What do you think?
Rate this book
Polwenna Bay #3
Winter Wishes
Is it really better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?
Tara Tremaine is a woman with a mission – to pick up the pieces of a life she turned her back on and win back her estranged husband, Danny. Nothing will stand in Tara’s way, least of all the dangerous secret that drove them apart or Danny’s growing feelings for another woman…
Since arriving in Polwenna Bay hardworking vicar Jules Mathieson has put duty above her own heart. Jules adores her new life by the sea and secretly loves troubled war veteran, Danny Tremaine. When Tara returns Jules knows stepping away from him is the right thing to do, no matter how much it hurts.
Danny Tremaine’s world has been shattered. With life-changing injuries, a wife who’s walked away and his glittering military career abruptly over, he returns to the family home to a rebuild his broken body and heart. Danny knows his friendship with Jules could blossom into more but allowing this to happen will come at a very high price - one that could cost him everything.
With Christmas fast approaching Jules, Danny and Tara are not the only people in the village with secrets and long cherished dreams. Maybe with a little seasonal magic, some winter wishes really will come true?
Tara Tremaine is a woman with a mission – to pick up the pieces of a life she turned her back on and win back her estranged husband, Danny. Nothing will stand in Tara’s way, least of all the dangerous secret that drove them apart or Danny’s growing feelings for another woman…
Since arriving in Polwenna Bay hardworking vicar Jules Mathieson has put duty above her own heart. Jules adores her new life by the sea and secretly loves troubled war veteran, Danny Tremaine. When Tara returns Jules knows stepping away from him is the right thing to do, no matter how much it hurts.
Danny Tremaine’s world has been shattered. With life-changing injuries, a wife who’s walked away and his glittering military career abruptly over, he returns to the family home to a rebuild his broken body and heart. Danny knows his friendship with Jules could blossom into more but allowing this to happen will come at a very high price - one that could cost him everything.
With Christmas fast approaching Jules, Danny and Tara are not the only people in the village with secrets and long cherished dreams. Maybe with a little seasonal magic, some winter wishes really will come true?
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2015
270 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Saberton
47 books351 followersRuth Saberton is a bestselling British author with over 25 books written under her own and pen names. Her books feature romance and secrets and are set in beautiful Cornwall.
Her latest book THE LETTER is available now!
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Saberto...
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Ruth loves to to talk to her readers. Interact with her on her website www.ruthsaberton.com on Twitter @ruthsaberton
www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor
Her latest book THE LETTER is available now!
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Saberto...
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Ruth loves to to talk to her readers. Interact with her on her website www.ruthsaberton.com on Twitter @ruthsaberton
www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 15, 2015
I would like to thank Ruth Saberton for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I've got to say I've been waiting to read this book for months, especially when Ruth told me Jules and Danny would be the main characters in this book. Ruth really pulls at the heart strings with this story. In the beginning, I wanted to hate Danny's wife Tara especially as she wanted Danny back., Jules thought that it would be for the best if they made a go of their marriage despite Danny telling her it was over.
I love all the characters in these books and really look forward to catching up with them with each installment. I love the drama that Ruth interweaves into the story around the village of Polwenna Bay. Reading this is like catching up with old friends and there are lots of lovely people in Polwenna and some not so nice.
Once again, I loved Danny's son Morgan and he is one of my favourite characters of the whole books. Danny isn't the usual handsome hero, he has been injured in the army, but Ruth makes it clear that although his accident has changed him his is still a hero.
A fantastic addition to the series and can't wait to read the next book. Once I started this book I would say I will read another chapter and ended up staying up until three am.
I've got to say I've been waiting to read this book for months, especially when Ruth told me Jules and Danny would be the main characters in this book. Ruth really pulls at the heart strings with this story. In the beginning, I wanted to hate Danny's wife Tara especially as she wanted Danny back., Jules thought that it would be for the best if they made a go of their marriage despite Danny telling her it was over.
I love all the characters in these books and really look forward to catching up with them with each installment. I love the drama that Ruth interweaves into the story around the village of Polwenna Bay. Reading this is like catching up with old friends and there are lots of lovely people in Polwenna and some not so nice.
Once again, I loved Danny's son Morgan and he is one of my favourite characters of the whole books. Danny isn't the usual handsome hero, he has been injured in the army, but Ruth makes it clear that although his accident has changed him his is still a hero.
A fantastic addition to the series and can't wait to read the next book. Once I started this book I would say I will read another chapter and ended up staying up until three am.
January 7, 2016
I am so in love with this series. Honestly this is the best book series in a while... its better than Eastenders. In this book we learn about Dan and Jules. Dan has not had it easy after been hurt in war, then becoming a drinker with a seriously bad attitude, but Jules has come into the village and not pussy footed Dan at all. Infant as the local Vicar, Jules has helped Dan clean up his act and they have become best friends. That is, until Tara, Dans ex comes back and Jules must step aside to save their marriage.
Ruth writes from the heart and entertains with all the characters and the goings on. The characters are people you could meet every day on the street and in your own family! The descriptions of Cornwall are so good you can believe your there. This is book number 3 in the series, but you can read it alone... however I seriously recommend reading the lot. I can't wait for number 4!!
Ruth writes from the heart and entertains with all the characters and the goings on. The characters are people you could meet every day on the street and in your own family! The descriptions of Cornwall are so good you can believe your there. This is book number 3 in the series, but you can read it alone... however I seriously recommend reading the lot. I can't wait for number 4!!
November 10, 2020
Winter Wishes is part 3 in a series set in Polwenna Bay, Cornwall, but can definitely be read as a standalone. This story focuses mostly on the lovely local vicar Jules and the Tremaine family.
Although Jules is a vicar, the story isn’t religious bar the usual church services you’d expect to be have around Christmas time. Jules acknowledges that many of her parishioners still celebrate pagan festivals, and several celebrations and local folklore are mentioned throughout.
Winter Wishes starts at Halloween and pumpkin carving, trick or treating and bonfire night all feature in the story which has a heartwarming ending on Christmas Day.
This really had it all – real characters, a little light humour, gossip, drama, community and a bit of romance. Even tales of smugglers and treasure. I loved it and will definitely be reading more from this series and Ruth Saberton in general.
I stereotypically imagined Jules as Dawn French in the Vicar of Dibley, and Casper the author as Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen. I wonder if anyone else thought the same?
If you think you might like this, do also pop along to Ruth Saberton’s website where you can get some free read by signing up to her newsletters.
Although Jules is a vicar, the story isn’t religious bar the usual church services you’d expect to be have around Christmas time. Jules acknowledges that many of her parishioners still celebrate pagan festivals, and several celebrations and local folklore are mentioned throughout.
Winter Wishes starts at Halloween and pumpkin carving, trick or treating and bonfire night all feature in the story which has a heartwarming ending on Christmas Day.
This really had it all – real characters, a little light humour, gossip, drama, community and a bit of romance. Even tales of smugglers and treasure. I loved it and will definitely be reading more from this series and Ruth Saberton in general.
I stereotypically imagined Jules as Dawn French in the Vicar of Dibley, and Casper the author as Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen. I wonder if anyone else thought the same?
If you think you might like this, do also pop along to Ruth Saberton’s website where you can get some free read by signing up to her newsletters.
January 23, 2019
If you can make your way through the tedious and somewhat verbose descriptions of the cornish village there is almost a nice story. The whole book lacked pace, drama and intrigue in the main. I felt for 90% of the book I could probably draw a map of the town but no idea about the people or relationships. The last 10% was a bit of a saving grace though I only got to read this through my persistence rather than any love or compassion for even one character.
Overly verbose in regards to the landscape and town, lacking in characterisation and generally disappointing!
Overly verbose in regards to the landscape and town, lacking in characterisation and generally disappointing!
June 30, 2017
I so love this series and lovely to go back to the cornish village. Julie's the vicar is enjoying working in the village but she is falling for Dan but can she forgive that he has a child and left his wife but can they sort it out and be happy or will they end up going separate ways. Well worth reading a true village life book.
January 24, 2019
This was not a stand alone book. I'm sure I'd have enjoyed it more if I knew the characters back stories
December 9, 2018
I've read the previous books in this series, but had somehow lost track of it for a while, but I am so glad I'm back in Polwenna Bay as this is such a fabulous series.
Even though it's been a couple of years since I read the last one I remembered the family and the characters, which goes to show how memorable it was in the first place. This book deals with Jules and Danny's relationship. Jules is the vicar and is such a lovely character, always looking out for other people and putting herself second. Danny is separated from his wife Tara and they have a wonderful young son, Morgan, who they both adore. Danny and Tara split up for reasons that are revealed in this book, and as much as Jules is falling for Danny she refuses to have anything to do with him for most of the book as Tara has reappeared in Polwenna and wants to make a go of their marriage, even though Danny says there is absolutely no way that is happening. But Jules can't go against her vows and if there is any way of them making a go of their marriage she doesn't want to be in the way.
There are various other characters that are just as interesting as the main ones and secrets to be revealed - why is 'Poison' Ivy so nasty to everyone, who is the Polwenna Bay Angel, who keeps donating large amounts to the church, who is the theatrical looking writer Caspar, and who is the villager who wrote the saucy Blackwarren novel and is keeping it a big secret? (I really didn't see that one coming!) I even came to like Tara, who was really the 'bad' character. She'd just made a mistake, albeit a big one, but had grown up a lot since then and was really trying - and she was such a good Mum, she adored her son.
Really lovely book set in Cornwall with a lovely Christmas vibe. Highly recommended.
Even though it's been a couple of years since I read the last one I remembered the family and the characters, which goes to show how memorable it was in the first place. This book deals with Jules and Danny's relationship. Jules is the vicar and is such a lovely character, always looking out for other people and putting herself second. Danny is separated from his wife Tara and they have a wonderful young son, Morgan, who they both adore. Danny and Tara split up for reasons that are revealed in this book, and as much as Jules is falling for Danny she refuses to have anything to do with him for most of the book as Tara has reappeared in Polwenna and wants to make a go of their marriage, even though Danny says there is absolutely no way that is happening. But Jules can't go against her vows and if there is any way of them making a go of their marriage she doesn't want to be in the way.
There are various other characters that are just as interesting as the main ones and secrets to be revealed - why is 'Poison' Ivy so nasty to everyone, who is the Polwenna Bay Angel, who keeps donating large amounts to the church, who is the theatrical looking writer Caspar, and who is the villager who wrote the saucy Blackwarren novel and is keeping it a big secret? (I really didn't see that one coming!) I even came to like Tara, who was really the 'bad' character. She'd just made a mistake, albeit a big one, but had grown up a lot since then and was really trying - and she was such a good Mum, she adored her son.
Really lovely book set in Cornwall with a lovely Christmas vibe. Highly recommended.
October 29, 2024
Lots of wishes for love, and some will take a different form from the intent of their original owners when the wish was made.
Tara, Danny's estranged wife, is back from a fling with a live-in boyfriend who wasn't wild about Morgan. She leaves, intent on winning Danny back, but he has already fallen for his best friend, the vicar, Jules, with whom he teamed up for exercise and to keep him off the booze. He is no longer Tara's, but the run ins, often literal, that she has with the new GP, Richard, have sparked something between them.
The sour old lady - and every small town has at least one of them that the kids claim are child-eating witches - has managed to alienate the town with her constant complaints. Today, we'd likely say she was a Karen on steroids. But there is a surprise in store with her.
Another new addition is a flamboyant writer with a bad case of writer's block, looking for "his muse," and trying to put pretty much every woman he sees in that place.
Jules is looking at leaving Polwenna Bay because she wants Tara and Danny to succeed, but there is one thing she doesn't know that could change everything. It's not Danny's secret tontell, though, so Jules may never find out.
Come visit Cornwall's villages and find out what happens to your favorite characters. You will not be disappointed!
Tara, Danny's estranged wife, is back from a fling with a live-in boyfriend who wasn't wild about Morgan. She leaves, intent on winning Danny back, but he has already fallen for his best friend, the vicar, Jules, with whom he teamed up for exercise and to keep him off the booze. He is no longer Tara's, but the run ins, often literal, that she has with the new GP, Richard, have sparked something between them.
The sour old lady - and every small town has at least one of them that the kids claim are child-eating witches - has managed to alienate the town with her constant complaints. Today, we'd likely say she was a Karen on steroids. But there is a surprise in store with her.
Another new addition is a flamboyant writer with a bad case of writer's block, looking for "his muse," and trying to put pretty much every woman he sees in that place.
Jules is looking at leaving Polwenna Bay because she wants Tara and Danny to succeed, but there is one thing she doesn't know that could change everything. It's not Danny's secret tontell, though, so Jules may never find out.
Come visit Cornwall's villages and find out what happens to your favorite characters. You will not be disappointed!
February 23, 2025
This book is a beautiful read.
“You might win a battle but unless you’re winning hearts and minds you’ll never win the war.”
“Sometimes the truth was better left unsaid. Once the words were out they could never be unspoken.”
“Sometimes things break and even if you glue them together carefully they’ll never be the same again. The cracks are there and every time you look at the thing you’ve tried to mend, all you see are the flaws and the damage. You know that you’ll never feel the same way about it again. It can never, ever be repaired.”
“you’d be amazed how many romantic novelists are guys.”
“make sure that it really is His voice you’re listening to and not just the whispering of your own fears. Sometimes what God wants for us is the steep and rocky road rather than the smooth downhill one.”
“apart from the obvious flame of physical attraction? When you were in your teens this was everything, of course, but with more maturity and life experience you began to realise that there had to be more than that to sustain a relationship. Friendship. Shared goals. Easy conversation. Values in common. All these were suddenly far more important.”
“Forgiveness is also a two-way street.”
“You might win a battle but unless you’re winning hearts and minds you’ll never win the war.”
“Sometimes the truth was better left unsaid. Once the words were out they could never be unspoken.”
“Sometimes things break and even if you glue them together carefully they’ll never be the same again. The cracks are there and every time you look at the thing you’ve tried to mend, all you see are the flaws and the damage. You know that you’ll never feel the same way about it again. It can never, ever be repaired.”
“you’d be amazed how many romantic novelists are guys.”
“make sure that it really is His voice you’re listening to and not just the whispering of your own fears. Sometimes what God wants for us is the steep and rocky road rather than the smooth downhill one.”
“apart from the obvious flame of physical attraction? When you were in your teens this was everything, of course, but with more maturity and life experience you began to realise that there had to be more than that to sustain a relationship. Friendship. Shared goals. Easy conversation. Values in common. All these were suddenly far more important.”
“Forgiveness is also a two-way street.”
September 1, 2020
I'm a huge fan of Ruth Saberton and I love the Polwenna Bay series as I grew up in Cornwall and know the area they are set in very well. Winter Wishes is the story of Danny Tremaine, the second eldest son of the Tremaine family. Danny is an army veteran trying to turn his life around after life changing events that have left him frustrated and angry at the world.
When his ex-wife shows up again, having been thrown out of her boyfriend's place in Plymouth, it's clear that fireworks are on the way. Not only does Tara's reappearance cause more friction than ever, but it also puts Danny's fledgling relationship in jeopardy almost before it begins. As the Christmas season draws in, will everyone's Winter Wishes come true?
When his ex-wife shows up again, having been thrown out of her boyfriend's place in Plymouth, it's clear that fireworks are on the way. Not only does Tara's reappearance cause more friction than ever, but it also puts Danny's fledgling relationship in jeopardy almost before it begins. As the Christmas season draws in, will everyone's Winter Wishes come true?
October 12, 2018
O want more!!!!!!
This is a most enchanting trilogy. I l laughed, cried and went through just about every emotion. I will miss these characters and hopefully will get a chance to share their lives,lives and adventures again when you write about them again. Thank you for the hours of enjoyment that this tri!got gas given me. Please l
Keep me informed as to future plans for this series. cawcew1@ptd.net
This is a most enchanting trilogy. I l laughed, cried and went through just about every emotion. I will miss these characters and hopefully will get a chance to share their lives,lives and adventures again when you write about them again. Thank you for the hours of enjoyment that this tri!got gas given me. Please l
Keep me informed as to future plans for this series. cawcew1@ptd.net
June 10, 2021
4.5 stars
I have really enjoyed reading the works of this author. It has been exciting to read the books centered on the wild Cornish Coast of the UK. The Polwenna Bay series draws the readers into the family and community dynamics as members of the community find love and acceptance. The series is well written with little to no foul language or explicit love scenes. Very entertaining for all age groups.
I have really enjoyed reading the works of this author. It has been exciting to read the books centered on the wild Cornish Coast of the UK. The Polwenna Bay series draws the readers into the family and community dynamics as members of the community find love and acceptance. The series is well written with little to no foul language or explicit love scenes. Very entertaining for all age groups.
August 8, 2018
Addicting!
I stumbled on the first of the series on the people of Polwenna Bay. Then I read the second one and now the third one. Great descriptions of the area. Each book has its main characters but others shared the stage, even into the next book. I will have to binge read the rest of the series. Stories that warm your heart.
I stumbled on the first of the series on the people of Polwenna Bay. Then I read the second one and now the third one. Great descriptions of the area. Each book has its main characters but others shared the stage, even into the next book. I will have to binge read the rest of the series. Stories that warm your heart.
January 4, 2019
Cornish village and Jules.is the vicar. A love she has found with Danny. Then his wife comes back determined to win him back. He and his body have been through so much, a career has ended, did he want Tara back. It was secrets that did the damaged to their marriage.With Christmas, and magic is needed for them and the town and the secrets they hold. Good enjoyable story to see how it will end.
April 9, 2020
Well these books are really helping me get through the "lockdown". Able to read one after the other in a way not normally possible. Just love the characters and the setting. On book 4 now and enjoying each one so much. Sorry can't read about Jules without seeing Dawn French in my head!!! But that's ok. She's lovely too.
August 13, 2021
I wanted to like this book but I could not get into it. It seemed a bit confused whether it was chic lit, romance or a light mystery type book and it was too predicable and clean cut. I think i would have been more open to the story if the writing wasn't quite so flowery etc. It made it a bit too clunky to read for such a light /brainless type story.
January 7, 2019
Wonderful to be back in Polwenna Bay with all its wonderful inhabitants. It's 4:40 in the morning and I've been reading till i finished. This story may bee my favorite in the series. But now I can't wait for the next one.
February 27, 2020
A great read
This was a really good read. Unrequited love secrets, unforgiveness, and drama in a lovely Cornwall village. The characters were well written. The story was good. I really liked it!
This was a really good read. Unrequited love secrets, unforgiveness, and drama in a lovely Cornwall village. The characters were well written. The story was good. I really liked it!
June 3, 2021
Good read, worth continuing with the series
Good read, it's great to continue through the series and see how things change for the town throughout the year. Will move on to the next
Good read, it's great to continue through the series and see how things change for the town throughout the year. Will move on to the next
December 16, 2018
.
Thrilled to have read the developing story which is set in my beautiful home county of 6 years. Thank you.
Thrilled to have read the developing story which is set in my beautiful home county of 6 years. Thank you.
October 10, 2019
Romantic nonsense but a nice bit of escapism!
