a physical copy for my shelves!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pulled me in quicker than I expected. Enjoyed Evie and Johnathan together and I wasn't ready for it to end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review left as an ARC reader
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would I read again? : Yes.
What I liked first and foremost is that you can read it as a standalone. It’s the perfect cozy read for when you ( want to ) take a break from the romantasy. A grumpy police officer, a local librarian.. perfect match!
There are some bits of repetitive parts( hence my 4/5 stars) but you do get sucked into the story pretty quick. The story has an actual plot even though it’s a romance book, and the characters development is well written.
Again, it can (!) be read as a standalone but you should read Autumn café first.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would I read again? : Yes.
What I liked first and foremost is that you can read it as a standalone. It’s the perfect cozy read for when you ( want to ) take a break from the romantasy. A grumpy police officer, a local librarian.. perfect match!
There are some bits of repetitive parts( hence my 4/5 stars) but you do get sucked into the story pretty quick. The story has an actual plot even though it’s a romance book, and the characters development is well written.
Again, it can (!) be read as a standalone but you should read Autumn café first.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fantastic read!
I absolutely ate this up! I devoured it in just over a day - it probably would have been less if I didn’t need to sleep 😂
For someone who reads a lot of dark romance, it was nice to have a break from that. This was the perfect book for it.
It gave me similar vibes to The Pumpkin Spice Café series, but better!
You have Evie, your loud, opinionated, argumentative and downright loveable librarian. Then there’s Jonathan, Officer Walker - your brooding, controlled and reserved Chief Officer.
They say opposites attract…
The tension between these two from the very beginning was everything. This is definitely an enemies to lovers trope, but in your cosy town setting, and I was here for every second of it!
Oh, and when the spice kicks in… possibly some of the best I’ve read in a while. Girl was BLUSHING! 🥵😂
A 5 star, top-tier read!
Now I’m off to hunt down all the other books Dagmara has written.
Thank you for letting me have the pleasure of reading an ARC copy 🫶
I absolutely ate this up! I devoured it in just over a day - it probably would have been less if I didn’t need to sleep 😂
For someone who reads a lot of dark romance, it was nice to have a break from that. This was the perfect book for it.
It gave me similar vibes to The Pumpkin Spice Café series, but better!
You have Evie, your loud, opinionated, argumentative and downright loveable librarian. Then there’s Jonathan, Officer Walker - your brooding, controlled and reserved Chief Officer.
They say opposites attract…
The tension between these two from the very beginning was everything. This is definitely an enemies to lovers trope, but in your cosy town setting, and I was here for every second of it!
Oh, and when the spice kicks in… possibly some of the best I’ve read in a while. Girl was BLUSHING! 🥵😂
A 5 star, top-tier read!
Now I’m off to hunt down all the other books Dagmara has written.
Thank you for letting me have the pleasure of reading an ARC copy 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me just start with saying: This book was SO good!
I would recommend reading Autumn Café (Book one in the Sugar Hill series) first, but you don’t have to. Just know that the characters are the same and there are some part of the story that continues from the first book to this one.
Dagmara Birka does an excellent job writing her characters dynamics. It was good in Autumn Café, but I would actually say Winter Library was even better! I totally fell in love with Evie and Jonathan - absolutely loved them together! 🖤 (Ps. There’s some excellent spice in this book as well)
There was really only one little thing bothering me (I’ll try explaining without spoiling..):
There was something that went missing, and I didn’t get how they got it back 😅 (Sorry if it was there and I missed it). But still, if you want a really good enemies to lovers holiday romance, this book is IT!
I would recommend reading Autumn Café (Book one in the Sugar Hill series) first, but you don’t have to. Just know that the characters are the same and there are some part of the story that continues from the first book to this one.
Dagmara Birka does an excellent job writing her characters dynamics. It was good in Autumn Café, but I would actually say Winter Library was even better! I totally fell in love with Evie and Jonathan - absolutely loved them together! 🖤 (Ps. There’s some excellent spice in this book as well)
There was really only one little thing bothering me (I’ll try explaining without spoiling..):
There was something that went missing, and I didn’t get how they got it back 😅 (Sorry if it was there and I missed it). But still, if you want a really good enemies to lovers holiday romance, this book is IT!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is everything you'd like in a winter/Christmas story. Despite it's a romance, it has an actual plot, includes characters development and dialogues with funny banter between characters, which made me actually laugh to out loud while reading. If you like your season romance 🌶 but well written, then this story is for you!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews