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Winter's Fairytale
Step into a winter wonderland and fall in love in the snow this Christmas…
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…
A few weeks before Christmas and a sudden blanketing of snow has closed the roads and brought public transport grinding to a halt, stranding Izzy miles from home and in desperate need of rescuing.
That doesn’t mean she’s looking to bump into Rob and spend a cosy weekend holed up in his swanky flat watching London become a winter wonderland! Because Izzy and Rob have history…
Six months ago, they were standing in the vestry of a beautiful country church, while best man Rob delivered the news that every bride dreads on their big day.
But at the time of year when anything is possible, can Rob and Izzy let go of the past and let Christmas work its magic? Or will this be one holiday wish that Izzy lets walk right out of her life…
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2015
188 people are currently reading
947 people want to read
About the author
Maxine Morrey
38 books310 followersMaxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens – perfect for a bookworm!
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
December 13, 2025
*A lovely cosy story*
**3.5 Stars**
After some heavy reading and listening, I decided to dive into this Christmas book. It’s a subtle story set in London, exploring what happens when Izzy, a bride-to-be, receives devastating news. No bride wants to hear it.
In this case, the messenger is Rob, the best man. He’s literally knocked off his feet.
Devastated, Izzy is mortified and wants to disappear. To make matters worse, the now-ex-groom decides to go on the honeymoon without her to save money.
Rob wants to check on Izzy but she’s determined to forget the whole mess and disappear. As the best man, he’d only serve as a reminder.
Izzy throws herself into her wedding design business, relying on her best friend Mags.
Six months after the wedding fiasco, Izzy finally bumps into Rob. Unfortunately, it’s on a snowy day with cancelled trains. Rob has a London flat and invites her to stay. They spend a weekend in separate rooms.
Over time, Izzy experiences a range of emotions and starts to see a different side of Rob. She wonders why she’s so comfortable with him.
Throw in Rob’s family, Izzy saving his sister from a wedding dress disaster, a random ex-girlfriend, misunderstandings, and you have a cosy, delicate romcom.
**3.5 Stars**
After some heavy reading and listening, I decided to dive into this Christmas book. It’s a subtle story set in London, exploring what happens when Izzy, a bride-to-be, receives devastating news. No bride wants to hear it.
In this case, the messenger is Rob, the best man. He’s literally knocked off his feet.
Devastated, Izzy is mortified and wants to disappear. To make matters worse, the now-ex-groom decides to go on the honeymoon without her to save money.
Rob wants to check on Izzy but she’s determined to forget the whole mess and disappear. As the best man, he’d only serve as a reminder.
Izzy throws herself into her wedding design business, relying on her best friend Mags.
Six months after the wedding fiasco, Izzy finally bumps into Rob. Unfortunately, it’s on a snowy day with cancelled trains. Rob has a London flat and invites her to stay. They spend a weekend in separate rooms.
Over time, Izzy experiences a range of emotions and starts to see a different side of Rob. She wonders why she’s so comfortable with him.
Throw in Rob’s family, Izzy saving his sister from a wedding dress disaster, a random ex-girlfriend, misunderstandings, and you have a cosy, delicate romcom.
November 27, 2015
Winter's Fairytale started out great, the heroine, Izzy, was so likable, quirky and funny, and I was especially happy about the fact that I was reading another holiday romance with a nice male love interest, nice as in "not a jerk with extreme mood swings who’s only interested in sexing up the heroine until after much angst and denial when he finally admits he loves her like a madman", I’m done with this type of plot and it was a relief to see how Rob, the main male character, was always so kind and sweet and thoughtful towards Izzy, a gentleman really.
...And then the second part of the book happened.
Here’s the thing, I don’t mind the occasional misunderstanding born from the inane choice of not communicating, even if the result is always unnecessary internal havoc, all the angsty feelings and tears, I really don’t, sometimes I even find this plot device entertaining, BUT this book takes it to the extreme, because pretty much the entire romance is built on misunderstandings and it’s so frustrating, he thinks she wants this, she thinks he wants that, no one ever says what they want to say, their actions don’t reflect what their hearts and minds want so badly, and somehow, amongst all this nonsense, love is still happening. (???)