January 24, 2021
Lovely,
Even though I thought I had read all the Bay books, I found I had missed this one. Brilliant as usual, all the great characters intermingling and making you feel good.
Even though I thought I had read all the Bay books, I found I had missed this one. Brilliant as usual, all the great characters intermingling and making you feel good.
November 13, 2022
Winter Wishes
Winter Wishes Polwenna Bay Book 3 was very heartwarming with a message that it’s never too late to make amends.
Was definitely worth reading
Winter Wishes Polwenna Bay Book 3 was very heartwarming with a message that it’s never too late to make amends.
Was definitely worth reading
December 15, 2015
This is the third instalment in the Polwenna Bay series. We were first introduced to the wonderful village of Polwenna Bay and its residents back in May this year. From the first few pages of the first book I fell in love with the idyllic location of this picturesque, homely quayside village in Cornwall. The Tremaine family consisting of Alice the wonderful, wise, caring grandma to Jimmy the father, who has been a little lost but is having fun finding himself again much to the dismay of his children Jake, Danny, Mo, Symon, Zak, Nick and Issie play a huge part in the village and in Ruth’s stories. I soon found myself falling in love with the characters and learning about their individual personalities. Ruth writes in such a way that you begin to treat the written characters as friends and after reading each instalment in the Polwenna Bay series you are eagerly looking forward to the next story … which is how I have been since reading book 2.
I have to admit Danny is one of my favourites in the Tremaine family, he has suffered greatly in the past and a tragic event during a tour of duty during his army career has left his life in pieces but slowly with the help of Jules, the new reverend of the village church, his life is being put back together.
This new story focuses mainly on Danny. With the unexpected arrival of his estranged wife and son during one cold night in late October Danny is left very confused and angry as he felt his life was beginning to look happy and settled. Danny’s estranged wife, Tara, is hoping for a second chance with Danny. However, secrets from Danny and Tara’s past are difficult to forget. Prior to Tara’s return to the village Danny and Jules had become very close and more than platonic feelings for each other were felt. Jules was fighting with her strong feelings for Danny and was struggling with her faith.
Another new arrival in the village, Ivy, an old woman with no history or family in the area. Ivy was a cantankerous old lady and was very set in her ways. Ivy spent a lot of time upsetting people but there was more to Ivy’s story behind her grouchy exterior.
We are also introduced to a further interloper, Caspar Owen, an eccentric author who has moved into a cottage in the village to try and find his writing muse.
This story was everything I have come to expect from Ruth. It was filled with characters to fall in love with, an idyllic location, a wonderful, romantic storyline which at times felt quite magical. I always enjoy a story set around Christmas time as it tends to hold a little more magic than any other time of year, as Christmas is a time when we can hope our wishes come true. A beautiful, heartfelt and heartwarming 5/5* read.
Bring on the next instalment in Polwenna Bay …
I have to admit Danny is one of my favourites in the Tremaine family, he has suffered greatly in the past and a tragic event during a tour of duty during his army career has left his life in pieces but slowly with the help of Jules, the new reverend of the village church, his life is being put back together.
This new story focuses mainly on Danny. With the unexpected arrival of his estranged wife and son during one cold night in late October Danny is left very confused and angry as he felt his life was beginning to look happy and settled. Danny’s estranged wife, Tara, is hoping for a second chance with Danny. However, secrets from Danny and Tara’s past are difficult to forget. Prior to Tara’s return to the village Danny and Jules had become very close and more than platonic feelings for each other were felt. Jules was fighting with her strong feelings for Danny and was struggling with her faith.
Another new arrival in the village, Ivy, an old woman with no history or family in the area. Ivy was a cantankerous old lady and was very set in her ways. Ivy spent a lot of time upsetting people but there was more to Ivy’s story behind her grouchy exterior.
We are also introduced to a further interloper, Caspar Owen, an eccentric author who has moved into a cottage in the village to try and find his writing muse.
