When Winter Came to Dunn Cottage

The House on the Edge of the Cliff #2

by Joanna Davidson Politano

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Victorian

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2026

About the author

Joanna Davidson Politano spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.

Reviews

[Joy Tiff]

My goodness. Joanna Politano sure can pack a full length story into a novella size book. This one grabbed me right from the start and the intrigue. I loved the characters. And Joanna makes the setting a full fledged character as well. The themes in this one are so so good. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Rochelle]

I love Joanna Politano’s books! Her stories are creative, mysterious and fascinating. They never fail to draw me in. Her writing is almost poetic in style rich with allusion, leaving readers to figure some of it out on their own. This being a novella, the pace is faster and there is less time for unraveling some of the ambiguity. I enjoyed the main characters, Simon and Rosalyn, who are devoted to their convictions. Their relationship has a unique beginning and a tender conclusion. I would’ve loved more of them but again, it’s a novella so… I would recommend reading this as it is a beautiful work, uplifting and inspiring.

I received an early copy of this story. A positive review was not required.

[Staci]

Cornwall 20th Century

In Joanna Davidson Politano's signature literary style, a tale of intrigue and complex characters is delivered in a Christmas novella.

Rosalyn Snow misses her father greatly. When she discovers another man wearing her father's coat, the chase is on to learn more about why the man is wearing the coat and what he knows about her father.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary e-book copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Katja Labonté]

4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). Again, Joanna Davidson Politano blows me away with her deep love for God and men, light and stories. I love how she's not afraid to delve into the rockiness of life, unearthing layers of hurt and wrong, and shine compassion into the darkness. And I love the reminder that so often, the people inflicting pain are struggling under their own hurts... not that it absolves them of responsibility, but it makes it easier to have mercy... and that of how often we condemn people for not being what WE want instead of loving them as God made them. This is a beautiful story. 💙

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Shellee]

Are you looking for a story that will awaken the Christmas spirit in you similar to a Dickens’ tale? Look no further than this beautifully atmospheric Christmas novella that will transport you back to Victorian England and capture your imagination. A daughter searching for her father, a mysterious stranger, a suspicious fire, a budding romance, a heart for the less fortunate, a secret room- there is so much packed into this extraordinary Christmas tale. Although it can definitely be read on its own, this is the second installment in The House on the Edge of the Cliff series, a unique reverse chronology set of stories where each story takes you back a little further in time and solves a mystery or answers a question from the previous book.
I truly believe Joanna Politano’s writings are destined to be classics. They are definitely at the top of my favorites list. This story is no exception. I loved the references to Dickens throughout. I invite you to journey back in time with Rosalyn and Simon where you can almost feel the snow and see the beauty of Cornwall. It will be a journey like no other and one that will be worth the time.
I was given an early release copy of this book by the author but was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Shellee's ratings

5 stars -- A personal favorite. I would recommend without reservations. I would read over and over again. It would have an excellent/satisfying ending.
4 stars -- Great book. I would recommend. I would enjoy reading again.
3 stars -- Good book. I would possibly recommend with caution or reservations. I may consider reading again or another book by the same author.
2 stars -- Okay book. I might recommend but with extreme caution. I probably wouldn't read again.
1 star -- Did not like and cannot recommend

[Carolyn Bryant]

This touching Victorian Christmas novella is the second offering in The House on the Edge of the Cliff series. A smoothly flowing plot, perfectly blending quiet, tender moments and intensely dramatic ones, grabbed me from the start and kept me reading with anticipation. Compelling characters tugged at my heart and kept me hoping for a happy ending. An authentic, atmospheric Cornish coast setting made me feel like I had stepped directly into the story. Uplifting themes of hope, love, and friendship are comforting and inspiring. With the depth and emotional impact of a much longer book, this novella is a complete, satisfying reading experience. I highly recommend it. Note: Although the books in the series share a setting, each book can be read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to post a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michelle]

Get swept away to the Cornish coast in this delightful short story. I tend to avoid novellas simply because I always want more or I don't feel like the plot can be well developed in a novella. BUT there are few authors that I make the exception for because they are really talented and can wrap up an exquisite plot in only a few chapters. Joanna Davidson Politano is one of those authors and I really enjoyed this book! I felt like I was right there at Dunn cottage or there on the coast in winter wrapped in a warm coat. The romance is so sweet and felt genuine even with only having a few pages. I loved the mystery that weaves through until the end and I was surprised with how everything was tied up. This is truly a cozy quick read and I highly recommend! But also-I do want more of this place and these people please!
While this book is tied to a previous novel by this author, it can be read entirely on its own.

Four stars.

"I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

[Viktoriya Bratnichenko]

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Title: When Winter Came to Dunn Cottage
🖋️ Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
📅 Publication Date: September 29, 2026
📚 Publisher: Grafted Page Press

I was so happy to be back at Dunn Cottage! There is something about the way Joanna Davidson Politano writes that makes her stories feel so inviting. It feels like you’re not just reading the story—you’re right there, experiencing everything alongside the characters. ❤️

One of my favorite messages from this story was:

“Lift your eyes—to look past the world’s concerns and focus on something infinitely more eternal. More valuable.”

This novella follows Rosalyn as she searches for answers about her missing father. When she encounters Simon Balfour under a bridge wearing her father’s coat, she can’t help but wonder how he came to have it. She invites him to Christmas dinner at Dunn Cottage, hoping to help him, gain his trust, and perhaps uncover some answers of her own.

And let me tell you… the surprises in this story! 😲 I loved all the mysteries, twists, and little pieces that slowly began to come together. There were moments that reminded me of A Christmas Carol, especially with Rosalyn’s uncle and his obsession with wealth and status, while Rosalyn and Simon’s story had almost a magical, Nutcracker-like feeling to it. 🎄✨

I especially loved how much depth there was to the characters. As more of the history surrounding Dunn Cottage and Rosalyn’s family is revealed, you begin to understand that there is so much more beneath the surface than what first meets the eye.

The history, mystery, Christmas atmosphere, and unexpected turns made this story feel so much bigger than a short novella. Joanna packed so much heart and detail into these pages, and I honestly never would have guessed I was reading a novella.

This story reminded me that sometimes people are carrying pain we cannot see, and sometimes we need to look beyond what is right in front of us to understand the bigger picture.

If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. 10/5 stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Definitely one of my favorite Christmas novellas! 🎄❤️

And after that ending… I am SO looking forward to Book 3! 😍📚

[Susan]

Exquisite story! Beginning with the stunning cover, continuing with an enchanting setting and poetic prose. And concluding with a heartwarming ending that will leave readers wanting more.

Ms. Politano has chosen an unusual way to tell the story of the House on the Edge of the Cliff. Each successive story is a prequel to what came before. Book 1 was set in 1913 and 1947, while this story is set in 1880. I wasn't sure if I would take to that particular storytelling strategy, but have found it quite intriguing. This story provided some answers to the previous story and expert foreshadowing has hinted at what is to come in the final story. Each echoes in the stories of the generations to come.

When I started reading When Winter Came to Dunn Cottage, I immediately felt as if I was wrapped in an magical blanket of words, one of mystery and romance. Rosalyn Snow's ongoing search for clues surrounding her father's disappearance leads to an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger under a bridge in Exeter. Hoping he will lead her to her father, she invites him to her uncle's estate in Cornwall for the holidays. This multilayered story is brilliant, more so because it is told within the parameters of a novella. There is so much detail woven within the pages, but most of all a compelling faith thread that will inspire us to show charity. To really see beyond an outer shell hardened by circumstance to see the pain within.

Ms. Politano's writing continues to leave me awestruck. Memorable because of its uniqueness, this is a Christmas story I will treasure and read in years to come.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lakeisha Heeringa]

Another absolutely delightful book from Joanna Davidson Politano!

Rosalyn Snow may live a privileged life with her strict uncle, but her heart is on the streets where her father lives, poverty stricken and homeless. With more questions than answers, she sneaks out to search for him, only to find his coat on another man. Where is her father? And why has he abandoned her?
Simon Balfour is a man of mystery. He carries himself like a gentleman, yet he lives on the streets. He's honest and caring, yet on the run from the law. He sees the world with an artist's eye, but won't stand for hypocrisy. When a wealthy young woman demands answers about his coat, he doesn't dare reveal his past. But her curiosity and kindness grows on him. Answering her desperate questions may give her closure, but will those answers seal his own fate?

Pros: This was one of those books where I thought it was going with a cute little cliche... and then 6 pages later, I realized it had turned that cliche on its head... time and time again! Joanna Davidson Politano is a master at writing deep stories with unexpected themes. Each book is full of different twists and turns, and when you reach the end, you realize that you've just read something profound.
I really liked the rather surprising lesson on charity in this book as well as the different examples of fathers. This may be a quickly-read Christmas novella, but this is no mass-produced Hallmark Christmas movie or cheap Hobby Lobby ornament. There is care and craftsmanship on every page.

Cons: 1st person present tense, I can tolerate. 3rd person present tense does not work with my brain. Fortunately, those POV chapters were brief, but they still existed😵‍💫

The Bottom Line: A well-crafted Christmas novella that may surprise you!

[Jeanine Reed]

Joanna never disappoints! Few authors can pen such an engrossing and compelling tale in novella form and it feel as if you have read a satisfyingly completed novel.

This Christmas novella is another layer in uncovering the mystery of Dunn Cottage. The second story in The House on the Edge of the Cliff series takes us further back in time where Rosalyn Snow, the niece of Elias Dunn, is relentlessly searching for her missing father. Beneath an old bridge in Exeter, she spies a vagabond in the very coat she patched for him many years ago. Determined to find answers and unwilling to let this clue slip away, she insists the man accompanying her to Cornwall for the Christmas celebrations at her uncle’s home.

Simon Balfour is a man in hiding. When a young woman helps him to evade the police and then utters a name he hasn’t heard in years, he decides to follow her to her Christmas dinner, not realizing the danger to his heart and his person.

Joanna never ceases to amaze me with her immersive and magical writing, her ability weave the most fascinating tales, and her ever present threads of faith and reverence of the Creator of all things. Her stories always leaving me feeling wonderstruck and inspired.

I can’t wait for more intriguing books surrounding the Dunn cottage and her captivating and enigmatic characters.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Winnie]

"It's so easy to think that what's at eye level is all there is, because it consumes our vision. We cannot see past it. Or we don't allow ourselves to."

When Rosalyn Snow encounters a man wearing her missing father's coat and fleeing the police, she decides to bring him to her home for Christmas and attempt to find out what he knows about her father. Simon Balfour is elusive and has secrets, but does he know where her father is? What is this man hiding?

It was a delight to return to Dunn Cottage on the cliffside in Cornwall. I was drawn to the beautiful, enticing cover and the premise of a hidden cottage with a rich family heritage. Joanna Davidson Politano's stories are always very creative and filled with unexpected twists and turns. They're also a little magical, whimsical, and mysterious with deep, engaging characters and most often have very surprising endings. This story is no different, and though it is a novella, there is a lot packed into it, and it feels complete and satisfying. I especially enjoyed the thread of charity and service to others that ran through the tale.

I'm looking forward to more stories about Dunn Cottage from this author. She is definitely one of my favorite authors. Her books are such a treat. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Paula Shreckhise]

I am always excited to dive into a Joanna Politano novel. This one is a novella but it is packed with allegory and is just sumptuous in its descriptions.
A theme that is evident throughout is: you should not just look on outward appearances but “lift your eyes”, hinting that if we see with the eyes of God that we see things differently.
One of my favorite authors is Charles Dickens and main character Rosalyn Snow loves him too. She emphasizes with the poor and needy and sees a connection to those who are generous and kind towards them. My favorite novel by Dickers is ATale of Two Cities. I recognized a similarity to this story of sacrifice for others and of course to the sacrifice of Christ Himself.
Beautifully written, this story has romance, a noble but not titled hero in Simon Belfour and characters who have hidden motives. The atmospheric writing was mesmerizing in the cliff cottage, the mansion and during danger when calamity strikes.
If you love Amanda Dykes, this story will be sure to captivate you.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone. *

[Erin Laramore]

This was a great novella by Joanna Davidson Politano! Told in her lyrical manner, including a few mystery elements and a lovely love story, this book is the second in the House on the Edge of the Cliff series (though first chronologically). Though this story stands on its own, I enjoyed seeing some elements of the first book explained. When Rosalyn Snow finds a man wearing her father's coat, she brings him home for Christmas to get some answers and gets a lot more than she bargained for. Though I find Ms. Politano's style better suited for longer novels where the mysteries and love stories can unwind more slowly, this was still an enjoyable ride and I enjoyed seeing some of the backstory of Dunn Cottage (and Dunn House). And it's always a pleasure to read a Christmas story during the summer. I'm excited to read more of this series as it progresses! Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Gina]

4.5⭐️

I was hooked from the very beginning of this Christmas novella. Just who is this vagrant wearing Rosalyn’s dad’s old coat? How does he know him? I love a good mystery!