I’m also not a fan of the characters only revealing the truth behind the misunderstandings at the very end, it’s so cliché, and in this case, because they were so many, it felt too forced, one minute Izzy and Rob are still buried deep inside a massive snowball of assumptions, and in the next BAM!, here comes a scene consisting entirely of dialogue explaining every single thing he thought she thought and wanted, when he wished for the opposite, only to find out that in reality she wanted the exact same thing. THE END. For crying out loud.
Summing up: good writing and witty dialogues, the main characters have great chemistry, and I particularly enjoyed their easy and friendly banter, it’s just a shame that they assume so much all the time instead of being honest with each other and talking things out. It’s also a shame that this situation turns Rob partially into the jerk I mentioned earlier, those mood swings were very, very unpleasant.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.)
...And then the second part of the book happened.
Here’s the thing, I don’t mind the occasional misunderstanding born from the inane choice of not communicating, even if the result is always unnecessary internal havoc, all the angsty feelings and tears, I really don’t, sometimes I even find this plot device entertaining, BUT this book takes it to the extreme, because pretty much the entire romance is built on misunderstandings and it’s so frustrating, he thinks she wants this, she thinks he wants that, no one ever says what they want to say, their actions don’t reflect what their hearts and minds want so badly, and somehow, amongst all this nonsense, love is still happening. (???)
I’m also not a fan of the characters only revealing the truth behind the misunderstandings at the very end, it’s so cliché, and in this case, because they were so many, it felt too forced, one minute Izzy and Rob are still buried deep inside a massive snowball of assumptions, and in the next BAM!, here comes a scene consisting entirely of dialogue explaining every single thing he thought she thought and wanted, when he wished for the opposite, only to find out that in reality she wanted the exact same thing. THE END. For crying out loud.
Summing up: good writing and witty dialogues, the main characters have great chemistry, and I particularly enjoyed their easy and friendly banter, it’s just a shame that they assume so much all the time instead of being honest with each other and talking things out. It’s also a shame that this situation turns Rob partially into the jerk I mentioned earlier, those mood swings were very, very unpleasant.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.)
May 9, 2016
Six months ago wedding dress designer Izzy was all dressed up at the church ready for her own wedding. That’s when the best man, Rob, came to pass on a message from the groom and told her the wedding was off. Izzy’s reaction was to hit out and she punched Rob, a hefty rugby playing hunk, knocking him to the floor and breaking his nose! He’s still a gentleman and offers to inform the awaiting guests in church . . .
Six months later she’s still avoiding texts and calls from Rob who seems determined to check that she’s okay. When they accidentally meet up again he comes to her rescue again, this time from the snow. As they reconnect, various events keep them in touch and her feelings towards him change dramatically but is really only friendship he is seeking? Will the past prevent them having a future?
This is a delightful read, a journey from friendship to love with some dramatic history between them to start with. Rob’s family are amazing, supportive and scheming! The ending is brilliant and the whole story a gorgeous story, well written and with superb characters and scenarios, a pleasure to escape into, a delicious modern fairytale.
Thanks to the publishers for gifting me an ARC of this novel, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
Six months later she’s still avoiding texts and calls from Rob who seems determined to check that she’s okay. When they accidentally meet up again he comes to her rescue again, this time from the snow. As they reconnect, various events keep them in touch and her feelings towards him change dramatically but is really only friendship he is seeking? Will the past prevent them having a future?
This is a delightful read, a journey from friendship to love with some dramatic history between them to start with. Rob’s family are amazing, supportive and scheming! The ending is brilliant and the whole story a gorgeous story, well written and with superb characters and scenarios, a pleasure to escape into, a delicious modern fairytale.
Thanks to the publishers for gifting me an ARC of this novel, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
December 6, 2015
Rob was there to deliver the news that changed Izzy's course of life and he's there 6 months later when a snow storm leaves her stranded from getting home. Never mind the fact that he was the best man to her ex-fiance and on the receiving end of an epic punch, he wants to be her friend and help her out. The cozy weekend stuck together is a good reason to be friends again, but the holidays may bring some feelings along with the snow, especially when Izzy starts designing the wedding dress for Rob's sister after a wedding disaster.. Throw in holiday parties, matchmaking family members, hilarious, embarrassing snowy moments, and some extra bumps along the way and Izzy may just decide Christmas wishes aren't meant to come true.
Winter romance, bridal gowns, and interfering family members, what more could you want on the holidays? Izzy and Rob are two hilarious characters to read, they're some of the most stubborn romance characters I've ever read, both throwing themselves at situations that make things worse. They make assumptions that would normally drive me crazy as a reader, but totally work for the outcome. Their communication skills suck, but their chemistry is booming. While they aren't the most complex characters, it's just what I like out of a winter fairytale book. The title is perfect, can you tell? The minor characters were some of my favorite, especially Rob's sister Jenny and her fiancé Mike. Some of the best dialogue came from those two and they always seemed to be up to something. Family was a huge part of this novel and I really enjoyed the focus on the family dynamics. I felt like I was celebrating Christmas with them as part of the family. There's some twists you won't expect, a lot of misunderstandings, and of course a fairytale ending.
It is clear to see how Maxine Morrey won Carina UK's #WriteChristmas competition, the writing in this is fantastic and it's just the right length for a cozy read on the couch. I suggest this to my readers who love romance (of course), second chances, and some fun twists along the way to a HEA.
Winter romance, bridal gowns, and interfering family members, what more could you want on the holidays? Izzy and Rob are two hilarious characters to read, they're some of the most stubborn romance characters I've ever read, both throwing themselves at situations that make things worse. They make assumptions that would normally drive me crazy as a reader, but totally work for the outcome. Their communication skills suck, but their chemistry is booming. While they aren't the most complex characters, it's just what I like out of a winter fairytale book. The title is perfect, can you tell? The minor characters were some of my favorite, especially Rob's sister Jenny and her fiancé Mike. Some of the best dialogue came from those two and they always seemed to be up to something. Family was a huge part of this novel and I really enjoyed the focus on the family dynamics. I felt like I was celebrating Christmas with them as part of the family. There's some twists you won't expect, a lot of misunderstandings, and of course a fairytale ending.
It is clear to see how Maxine Morrey won Carina UK's #WriteChristmas competition, the writing in this is fantastic and it's just the right length for a cozy read on the couch. I suggest this to my readers who love romance (of course), second chances, and some fun twists along the way to a HEA.
December 25, 2017
The romance is super cute in this book (yes even I say so), it was fun seeing the feelings develop between the characters and it was infuriating to see them both trying to hide it. I really did enjoy it and would definitely recommend it. The main character isn't your usual blonde bimbo who will do anything to get a guy, Izzy acts like a normal person when it comes to relationships, she doesn't immediately jump in, she has doubts etc. and it was refreshing to see this normality when the majority of relationships in books are instalove. As I said definitely pick this up if you're looking for something cute and fluffy but with the main character being down to earth. It has definitely changed my view of romance books and this rapidly has become one of my favourite books of the year! That is quite a feat for a romance book!
Read more on my blog at: https://bookgeek2015.wordpress.com/
Read more on my blog at: https://bookgeek2015.wordpress.com/
October 28, 2015
Izzy has been stood up at the altar, so-to-speak. The groom's best man, Rob, is the one who broke the news to her. Out of anger, Izzy punched Rob and broke his nose. Of course she felt terrible, as the punch was meant for the cowardly groom instead. Fastforward six months, Izzy was busy working in her wedding dress shop. When she left to go home, she runs smack dab into Rob. He had been calling her for the last six months to check on her and see how she was doing, but out of embarrassment, she didn't answer any of his calls. Because of the weather, they end up back at Rob's apartment. Nothing exciting happens, except that their friendly relationship begins to develop into something more.
Rob calls on Izzy to help out with his sister's wedding dress. Izzy and Jenny instantly become good friends and Izzy saves the day when she decides to make Jenny a beautiful dress for her wedding. Rob's parents are there as well, and invite Izzy to their home for Christmas so she won't be alone.
Now they're at the parents' house, snow everywhere, perfect white Christmas happening all around. A kiss is shared between Izzy amd Rob, but she feels he has just blown it off when his ex shows up. A stab to Izzy's heart and pride. Now, it's New Years Eve and Jenny has taken uo with a guy at the party. She let's him know nothing will ever transpire, but he stillnwants her company for the night. Rob gets a tad bit jealous, but he is accompanied by his ex, once again. He steals Jenny away to find out what's going on and the ex is caught flirting with Jenny's friend of the night. When the clock starts counti g down to midnight, Jenny is standing with Cullen, but Rob shows up just in the knick of time, apologizes to Cullen and says he has been waiting for this moment for years, and kisses her. That was definitely my favorite part of this book!!!
I wish there would have been less questioning of Jenny and more, I guess, confidence in her. It seems like that took precedence over the majority of the book. Other than that, I really like this one.
I received and ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rob calls on Izzy to help out with his sister's wedding dress. Izzy and Jenny instantly become good friends and Izzy saves the day when she decides to make Jenny a beautiful dress for her wedding. Rob's parents are there as well, and invite Izzy to their home for Christmas so she won't be alone.
Now they're at the parents' house, snow everywhere, perfect white Christmas happening all around. A kiss is shared between Izzy amd Rob, but she feels he has just blown it off when his ex shows up. A stab to Izzy's heart and pride. Now, it's New Years Eve and Jenny has taken uo with a guy at the party. She let's him know nothing will ever transpire, but he stillnwants her company for the night. Rob gets a tad bit jealous, but he is accompanied by his ex, once again. He steals Jenny away to find out what's going on and the ex is caught flirting with Jenny's friend of the night. When the clock starts counti g down to midnight, Jenny is standing with Cullen, but Rob shows up just in the knick of time, apologizes to Cullen and says he has been waiting for this moment for years, and kisses her. That was definitely my favorite part of this book!!!
I wish there would have been less questioning of Jenny and more, I guess, confidence in her. It seems like that took precedence over the majority of the book. Other than that, I really like this one.
I received and ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2015
Oh my goodness what a perfect *Winter's Fairytale* Maxine has written. It's such a superb read for this time of the year, giving you heaps and bounds of feel good factors. It was a pleasure to read about a united supportive family, intelligent and artistic people who face life's ups and downs and their hopes and dreams. What's more, a strong hunky male lead Rob, makes turning the pages so very easy. I adored the leading lady Izzy, a tiny yet perfect package with a heart of gold. Sexual tension and mixed messages have the reader hanging on, willing a perfect ending. Simply put, i LOVED this book. A snowstorm of 5 snowflakes from me ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️.
December 19, 2022
I don't think I am in the mentally right place for this one, so I would take this review with a grain of salt.
I am not the biggest Christmas person to start with, so that is very likely a factor here. But, right from the jump, the writing in this book just did not impress me. The story of Izzy and Rob, a duo who last saw each other when Izzy cold-cocked Rob after she was left at the alter by his once best friend and are now stuck together during a snowstorm, felt a little unfinished to me. The setup would probably have been fine if I the dialogue was less cliche and there was more character or plot development here, but it did not grab me. The whole thing was giving first draft to me.
If you're looking for a friends-to-lovers Christmas book, The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a much better bet. This one is meh, in my opinion.
I am not the biggest Christmas person to start with, so that is very likely a factor here. But, right from the jump, the writing in this book just did not impress me. The story of Izzy and Rob, a duo who last saw each other when Izzy cold-cocked Rob after she was left at the alter by his once best friend and are now stuck together during a snowstorm, felt a little unfinished to me. The setup would probably have been fine if I the dialogue was less cliche and there was more character or plot development here, but it did not grab me. The whole thing was giving first draft to me.
If you're looking for a friends-to-lovers Christmas book, The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a much better bet. This one is meh, in my opinion.
November 28, 2017
Got this for free and it's just your standard run of the mill chick lit. Keeps you entertained on the train.
December 21, 2019
A beautiful and moving Christmas story. I loved reading this and I hated having to stop to get on with things in real life 😂
I loved the characters and how they were so real and beautifully depicted. I loved Rob, not every man can bounce back from a broken nose and still love the woman.
This was my first book by this author but it certainly won’t be the last. The writing style was beautiful and I really felt the cold of the snow and felt I was there.
I loved the characters and how they were so real and beautifully depicted. I loved Rob, not every man can bounce back from a broken nose and still love the woman.
This was my first book by this author but it certainly won’t be the last. The writing style was beautiful and I really felt the cold of the snow and felt I was there.
November 26, 2017
A lovely 'feel-good' Christmas story with characters that were engaging and 'real'. Off to find more books by this author :)
December 27, 2020
A perfect romance
Really loved this story and how the characters were developed. Izzy is superb and I wish I knew someone like her. Perfect winter read!
Really loved this story and how the characters were developed. Izzy is superb and I wish I knew someone like her. Perfect winter read!
July 5, 2021
This is a nice, sweet Christmas book. The romance takes a little while to build up, but when it does it's very fulfilling.
December 29, 2022
Giving this a generous 3 stars because I feel like 2 stars is too harsh because I did enjoy parts of this. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great. The writing needs work, it read like a first draft. Rob annoyed me at times, as did Izzy. It had potential to be really cute, but just didn’t quite make it there for me.
I think Jenny is the sole reason I’m giving it that extra star. I loved her character. And her relationship with Mike.
I think Jenny is the sole reason I’m giving it that extra star. I loved her character. And her relationship with Mike.
December 2, 2017
this was such a cute, romantic holiday contemporary! i absolutely loved it and devoured it in one sitting!
December 6, 2017
Winter’s Fairytale- Maxine Morrey 4*
Izzy has been left at the altar and punched the best man in the process. The slightly ironic thing is that she makes wedding dresses for a living but didn’t get to enjoy her own. She throws herself into work and decides that it might not have worked out after all. The best man makes a re-appearance and Izzy feels very guilty. This is one of those books that if you need a lift and a smile then sit back, relax, grab a coffee and enjoy the read. A well written, very enjoyable seasonal story to enjoy by a cozy fire. This is my second Maie Morrey book and it won’t be my last.
Izzy has been left at the altar and punched the best man in the process. The slightly ironic thing is that she makes wedding dresses for a living but didn’t get to enjoy her own. She throws herself into work and decides that it might not have worked out after all. The best man makes a re-appearance and Izzy feels very guilty. This is one of those books that if you need a lift and a smile then sit back, relax, grab a coffee and enjoy the read. A well written, very enjoyable seasonal story to enjoy by a cozy fire. This is my second Maie Morrey book and it won’t be my last.
January 30, 2018
Another totally sweet novel by Morrey. Common themes with the other one I read, but still quite enjoyable.
December 9, 2019
Just what I needed. Nice and cute christmasy romance.
December 22, 2017
Downloaded this book as wanted to read something Christmassy and what an excellent choice I made although I could hardly put it down!!!!
Stayed awake till way after 1am this morning as I just wanted to keep reading! So needless to say after 5 hours sleep I have been walking about like a zombie at work today!
I absolutely loved the story of Izzy and Rob and how their story develops! This book made me laugh and cry and gave me goosebumps cause it’s just so lovely!
I really didn’t want the story to end!!!
Loved the book so much that I’ve downloaded all the rest of Maxine Morrey’s books!!! Think I might have a new favourite author!
Stayed awake till way after 1am this morning as I just wanted to keep reading! So needless to say after 5 hours sleep I have been walking about like a zombie at work today!
I absolutely loved the story of Izzy and Rob and how their story develops! This book made me laugh and cry and gave me goosebumps cause it’s just so lovely!
I really didn’t want the story to end!!!
Loved the book so much that I’ve downloaded all the rest of Maxine Morrey’s books!!! Think I might have a new favourite author!
January 18, 2016
Pretty much the definition of "chick-lit." That's what I was going for, so it was ok. There were a few things that were starting to grate on me a little bit -- like the constant miscommunication that caused snarkiness between the two main characters. And the fact that the doctor in the story had to "check someone out" every time anyone in the book slipped on the ice or got a headache (I've never known a doctor that got his blood pressure cuff out of his car when a friend or relative got a headache).
All in all, I still enjoyed it and would read something else by this author. It was light-hearted and fun. A great winter read!
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy.
All in all, I still enjoyed it and would read something else by this author. It was light-hearted and fun. A great winter read!
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy.
November 2, 2018
I love Christmas books they are my favourite genre and this book was no disappointment. From beginning to end I was addicted and couywait to keep reading more.
The main characters, Izzy and Rob have a bit of history together and when they spend an unexpected weekend together at Rob’s apartment they both start to wonder if there’s more to them that meet the eye.
I loved the whole will they won’t they and believe me there’s plenty of moments when you just want to scream at them both to please kiss!!!
I will definitely be reading more from this author as she has the Christmas spirit down to perfect!
The main characters, Izzy and Rob have a bit of history together and when they spend an unexpected weekend together at Rob’s apartment they both start to wonder if there’s more to them that meet the eye.
I loved the whole will they won’t they and believe me there’s plenty of moments when you just want to scream at them both to please kiss!!!
I will definitely be reading more from this author as she has the Christmas spirit down to perfect!
February 2, 2016
I received an ARC from NetGalley! (10/22/15)
I was torn between enjoying the light love story and being annoyed by how much of the book played on lack of communication. (12/27/15)
I was torn between enjoying the light love story and being annoyed by how much of the book played on lack of communication. (12/27/15)
July 18, 2024
The last quarter of the book ruins it. Ruins it.
December 14, 2017
Izzy is a talented wedding dress designer and creator. We meet her in a dramatic opening chapter, but the bulk of the book happens a few months later, as the weather becomes wintry in December.
There's a likeable hero, if at times almost too good to be true. The main plot involves a journey towards a romance, which in classic chick-lit style is full of misunderstandings and interruptions. There’s a nice sideline story involving the hero's sister and her fiancé.
My main gripe with the book is that much of the dialogue is long-winded, full of irrelevancies, and repetition of things the reader already knows. I found myself skimming several times. There’s rather too much heart-searching, too, which adds nothing to the plot, or to Izzy’s character. She is annoyingly obtuse at times, and I lost sympathy with her entirely when she went out in the snow in five-inch heels.
I also felt that there were rather too many thoroughly nice characters; and the few unpleasant people don’t appear to have any redeeming features at all. However the novel calls itself a fairytale, so perhaps it was deliberate to have lots of good people and a couple of 'baddies'.
Overall, this book made a pleasant interlude in a busy period. The ending was predictable, but satisfying, and some of the scenes were quite heart-warming. If you enjoy light ‘chick-lit’, and don’t object to bad language, then this could make an good book to pick up in odd moments during the Christmas period.
Only available in Kindle form, as far as I can tell. Three and a half stars would be fairer.
There's a likeable hero, if at times almost too good to be true. The main plot involves a journey towards a romance, which in classic chick-lit style is full of misunderstandings and interruptions. There’s a nice sideline story involving the hero's sister and her fiancé.
My main gripe with the book is that much of the dialogue is long-winded, full of irrelevancies, and repetition of things the reader already knows. I found myself skimming several times. There’s rather too much heart-searching, too, which adds nothing to the plot, or to Izzy’s character. She is annoyingly obtuse at times, and I lost sympathy with her entirely when she went out in the snow in five-inch heels.
I also felt that there were rather too many thoroughly nice characters; and the few unpleasant people don’t appear to have any redeeming features at all. However the novel calls itself a fairytale, so perhaps it was deliberate to have lots of good people and a couple of 'baddies'.
Overall, this book made a pleasant interlude in a busy period. The ending was predictable, but satisfying, and some of the scenes were quite heart-warming. If you enjoy light ‘chick-lit’, and don’t object to bad language, then this could make an good book to pick up in odd moments during the Christmas period.
Only available in Kindle form, as far as I can tell. Three and a half stars would be fairer.
February 6, 2019
I have had Winter's Fairytale sat on my Kindle for a while now, and after reading Second Chance at the Ranch (review coming in January, keep your eyes peeled!) I felt the need to read more of Maxine Morrey's work. I was looking for a light-hearted Christmas tale, and that is exactly what she has delivered with this novel.
Izzy has had a rough few months, going through something that no bride should ever have to go through: being left at the altar.
Rob is the best man who had to deliver the devastating news that Izzy's fiancé would not be joining her on their wedding day. Izzy has therefore spent six months avoiding him, wanting no reminders of that fateful day. Fate, however, has others ideas! A snow storm and no way of getting home forces Izzy into Robs swanky London flat for the weekend, making her face both him and her past.
Set during a particularly romantic time of year, Winter's Fairytale is a story about ensuring you don't allow your past to define you; that you look forward rather than back, and that love can be found in the most unexpected of places. Of course, being stranded with a handsome, kind man in a snowstorm does help!
I am definitely happy to recommend this novel; if you are looking for a novel full of family, romance and Christmas then this definitely the novel for you. Grab a copy, a glass of wine and sit by your Christmas tree. Enjoy!
Izzy has had a rough few months, going through something that no bride should ever have to go through: being left at the altar.
Rob is the best man who had to deliver the devastating news that Izzy's fiancé would not be joining her on their wedding day. Izzy has therefore spent six months avoiding him, wanting no reminders of that fateful day. Fate, however, has others ideas! A snow storm and no way of getting home forces Izzy into Robs swanky London flat for the weekend, making her face both him and her past.
Set during a particularly romantic time of year, Winter's Fairytale is a story about ensuring you don't allow your past to define you; that you look forward rather than back, and that love can be found in the most unexpected of places. Of course, being stranded with a handsome, kind man in a snowstorm does help!
I am definitely happy to recommend this novel; if you are looking for a novel full of family, romance and Christmas then this definitely the novel for you. Grab a copy, a glass of wine and sit by your Christmas tree. Enjoy!
December 1, 2025
2/5 stars | ⭐⭐
The wealth of positive ratings for this one and the promise of a festive read pulled me in, but I'll be honest, I've been left quite puzzled.
The romance felt lackluster to begin with (despite an interesting premise!), but the first half seemed promising enough to continue on. The second act is where it really all fell apart for me, though. Misunderstanding-trope after misunderstanding-trope quickly exhausted me, and I lost all interest in the MMC once . But don't worry, I guess...? The FMC and MMC have a very hasty "I thought you wanted something else!" "But I thought you wanted something else!" conversation that wraps everything up prettier than a Christmas present. I have to admit, I skimmed the last several pages; I was over it.
📚 INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK 📚
The wealth of positive ratings for this one and the promise of a festive read pulled me in, but I'll be honest, I've been left quite puzzled.
The romance felt lackluster to begin with (despite an interesting premise!), but the first half seemed promising enough to continue on. The second act is where it really all fell apart for me, though. Misunderstanding-trope after misunderstanding-trope quickly exhausted me, and I lost all interest in the MMC once . But don't worry, I guess...? The FMC and MMC have a very hasty "I thought you wanted something else!" "But I thought you wanted something else!" conversation that wraps everything up prettier than a Christmas present. I have to admit, I skimmed the last several pages; I was over it.
📚 INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK 📚
December 8, 2019
This was shaping up to be a cute fluffy read, I was convinced I’d give it at least four stars. But no. When the love interest turned into a horny sulky bastard who had weird mood swings and then turned around as if nothing had happened and he hadn’t just thrown himself at another woman, I just gave up. Steam came out of my ears at the expectation that she would inevitably forgive him, and when this actually happened at the end of the book I saw red. This book had given me a headache from anger! It was alright up until Caroline was introduced. His behaviour was just about forgivable. Not after that! Cannot believe it! I spent the whole book really enjoying their chemistry and wanting them to get together, and then the needless conflict I was worried about ended up much worse than I was expecting. I am so ANGRY! Will never read another book by this author if this is how I am repaid for the investment of my time in what seemed to be otherwise lovely characters. Shame! I had such hope. It was going well until 70% or so.
January 19, 2019
I downloaded this book free for the winter season. I have just started to read romantic books (not my usual genre) and wanted to check this out. Unfortunately, although I loved the characters, the book could have perhaps been shorter than it needed to be. The storyline was predictable from very early on (I guess this could be the case for romantic books, but I could be wrong). There was a lot of dialogues….including some pointless ones that seemed to not have gone anywhere. A lot of it is a little bit too good to be true….I guess it is in the title – Fairytale. Perfect male family and the perfect man that everyone seems to love. I kept hoping that Izzy’s (main character) ex-fiancé would come into the picture, just to complicate things even more. Izzy’s best friend, Mags, was so often in the picture at the first few chapters was easily forgotten for the rest of the book – sadly.
December 16, 2019
Winter’s Fairytale was a sweet PG romance novel about a jilted bride and the former best man in her cancelled wedding. It reminded me of that song about not getting your prayers answered because something better is in the future. Cute, sweet, and fun read. I’m in the mood for charming Christmas stories right now and this was a satisfying romance novel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️romance stars #romance #chicklit #PG #Christmas #crazy #reading #romancebooks #books #bookstagram #book #read #bookworm #booklover #bookish #bibliophile #reader #bookaddict #booknerd #bookshelf #novel #booksofinstagram #booklovers #ilovebooks #fiction #lovebooks #bookish #book #bibliophile #lindaleereads2019 #winterfairytale #maxinemorrey
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