This story was everything I have come to expect from Ruth. It was filled with characters to fall in love with, an idyllic location, a wonderful, romantic storyline which at times felt quite magical. I always enjoy a story set around Christmas time as it tends to hold a little more magic than any other time of year, as Christmas is a time when we can hope our wishes come true. A beautiful, heartfelt and heartwarming 5/5* read.
Bring on the next instalment in Polwenna Bay …
December 16, 2015
This is the first book written by Ruth Saberton that I have read and it certainly won’t be the last. I was given the opportunity to preview this book before publication and, although this author had been on my radar for some time, I hadn’t actually read any of her books. Big mistake!
Winter Wishes is the third in a series of books subtitled Polwenna Bay and set in a small fishing village in Cornwall. The story revolves around the people who live in the village and how they interact with each other. I don’t know Cornwall that well but I assume the small villages nestled around the bays in Cornwall are similar to most close knit communities in that everyone knows each other and their business.
Saberton has peopled her village with believable characters with a principal family, the Tremaines, taking centre stage. I suspect that as this isn’t the first book in the series that reading the first two would have been useful to understand all the ins and outs of this family. However, the author has been clever in making this a standalone book and not knowing the past history does not distract from the story. In fact, this book has motivated me to download the first two to my Kindle so I can find out the past history.
There is a good resume of the story in the description of the book on Amazon but the one character I found really intriguing was a miserable older woman that had recently come to the village who, from the outset, seemed to want to upset everyone with her bad manners and general nastiness. Why was she like this? Let me tell you that this is one of a number of threads that are satisfactorily resolved by the closing chapter. I’m sure there is at least one character in this book that all women would identify with at different times of their lives which I feel is what makes it such a good read.
The main theme of the book is that we all have secrets and make mistakes – it’s how we deal with those mistakes and move on that matters. I would certainly recommend this book as an excellent ‘feel good’ book to snuggle up with in front of the fire on a cold winter’s evening. You won’t be disappointed.
Winter Wishes is the third in a series of books subtitled Polwenna Bay and set in a small fishing village in Cornwall. The story revolves around the people who live in the village and how they interact with each other. I don’t know Cornwall that well but I assume the small villages nestled around the bays in Cornwall are similar to most close knit communities in that everyone knows each other and their business.
Saberton has peopled her village with believable characters with a principal family, the Tremaines, taking centre stage. I suspect that as this isn’t the first book in the series that reading the first two would have been useful to understand all the ins and outs of this family. However, the author has been clever in making this a standalone book and not knowing the past history does not distract from the story. In fact, this book has motivated me to download the first two to my Kindle so I can find out the past history.
There is a good resume of the story in the description of the book on Amazon but the one character I found really intriguing was a miserable older woman that had recently come to the village who, from the outset, seemed to want to upset everyone with her bad manners and general nastiness. Why was she like this? Let me tell you that this is one of a number of threads that are satisfactorily resolved by the closing chapter. I’m sure there is at least one character in this book that all women would identify with at different times of their lives which I feel is what makes it such a good read.
The main theme of the book is that we all have secrets and make mistakes – it’s how we deal with those mistakes and move on that matters. I would certainly recommend this book as an excellent ‘feel good’ book to snuggle up with in front of the fire on a cold winter’s evening. You won’t be disappointed.
December 15, 2015
I was very fortunate to be given a pre-release copy of this, the 3rd book in the Polwenna Bay series, and I have to say it is my favourite so far. You don't need to have read the previous two books in the series to enjoy this, as each book concentrates on different characters within the fishing village in Cornwall, with the other characters popping up. Having said that, you will want to read the others after reading this!
This installment centres around the fairly new vicar Jules, a woman we can all empathise with, who struggles with her weight and her heart. It tells the story of her friendship with local Danny and his issues dealing with ex-wife Tara and the disabilities he is left with following his service in the armed forces.