Once again, Joanna’s writing style is poetic and often has deeper meaning than what is first seen at the surface. I love the references to Dickens and well, we even have a bit of an Ebenezer Scrooge character!

I flew through this book and finished it in just over 24 hours. I know this is a novella, but with the way this unfolded, I still would have finished it rather quickly had it been a full length novel! There were some revelations that made me smile. I was pleased with how everything unfolded.

My only complaint was that it wasn’t a full length novel, haha. But that’s exactly what it isn’t supposed to be, it’s a novella. I would have liked to see more of a conclusion at the end as I was left with lots of wondering about what happened after.

This series has such a magical setting! Cornwall really transports me to a lovely place and I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far.

[Jo|Ruth Reads]

"Yet with that brief touch, the world slows, and the chaos softens. His heart beats a solid rhythm against my palm, and as I look up, my rush melts away under that penetrating, narrow- eyed gaze, layer by layer— no one has ever looked at me so directly before."

Such a cozy romance! I was so happy when I saw this hit the shelves!

When Rosalyn spots a stranger fleeing the police wearing her fathers coat she can't help but get involved. Who is this stranger, how does he know her father, and can he help bring him home? Simon is fleeing the police and is full of secrets. But as Rosalyn takes an interest in him, he finds himself drawn to her. But as his ties to her father come to light, and his true identity is revealed the two will need to define their feelings and see if there is a path forward.

This was incredibly sweet. As these two are slowly drawn to each other it was ao wonderful to experience. I was rooting for them all along, and even I was surprised by all the directions this story took. Such a sweet romance, with amazing chemistry!

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea]

Excellent multilayered novella set at Christmastime on the Cornish coast...I truly didn't want it to end! 'When Winter Came to Dunn Cottage' is a mystery and a love story, with several surprises along the way. I loved it! Rosalyn Snow spots her father's coat on a man running from the police under the bridge in Exeter. She catches up to him and convinces him to come home with her to her uncle's so she can learn more about her father. Mystery and friendship ensue. I love the author's writing style. You don't want to miss this Christmas novella!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Just an FYI, this series can be read as standalone stories, but I am loving reading them all!
Book 1 is set at the house in 1913 and 1947.
Book two is set at the same house with different owners in 1880.
"The House on the Edge of the Cliff series tells interconnected stories across generations, where one house on the Cornish coast holds secrets that echo through time."

[Andrette Herron]

I’ve been anticipating more stories from the series The House on the Edge of the Cliff and I am so glad we have this Christmas novella. The characters and the story had my attention from the very beginning. I could not put this one down. In the search for her missing father, Rosalyn encounters Simon, the mysterious stranger wearing her father’s coat. She invites him back to Dunn House for the holidays, hoping he can answer her questions and lead her to finding her father.

Simon has been hiding from his past and avoiding society. But all that begins to change when Rosalyn brings him into her world and asks him to stay at the cottage. I love how the author developed the connection and tension between Rosalyn and Simon. Once his secret is exposed, everything changes between them. Even though this story is a novella, when I finished, I had the same satisfaction from reading one of Politano’s full-length novels. With a stunning cover, and a beautifully written story, this is one Christmas story I plan to revisit often.

I received an early copy of this book from the author and was not required to leave a positive review.

[Jennifer K]

This is my new favorite Christmas story. I was absolutely enthralled by this Victorian novella. I could read it again and again. The creative storyline is both festive and bleak at times, while revealing hidden connections between characters. Circumstances arise offering the two main characters opportunities to see their world in a different way. The author’s descriptions of Cornwall are added perfectly to create a wonderful setting. I especially enjoyed all the references to Charles Dickens and his works. Actually, this book read just like a Dickens tale which is yet another reason to read it. Such a well-crafted story that is sure to lift your spirits. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Life of Literature]

I think I went through withdrawal when I finished The House on the Edge of the Cliff, so I was ecstatic to discover Joanna Davidson Politano was writing a novella centered around Dunn Cottage. This book stands well on its own, but for those who enjoyed The House on the Edge of the Cliff, it gives a bit of backstory to Dunn Cottage. I was immediately drawn to Rosalyn. Her somewhat naïve but sweet demeanor, her fierce determination, and her passion for truth all contributed to a complex character that made me cry, laugh, and cheer. I also really liked the layers to Simon, and was equally drawn to him as his story unraveled in a fascinating way. The plot took several unexpected twists, all without sacrificing amazing character development. I love the way this author writes such vulnerable characters who experience spiritual growth, and Rosalyn and Simon have stayed with me long after I finished the novel. I am truly amazed at how much got packed into this novella. I could write much about how much I loved this book, but instead I will just encourage you to get a copy and enjoy it for yourself! Highly recommended! I cannot wait for another book in the series!

[Leann Arave]

Another fascinating and intriguing tale of the mysterious Dunn cottage. Nestled on the cliffs above the sea, it is Rosalyn’s secret hideaway. She has convinced a stranger, in her long, lost father‘s coat, to hide from whatever he’s running from. I must admit I started this story and could not get into it, so I put it down and after a time came back to it. I was pleasantly surprised as I started over. This truly is a gripping mystery that grabbed hold of my attention and held it throughout the story. I have read other books by this author and figured the problem had been me because I have always enjoyed her stories. So if you like charming love stories, a little bit of mystery and stepping back in time, you will thoroughly enjoy this story.

[Teresa]

This is a sweet love story that also includes difficult family dynamics and a touch of mystery. A lot happens in the pages of this novella. And while part of the House on the Edge of the Cliff series, you could read it as a standalone. The fact that it takes place during the Christmas holiday is a bonus. I have grown to love books that are set in Cornwall ... whether from hundreds of years ago or present day. The setting had me wishing I could escape for a mini vacation. The hidden connections between various characters will pull you into the story as you anxiously wait to see the way things play out.

Thank you to the author for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

[Victoria]

What a delightful and enchanting story! One thing I love about Joanna’s stories is she immediately pulls you in from chapter one with a sense of intrigue and wraps you up in wonder with picturesque scenery. I shouldn’t be surprised that she was able to still do all of that within a novella.

This story was full of light, truth, and love. I enjoyed unraveling numerous mysteries throughout the story and coming alongside the main characters’ struggles, heartaches, and growth as they worked through some of the hardships of life together.

If you enjoy novellas with depth and heart, then this makes for a perfect winter read while cozied up next to a fire.

[Desiree]

A perfect Christmas novella. While a novella I still got the atmospheric writing as a regular length Politano full length book. This story was shorter but not shorter in enjoyment or quality. Also, with twists we also often get in one of her books. I never see any of them coming! Beautiful writing and a beautiful message. The story always feels so full and in depth. I loved the line "Then stand up for yourself-but wisely. Anger only weekens the truth he needs to hear." Lots of these nuggets. Overall I found this story to be engorssing and full of emotion. I loved getting to read the origin story, so to speak, of Dunn Cottage.

[Josie Siler]

I really enjoyed this story. It kept me guessing, had twists I didn’t see coming, and characters I loved. I wish there had been a little more at the end, it felt like it ended too soon and I want more! I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Jeanette Durkin]

Wow! Every time I read a book by Joanna Politano, I'm blown away! She creates vivid scenes, wonderful characters and I always wish that the story would never end.

Rosalyn is an amazing character! She's full of life, compassion and charity. I love everything about her. Simon is interesting and complex. Uncle Elias proves that people can change!

[Lindsay Rankin]

Good book!

I really enjoyed reading this story! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it releases.

[Sarita]

This story took me back to the author’s mystical way with words and mystery which took me on a journey back in time where secrets want to stay buried and you do not know who is friend or foe.

The connection between the main characters were clear from the start, though the male lead wanted his secrets to remain buried and being hidden. Some events and circumstances lead to false guilt.

Rosalyn’s heart towards those less fortunate and in need were felt throughout the story. And her struggle to help others but being respectful under her uncle’s roof caused conflict and it was only during a devastating event when she saw behind the walls those in her life created after they experience loss and grief.

A beautiful story of hope and fresh beginnings.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*