This is a sensitive, warm and in places funny read, which will draw you in from the start. I couldn't put it down and have learned to love the fictional village and it's occupants through Ruth's excellent writing. It will lift you and put you in the Christmas spirit for sure.
This installment centres around the fairly new vicar Jules, a woman we can all empathise with, who struggles with her weight and her heart. It tells the story of her friendship with local Danny and his issues dealing with ex-wife Tara and the disabilities he is left with following his service in the armed forces.
This is a sensitive, warm and in places funny read, which will draw you in from the start. I couldn't put it down and have learned to love the fictional village and it's occupants through Ruth's excellent writing. It will lift you and put you in the Christmas spirit for sure.
December 18, 2015
This is the 3rd book in the Polwenna Bay series and it concentrates on Jules, the vicar and Danny Tremaine, the damaged war hero.
This book is written so sensitively and I really felt for Jules and Danny. It's all about secrets and trust and it just doesn't seem possible that they can ever achieve their happy ever after.
As they follow a tortuous path, the other members of the family and the residents of Polwenna Bay form a backdrop which can be very funny at times. We also meet Danny's estranged wife, Tara and the new doctor as well. It's always nice when new characters arrive and I enjoyed seeing them fit in with others and each other. There was one very funny line about Nurofen that made me laugh out loud!
Think this one is my favourite. I hope Issy is next but what I would really like would be a retrospective book looking back at Alice's life and loves.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is written so sensitively and I really felt for Jules and Danny. It's all about secrets and trust and it just doesn't seem possible that they can ever achieve their happy ever after.
As they follow a tortuous path, the other members of the family and the residents of Polwenna Bay form a backdrop which can be very funny at times. We also meet Danny's estranged wife, Tara and the new doctor as well. It's always nice when new characters arrive and I enjoyed seeing them fit in with others and each other. There was one very funny line about Nurofen that made me laugh out loud!
Think this one is my favourite. I hope Issy is next but what I would really like would be a retrospective book looking back at Alice's life and loves.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2015
Well, well, well, Ruth does it again. I have been a fan of Ruth for a long time and couldnt wait to get into this latest release. Although we are back in Polwenna Bay you dont have to of read the first two books in the series to know about Polwenna. This can be read as a standalone.
I think this has to be one of my favourites. I just love how Ruth explains things in such detail and uses words that make you and the place feel so magical.
I love the charactors and watchng how they all came to life in various situations. A few surprises on the way aswell. Tara turned out to be likeable, Jules is one groovy Vicar, Danny is the man and how cute is Morgan!. Loved that the book was full of snow, it made me feel so Christmasy. Well done Ruth and as i also live here im off to find St Wenn's Well.
December 16, 2015
Absolutely love this series. So good to back in Polwenna Bay & to catch up with the characters that feel like old friends. Love the way these books pick up where they left off. Feels like they have never been away.
Great to see different characters come to the forefront each time. Loved seeing more of the lovely vicar Jules. Such a lovely character. I can almost imagine sitting down with her for a brew & a catch up.
Don't want to give the plot of this book away too much you need to immerse yourself in the magic & find out for yourself. Can't recommend this enough. Its a must read. Well done Ruth for another magical heart-warming read!
Great to see different characters come to the forefront each time. Loved seeing more of the lovely vicar Jules. Such a lovely character. I can almost imagine sitting down with her for a brew & a catch up.
Don't want to give the plot of this book away too much you need to immerse yourself in the magic & find out for yourself. Can't recommend this enough. Its a must read. Well done Ruth for another magical heart-warming read!
January 8, 2016
I loved the 3rd installment of the Polwenna Bay series. This latest book focuses on the blossoming relationship between vicar Jules and war veteran Danny and I am so pleased there was a happy ending. Made me laugh and cry in equal measures and I loved back being in Polwenna Bay with all the usual suspects. Glad to see a softer side to Poison Ivy. I hope what I spied on Amazon is true and that there will be a 4th installment later on in the year. I would like to thank Ruth for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews