What do you think?
Rate this book
Willoughby Close #1
A Cotswold Christmas
Welcome to Wychwood-on-Lea… a not-too-quaint village where frosty evenings, welcoming fires, and second chances will make this a Christmas you’ll never forget.
Anna Vere has escaped to the Cotswolds for Christmas to try to heal from her broken engagement and, far worse, her broken dreams. When her reserved room at a bed & breakfast is flooded, she takes up the offer of camping out in Willoughby Close, the converted stables of the nearby manor house… and is taken under the wing of sexy local carpenter Colin Heath.
What starts out as merely helping a neighbor in need turns into far more as Colin and Anna share a surprisingly intense and emotional connection, weaving their own Christmas magic as they spend the holiday together. But Anna has a secret she’s scared to reveal, something that could destroy the fragile bond they’ve just created, and Colin knows she’s only in England for a short time. Can these two sudden soul mates risk their hearts for a love that has yet to be tried and tested?
Get swept away by this poignant and heartwarming story, set in beautiful Wychwood-on-Lea, in the English Cotswolds. And look forward to four more books set in Willoughby Close, where everyday miracles and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed.
Anna Vere has escaped to the Cotswolds for Christmas to try to heal from her broken engagement and, far worse, her broken dreams. When her reserved room at a bed & breakfast is flooded, she takes up the offer of camping out in Willoughby Close, the converted stables of the nearby manor house… and is taken under the wing of sexy local carpenter Colin Heath.
What starts out as merely helping a neighbor in need turns into far more as Colin and Anna share a surprisingly intense and emotional connection, weaving their own Christmas magic as they spend the holiday together. But Anna has a secret she’s scared to reveal, something that could destroy the fragile bond they’ve just created, and Colin knows she’s only in England for a short time. Can these two sudden soul mates risk their hearts for a love that has yet to be tried and tested?
Get swept away by this poignant and heartwarming story, set in beautiful Wychwood-on-Lea, in the English Cotswolds. And look forward to four more books set in Willoughby Close, where everyday miracles and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2016
841 people are currently reading
1551 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
890 books1,717 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
December 24, 2018
Anna Vere (35-year-old heroine from New York City) goes to the Cotswolds to spend Christmas, and to get over her broken engagement. She has booked a room at a lovely bed and breakfast, but when she arrives the innkeeper (Frances) informs Anna that her room is flooded and she can't stay there. Frances tells Anna that in the next village her cousin (36-year-old hero and carpenter Colin Heath) was finishing renovating some cottages named Willoughby Close and offered to let her stay there, after checking with Colin. Anna agrees and Colin arrives to drive Anna to the cottages.
When Anna gets to the cottages she sees that they aren't even fully furnished yet. Colin assumed Anna knew this and he wondered what his muddled headed cousin was thinking. He helps Anna out with some essentials and she stays for a while. But the owner eventually shows up and doesn't want Anna staying there. So Colin suggests that Anna temporarily stay with him. During this time Anna is getting to know Colin and his family. And Anna is finding Colin easy to talk to and nice to get along with...
This was a pleasant, light romance by Harlequin Presents author Kate Hewitt. (It wasn't as angsty as a HP.) I liked Anna. She was a freelance editor who worked at a publishing house in New York. She wanted to get away from it all for Christmas so she came across the ocean to try to forget about her problems at home (her broken engagement). Hero Colin was easy going, a bit messy, but a nice guy. I liked the Cotswolds setting, the cottages, the festive season...
This was a sweet romance, the first in Kate Hewitt's "Willoughby Close" series.
October 12, 2016
Actual rating: 2,5 stars
I always judge books by their covers.
I know I shouldn't do it, but I can't help myself.
If the book has pretty cover, I expect pretty story on it's pages.
This novella wasn't exception!
This is from where it all went down. Pretty cover seduced me, and my expectations were high as London Eye. I blame the cover, but I also blame some great festive books I read recently.
A Cotswold Christmas follows the story of Anna, a 35 years old woman who had some trouble in her life and needs to get away from everything for holidays.
She booked a stay in village called Wychwood-on-Lea but not everything goes as planned.
The roomes are flooded so she has to find another stay.
That's where Colin, a hot 36 years old man comes in. At first he's just a guy who saves the day, but as more time passes, Colin and Anna feel the chemistry they can't deny.
First of all, the writing style was pretty solid. This book reads really quickly and many people will probably finish it in one sitting.
Characters were okay. I know that does not sound so good, but I guess I can't find another word to describe them really.
I can't say I loved or liked them, but I can't say I hated them either.
What I can say is that I never felt any connection to any of them and that I didn't quite understand them.
The story wasn't what I expected, but even if we put all the expectations aside, it just felt flat for me and I can't say I enjoyed it.
I think that the love was developing way too quickly.
After spending only three days together they already planned their life together and who'll have to give up on their previous life in order to be together.
If there were teenagers main protagonists, I would tolerate that because when you're young and experiencing love for the first time, you can act that way.
But seeing grown ups acting like that was just ridiculous!
In fact, characters were mainly acting like teenagers. They felt that huge attraction but were afraid to sleep together, which was insane because we're talking about single 35 and 36 years old people.
Of course, when they finally shagged, it was all hearts and rainbows…
I almost forgot how it feels to roll your eyes while reading, but this book helped me to remember!
However, I have to say that as the story progressed, the book was getting better and I honestly felt like the end would save it all.
In the end it didn't go in a way I hoped it would, but it was still better then first two thirds of the book.
Overall, this was an okay book to read in a day.
From other reviews I read, I figured out that I am in minority, that other people liked it better, so maybe it was just me.
Whatever the case is, I won't continue with this series.
I always judge books by their covers.
I know I shouldn't do it, but I can't help myself.
If the book has pretty cover, I expect pretty story on it's pages.
This novella wasn't exception!
This is from where it all went down. Pretty cover seduced me, and my expectations were high as London Eye. I blame the cover, but I also blame some great festive books I read recently.
A Cotswold Christmas follows the story of Anna, a 35 years old woman who had some trouble in her life and needs to get away from everything for holidays.
She booked a stay in village called Wychwood-on-Lea but not everything goes as planned.
The roomes are flooded so she has to find another stay.
That's where Colin, a hot 36 years old man comes in. At first he's just a guy who saves the day, but as more time passes, Colin and Anna feel the chemistry they can't deny.
First of all, the writing style was pretty solid. This book reads really quickly and many people will probably finish it in one sitting.
Characters were okay. I know that does not sound so good, but I guess I can't find another word to describe them really.
I can't say I loved or liked them, but I can't say I hated them either.
What I can say is that I never felt any connection to any of them and that I didn't quite understand them.
The story wasn't what I expected, but even if we put all the expectations aside, it just felt flat for me and I can't say I enjoyed it.
I think that the love was developing way too quickly.
After spending only three days together they already planned their life together and who'll have to give up on their previous life in order to be together.
If there were teenagers main protagonists, I would tolerate that because when you're young and experiencing love for the first time, you can act that way.
But seeing grown ups acting like that was just ridiculous!
In fact, characters were mainly acting like teenagers. They felt that huge attraction but were afraid to sleep together, which was insane because we're talking about single 35 and 36 years old people.
Of course, when they finally shagged, it was all hearts and rainbows…
I almost forgot how it feels to roll your eyes while reading, but this book helped me to remember!
However, I have to say that as the story progressed, the book was getting better and I honestly felt like the end would save it all.
In the end it didn't go in a way I hoped it would, but it was still better then first two thirds of the book.
Overall, this was an okay book to read in a day.
From other reviews I read, I figured out that I am in minority, that other people liked it better, so maybe it was just me.
Whatever the case is, I won't continue with this series.
November 21, 2016
I don't read much contemporary romance. Heck, I don't read much romance at all. But, I wanted to participate in this book blitz, and then I saw that I also had agreed to read the book. But, since it's just 168 page long did I don't see it a big problem. I was more concern over how I would feel about the story. But, strangely and happily this novella worked for me.
I have a feeling I have a weakness for books with a winter/Christmas theme. Just set the story around Christmas and I'm sold. Also, the story felt refreshing, sure this is a romance book, but the issues the characters faced felt real. Anna's secret did feel like a new angle, not overdone too much and I found it to be an interesting problem, both in her life and her budding romance with Colin. Colin also has some issues, he has a tendency to not be able to finish things he has committed to. And, perhaps that will also make it hard for him to dare to take the step to commit to a relationship. Especially one that has some distance problem.
I was charmed. Completely and utterly charmed by this book and I look forward to reading more books set in Willoughby Close.
I want to thank Jenny in Neverland for providing a free copy for an honest review!
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
I have a feeling I have a weakness for books with a winter/Christmas theme. Just set the story around Christmas and I'm sold. Also, the story felt refreshing, sure this is a romance book, but the issues the characters faced felt real. Anna's secret did feel like a new angle, not overdone too much and I found it to be an interesting problem, both in her life and her budding romance with Colin. Colin also has some issues, he has a tendency to not be able to finish things he has committed to. And, perhaps that will also make it hard for him to dare to take the step to commit to a relationship. Especially one that has some distance problem.
I was charmed. Completely and utterly charmed by this book and I look forward to reading more books set in Willoughby Close.
I want to thank Jenny in Neverland for providing a free copy for an honest review!
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
October 15, 2016
2.5 stars.
There's not really a great deal I can say about A Cotswold Christmas because it is fairly short, and, if I'm honest, didn't really give me that much time to become invested in the characters. But it is romantic and sweet.
"It’s just… this has all happened so quickly."
Anna and Colin were likeable and Kate Hewitt does a great job of bringing the small village feel to the book and introducing you to characters that I'm sure we'll see in the future books, but it was lacking a little in the festive feel for me.
"Maybe toppling headlong into a serious relationship after forty-eight hours wasn’t such a good idea."
Had this been that bit longer with some deeper character development then I'm pretty certain I'd be rating higher. As is was, everything was a little too insta for me. But if you're looking for a quick closed-door romantic fix, it does do that.
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
There's not really a great deal I can say about A Cotswold Christmas because it is fairly short, and, if I'm honest, didn't really give me that much time to become invested in the characters. But it is romantic and sweet.
"It’s just… this has all happened so quickly."
Anna and Colin were likeable and Kate Hewitt does a great job of bringing the small village feel to the book and introducing you to characters that I'm sure we'll see in the future books, but it was lacking a little in the festive feel for me.
"Maybe toppling headlong into a serious relationship after forty-eight hours wasn’t such a good idea."
Had this been that bit longer with some deeper character development then I'm pretty certain I'd be rating higher. As is was, everything was a little too insta for me. But if you're looking for a quick closed-door romantic fix, it does do that.
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
October 8, 2016
Anna Vere has been having some tough times in her life so she has decided to make an escape to the Cotswolds for Christmas. When Anna's reserved room at a bed & breakfast is flooded though she's not quite sure what to do until she gets an offer from sexy local carpenter Colin Heath to camp out in Willoughby Close.
What started out as merely helping someone stranded turns into a lot more as Colin and Anna grow closer the more time they spend together. Anna has a secret though that she thinks will keep Colin from wanting a relationship with her on top of the fact she is only supposed to be visiting and will need to return home.
A Cotswold Christmas by Kate Hewitt is a lovely little emotional Christmas romance. The setting seemed to be an odd one to start to have to camp for a holiday but I really began to enjoy the story as I got to know the characters and found the setting to also be quite nice in the end.
Anna had been struggling with a lot when she chose to take her trip and it was good to see her begin to overcome the things worrying her. With being a novella I had wished there had been a bit more depth and getting to know the characters but still good even with the faster pace due to being short.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
What started out as merely helping someone stranded turns into a lot more as Colin and Anna grow closer the more time they spend together. Anna has a secret though that she thinks will keep Colin from wanting a relationship with her on top of the fact she is only supposed to be visiting and will need to return home.
A Cotswold Christmas by Kate Hewitt is a lovely little emotional Christmas romance. The setting seemed to be an odd one to start to have to camp for a holiday but I really began to enjoy the story as I got to know the characters and found the setting to also be quite nice in the end.
Anna had been struggling with a lot when she chose to take her trip and it was good to see her begin to overcome the things worrying her. With being a novella I had wished there had been a bit more depth and getting to know the characters but still good even with the faster pace due to being short.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 13, 2016
4 - "This is a much better Christmas than I ever envisioned having." Stars!
Kate Hewitt, starts her new Willoughby Close series with a Christmas Cracker, in the telling of Anna and Colin’s story.
This was a relatively quick novella to read, but it wasn’t lacking in story or development for me. Anna Vere has traveled from New York to spend two weeks in the peaceful surroundings of a B&B in the Cotswolds, unfortunately those plans go awry from the moment she arrives in that her room at the B&B has been flooded out, so she ends up spending the night in a partially completed, furniture free converted stables…
It wasn’t the holiday she’d anticipated, but maybe, she thought as she snuggled into the sleeping bag, just maybe it would all work out after all…
Not the best start to your Christmas break, but it does bring her into contact with Colin Heath, general nice guy, and contractor responsible for the work being undertaken on the conversion of the stables at Willoughby Close.
He wanted her. She felt right here, in his life… in his arms.
Two weeks spent together over the course of the Christmas season, bring this couple together and expand their feelings for each other very quickly, but how do they look to start a long term committed relationship when they live on opposite sides of the Atlantic ocean...
It was scary, really… how quickly she could see herself slotting into his life.
I really enjoyed A Cotswold Christmas, I can’t really say there is anything massively different with the tropes used, but Kate Hewitt’s writing is extremely agreeable, her characters are easy to get along with, and the drama was well paced and not overdone. A great little opener to what looks like will be at least another four books in the series to come over the coming months.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Kate Hewitt, starts her new Willoughby Close series with a Christmas Cracker, in the telling of Anna and Colin’s story.
This was a relatively quick novella to read, but it wasn’t lacking in story or development for me. Anna Vere has traveled from New York to spend two weeks in the peaceful surroundings of a B&B in the Cotswolds, unfortunately those plans go awry from the moment she arrives in that her room at the B&B has been flooded out, so she ends up spending the night in a partially completed, furniture free converted stables…
It wasn’t the holiday she’d anticipated, but maybe, she thought as she snuggled into the sleeping bag, just maybe it would all work out after all…
Not the best start to your Christmas break, but it does bring her into contact with Colin Heath, general nice guy, and contractor responsible for the work being undertaken on the conversion of the stables at Willoughby Close.
He wanted her. She felt right here, in his life… in his arms.
Two weeks spent together over the course of the Christmas season, bring this couple together and expand their feelings for each other very quickly, but how do they look to start a long term committed relationship when they live on opposite sides of the Atlantic ocean...
It was scary, really… how quickly she could see herself slotting into his life.
I really enjoyed A Cotswold Christmas, I can’t really say there is anything massively different with the tropes used, but Kate Hewitt’s writing is extremely agreeable, her characters are easy to get along with, and the drama was well paced and not overdone. A great little opener to what looks like will be at least another four books in the series to come over the coming months.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
November 21, 2020
- 2.5 stars - American girl escapes her life/love problems at a BnB in Cotswold where she meets "prince charming". A bit predictable holiday love story (aren't they all?).
November 25, 2018
A Cotswold Christmas is quite a short read, being only about 154 pages and it’s also written in a very easy and readable manner, which means it’s quite easy to read it in one sitting as I did! The book is written in 3rd person, which chapters and scenes being split between the two leads, Anna and Colin. The book also isn't that explicit, there is kissing and arousal is described. But there is more vague references to things, rather than actually describing things.
The story centres on Anna Vere, who has decided to go away for Christmas on her own and has chosen a little B & B in the Cotswolds. Only problem is: the B & B has flooded, so instead Anna has to make alternative arrangements and then meets Colin!
I liked this story, it was what I fancied reading at the time. A fancied a light hearted Christmas read and this was it. It wasn't a very deep read, though it did touch on certain issues that are deeply affect people and their lives - those namely being: grief and having children. So if these issues affect you deeply, I wouldn't recommend reading this. (spoiler at the end describing exactly what the issues are at the end. ) The characters both have their own issues, which I liked and both were out of that twenty something age in which most of these books are set in, which made it quite a refreshing read.
But there were also things that I didn't like. It wasn't Christmassy! It could have been written at any time of the year really. I was quite disappointed with how little Christmas actually appeared, the focus was definitely on the characters and their issues, which was a bit of shame.
All in all, I did like this book. It just wasn't what I expected. It was a good short read though and I would check out more of this author if I wanted another chick lit and light hearted read.
The story centres on Anna Vere, who has decided to go away for Christmas on her own and has chosen a little B & B in the Cotswolds. Only problem is: the B & B has flooded, so instead Anna has to make alternative arrangements and then meets Colin!
I liked this story, it was what I fancied reading at the time. A fancied a light hearted Christmas read and this was it. It wasn't a very deep read, though it did touch on certain issues that are deeply affect people and their lives - those namely being: grief and having children. So if these issues affect you deeply, I wouldn't recommend reading this. (spoiler at the end describing exactly what the issues are at the end. ) The characters both have their own issues, which I liked and both were out of that twenty something age in which most of these books are set in, which made it quite a refreshing read.
But there were also things that I didn't like. It wasn't Christmassy! It could have been written at any time of the year really. I was quite disappointed with how little Christmas actually appeared, the focus was definitely on the characters and their issues, which was a bit of shame.
All in all, I did like this book. It just wasn't what I expected. It was a good short read though and I would check out more of this author if I wanted another chick lit and light hearted read.
September 26, 2016
From its gorgeous wintery cover, to the lovely title that sums up a cosy Christmas book, to the story itself, its a warm hearted story that is also a prequel to Kate Hewitt's new Willoughby Close series.
This is a relatively short novella that is very quick to read, and focuses on Anna and Colin, who meet for the first time when Colin finds Anna somewhere to stay, after the B&B she was booked into was flooded. She is offered the chance to camp out in one of the almost finished cottages of Willoughby Close. As Anna and Colin spend some more time together they realise they may just have a connection.
It is not the lonely Christmas that Anna was expecting, but a far more enjoyable one, even if she is still struggling with a diagnosis, that could alter everything. It's not a subject that I was expecting to see a Christmas book, but the way it was touched on was very good.
However being a novella I found I was left wanting to know a bit more about the characters. Although I did like them, I just found I didn't know them well enough to really love them. I am though looking forward to seeing what the rest of this series entails.
A Cotswold Christmas is the first book I have read by Kate Hewitt, and I really enjoyed its portrayal of a small Christmas celebration where things don't quite go according to the original plan. The village of Wychwood-on-Lea sounded quite pleasant, and is a place I would happily return to in fiction.
Thank you so much to Jenny at Neverland Blog Tours for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
January 30, 2017
A Cotswold Christmas is a cute, heartwarming story that introduces us to the Willoughby Close series.
I have to admit that it was a bit predictable, but in the way I wanted it to be so I wasn't upset. I loved reading about Anna who thought that she wanted to be alone for Christmas after a broken engagement and how she really celebrated Christmas.
I loved reading about the English Cotswold! I thought that the book was too short but was happy with how everything turned out.
I have to admit that it was a bit predictable, but in the way I wanted it to be so I wasn't upset. I loved reading about Anna who thought that she wanted to be alone for Christmas after a broken engagement and how she really celebrated Christmas.
I loved reading about the English Cotswold! I thought that the book was too short but was happy with how everything turned out.
February 19, 2023
Part of my let’s clean my Audible collection a bit big project. I aim high, lol
This a short-ish romance set around Christmas. Our newly divorced American heroine is avoiding her family and decides to spend the holidays in Cotswolds (hint hint at the title). Her plans get derailed and she ends up befriending a local handyman/carpenter/contractor. Romance, of course, ensues.
I’m feeling confident in my 3 star rating - this is not bad, but it wasn’t brilliant either. The kudos go to characters that are overall appropriate and decent, in their mid-30s, that have some brains in their heads and some communication skills to actually talk things through. No Big Misunderstanding, which i welcomed. At the same time - no big misunderstandings, for whatever reasons, might mean a bland romance story. I promptly forgot the character names 2 days after reading this. And I imagine I’ll forget the plot points in a week. There is some cute cosy Christmas atmosphere, though, so I imagine this working really well with a cup of tea on a snowy evening.
Spoilers and TW: it’s important to know that this book deals with infertility. It’s dealt with fairly appropriately, even though I don’t think they properly resolve this issue in the end, as we are told the male character wants children. So, proceed knowingly.
This a short-ish romance set around Christmas. Our newly divorced American heroine is avoiding her family and decides to spend the holidays in Cotswolds (hint hint at the title). Her plans get derailed and she ends up befriending a local handyman/carpenter/contractor. Romance, of course, ensues.
I’m feeling confident in my 3 star rating - this is not bad, but it wasn’t brilliant either. The kudos go to characters that are overall appropriate and decent, in their mid-30s, that have some brains in their heads and some communication skills to actually talk things through. No Big Misunderstanding, which i welcomed. At the same time - no big misunderstandings, for whatever reasons, might mean a bland romance story. I promptly forgot the character names 2 days after reading this. And I imagine I’ll forget the plot points in a week. There is some cute cosy Christmas atmosphere, though, so I imagine this working really well with a cup of tea on a snowy evening.
Spoilers and TW: it’s important to know that this book deals with infertility. It’s dealt with fairly appropriately, even though I don’t think they properly resolve this issue in the end, as we are told the male character wants children. So, proceed knowingly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2018
Meh. Not terrible but not really good. The story and characters just had something off putting about them.
November 6, 2018
This is the first novel in the Willoughby Close series. I say novel but it is more of a novella and didn't take me long to read it at all. More so because I didn't put it down until I'd finished it as I was so wrapped up in Anna and Colin's story.
Where better to set a story at Christmas than the Cotswolds? I had the most wonderful visions running through my head of Willoughby Manor, the homes to let in Willloughby Close as well as Colin's quaint little cottage. It was so idyllic and I was more than happy for the author to transport me there.
I loved getting to know the two main characters better as well as see them grow closer. We all know that the course of true love never goes smoothly and I was trying to guess what issues could possibly raise their head to cause these two issues.
A Cotswold Christmas is a wonderful and heartwarming read that I didn't want to end. I'm really hoping that both characters pop up in other books in the series so the readers can keep up to date with them. A lovely romance novel set at the festive time of year. What's not to enjoy?
Where better to set a story at Christmas than the Cotswolds? I had the most wonderful visions running through my head of Willoughby Manor, the homes to let in Willloughby Close as well as Colin's quaint little cottage. It was so idyllic and I was more than happy for the author to transport me there.
I loved getting to know the two main characters better as well as see them grow closer. We all know that the course of true love never goes smoothly and I was trying to guess what issues could possibly raise their head to cause these two issues.
A Cotswold Christmas is a wonderful and heartwarming read that I didn't want to end. I'm really hoping that both characters pop up in other books in the series so the readers can keep up to date with them. A lovely romance novel set at the festive time of year. What's not to enjoy?
March 5, 2017
This is a lovely little book, which is fairly short, so can be read pretty much cover to cover in one sitting. Anna arrives from America to find that her B&B is flooded, she accepts an offer of camping out in an empty cottage in Willoughby Close and there gets to meet a local handyman, Colin. When she suddenly has to leave the cottage, she accepts an offer from Colin to go and stay with him for the Christmas holiday. The two of them then embark on a close relationship which with the the long distance between each of their homes and the secret in Anna's life neither of them quite know where this is going to lead.
I think this book is sort of scene setting for the next instalments of books about the residents of Willoughby Close, a delightful read.
I think this book is sort of scene setting for the next instalments of books about the residents of Willoughby Close, a delightful read.
July 15, 2021
I've been reading a lot of Christmas-themed stories as it's Christmas in July and this one really appealed to me. From the cover to the blurb, I thought I was going to be for a cozy British Christmas story but it...wasn't. Yes, the story takes place over Christmas but it doesn't give off any Christmasy feel-good feels. Quite the opposite, in fact. The writing was good but it just fell flat.
My Rating: 3 stars
My Rating: 3 stars
November 8, 2018
Anna is an American, she has come to the Cotswolds to spend Christmas alone in a bed and breakfast, only to find that there has been a flood and her room is uninhabitable - on 22 December! Her hapless landlady offers alternate accommodation staying at some cottages which are being renovated by her cousin Colin. Of course Colin turns out to be a gorgeous strapping man, just the antidote to all the bad things that have happened to Anna over the last three months.
I guess this is just what you expect from the cover and title, a sweet holiday romance set in an idyllic country village with interfering family, midnight mass at the local church, long walks with dogs etc.
It was okay, pleasant but didn't light me on fire.
I guess this is just what you expect from the cover and title, a sweet holiday romance set in an idyllic country village with interfering family, midnight mass at the local church, long walks with dogs etc.
It was okay, pleasant but didn't light me on fire.
December 15, 2017
Having only read one other Kate Hewitt novel ("Rainy day sisters") which I loved, I was keen to try another of her works. I purchased "A Cotswold Christmas" because it is the first installment in her Willoughby Close series - and it fits perfectly in this festive season.
The setting is as idyllic and 'chocolate box' as it could possibly be. Who wouldn't want to spend Christmas there?
"She'd come to England so she could curl up by herself, lick her wounds, and hopefully heal."
When thirty-five year old New Yorker, Anna Vere travels to a charming Cotswolds village to spend Christmas, she expects the lovely B&B that she booked. She arrives, exhausted, only to find that the old house is flooded and she cannot stay there. Being so near Christmas, all the hotels and B&Bs are fully booked. The landlady apologizes and suggests that she stay at some cottages in the next village which are being renovated by her cousin.
"She was feeling vulnerable and alone".
The 'cousin', Colin Heath, comes to pick her up. She is shocked to see that instead of the elderly gentleman she was picturing in her mind, he is a handsome man of about her own age. Another shock comes when he shows her the cottage. It has only just been finished and there is no furniture, towels, or trappings of any kind! He has brought along some of his camping gear and she is to sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag. Despite the meager accommodations, Anna finds Colin to be helpful and somehow.... someone she instinctively trusts and even likes.
When the owner of the newly finished cottages evicts Anna, Colin invites her to stay at his house, which he shares with his black lab, Millie.
Over the next few days Anna and Colin spend quite a bit of time together. They discover a strong mutual attraction, and talk for hours revealing their 'baggage' - and they DO both have some. When it comes time for Anna to return to her life in New York, the couple have some difficult, perhaps insurmountable decisions to make...
This charming Christmas romance will appeal strongly to those who prefer to read romantic fiction. It was just a little too romantically driven for me. That being said, I really enjoyed the characters and the setting, so I do plan to pursue this series in further novels.
The setting is as idyllic and 'chocolate box' as it could possibly be. Who wouldn't want to spend Christmas there?
"She'd come to England so she could curl up by herself, lick her wounds, and hopefully heal."
When thirty-five year old New Yorker, Anna Vere travels to a charming Cotswolds village to spend Christmas, she expects the lovely B&B that she booked. She arrives, exhausted, only to find that the old house is flooded and she cannot stay there. Being so near Christmas, all the hotels and B&Bs are fully booked. The landlady apologizes and suggests that she stay at some cottages in the next village which are being renovated by her cousin.
"She was feeling vulnerable and alone".
The 'cousin', Colin Heath, comes to pick her up. She is shocked to see that instead of the elderly gentleman she was picturing in her mind, he is a handsome man of about her own age. Another shock comes when he shows her the cottage. It has only just been finished and there is no furniture, towels, or trappings of any kind! He has brought along some of his camping gear and she is to sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag. Despite the meager accommodations, Anna finds Colin to be helpful and somehow.... someone she instinctively trusts and even likes.
When the owner of the newly finished cottages evicts Anna, Colin invites her to stay at his house, which he shares with his black lab, Millie.
Over the next few days Anna and Colin spend quite a bit of time together. They discover a strong mutual attraction, and talk for hours revealing their 'baggage' - and they DO both have some. When it comes time for Anna to return to her life in New York, the couple have some difficult, perhaps insurmountable decisions to make...
This charming Christmas romance will appeal strongly to those who prefer to read romantic fiction. It was just a little too romantically driven for me. That being said, I really enjoyed the characters and the setting, so I do plan to pursue this series in further novels.
October 15, 2016
This is the first book in Kate Hewitt's Willoughby Close series, which is set in the Cotswolds. I was eager to read this after seeing the beautiful cover, i fell in love with it. Although this is a novella, i think it was perfect and set the scene brilliantly. kate Hewitt, fits a lot into this and it didnt feel rushed or empty.
In the first book we are introduced to Anna Vere and Colin Heath.
Anna arrives in the Cotswolds from New York for her 2 week holiday at the local B&B. Wanting to spend Christmas alone, she is met with the news that her room at the B&B has been flooded. With the help of local Carpenter Colin, he offers her a house in the newly converted stables he has been working on in the village. They will not be rented out until the new year so Colin sets up home for Anna. Although it is not 5star luxury, Anna has no choice but to camp out on the floor in a sleeping bag with a log fire and some milk and bread in the fridge as everywhere in the area is full for the Christmas period.
As their time together progress's and they find that there is a huge spark between them, we learn of Anna's secret and why she had to leave her life behind for a whille to be alone.
I loved the descriptions of the countryside and the cold frosty nights, midnight mass, walks with Millie, family time at Colin's sister and eating hot homemade food at the local pub. I found both Anna and Colin so endearing that i didnt want their story to end. But as they say, all good things must come to an end.
I am looking forward to the next installment of the series.
In the first book we are introduced to Anna Vere and Colin Heath.
Anna arrives in the Cotswolds from New York for her 2 week holiday at the local B&B. Wanting to spend Christmas alone, she is met with the news that her room at the B&B has been flooded. With the help of local Carpenter Colin, he offers her a house in the newly converted stables he has been working on in the village. They will not be rented out until the new year so Colin sets up home for Anna. Although it is not 5star luxury, Anna has no choice but to camp out on the floor in a sleeping bag with a log fire and some milk and bread in the fridge as everywhere in the area is full for the Christmas period.
As their time together progress's and they find that there is a huge spark between them, we learn of Anna's secret and why she had to leave her life behind for a whille to be alone.
I loved the descriptions of the countryside and the cold frosty nights, midnight mass, walks with Millie, family time at Colin's sister and eating hot homemade food at the local pub. I found both Anna and Colin so endearing that i didnt want their story to end. But as they say, all good things must come to an end.
I am looking forward to the next installment of the series.
December 4, 2022
Pretty standard Christmas romance, set in England.
I listened to this on Audible and struggled with the narrator. I've listened to this narrator a few times before and I've decided that once upon a time someone told her she did a great British accent and she somehow built a career around that one voice. Except it's a really grating voice she does and since there's no variation, all of the books I've listened to from her all blend into one amorphous book blob in my head.
All that to say that maybe this is a book that is better off read. And that I need to stop listening to this narrator for good.
I listened to this on Audible and struggled with the narrator. I've listened to this narrator a few times before and I've decided that once upon a time someone told her she did a great British accent and she somehow built a career around that one voice. Except it's a really grating voice she does and since there's no variation, all of the books I've listened to from her all blend into one amorphous book blob in my head.
All that to say that maybe this is a book that is better off read. And that I need to stop listening to this narrator for good.
December 27, 2023
This was a festive, fast paced romance as we follow our American main character experience an English introduction to the Cotswolds. When her original B&B stay breaks down, she’s directed to some new developments which are *just* about ready for habitation but Anna has very little other option… Bonus that it comes with an introduction to Colin, wink wink nudge nudge.
Aw. They were adorable though and as they spent more time together, it was so cute to see them grow closer. She was a reluctant participant in the relationship at the start, being unceremoniously thrown into the jaws of his family for dinner and they are… a lot.
When her stay at the new development is not wholly approved by the developer, she ends up staying with Colin. Anna has a lot to navigate and with Christmas impending, maybe her escape away can heal her more than she thought…. Anna however has a life in New York and Colin has his life in England, could they make it work?
It was a great taster into the series and I definitely need a follow up into this story for more!
Aw. They were adorable though and as they spent more time together, it was so cute to see them grow closer. She was a reluctant participant in the relationship at the start, being unceremoniously thrown into the jaws of his family for dinner and they are… a lot.
When her stay at the new development is not wholly approved by the developer, she ends up staying with Colin. Anna has a lot to navigate and with Christmas impending, maybe her escape away can heal her more than she thought…. Anna however has a life in New York and Colin has his life in England, could they make it work?
It was a great taster into the series and I definitely need a follow up into this story for more!
November 5, 2017
Although this was a short story a lot was packed into it and didn't feel rushed at all was an excellent story line full of holidays and romance. Problem is can a holiday romance last or not. Can't wait to read more in this series now as such excellent characters and set in a beautiful village in the Cotswolds so beautiful for Christmas. Anna decides she wants to leave America for Christmas after a nasty split up with her partner and get away from everyone but when she arrives she finds her B&B room is flooded and everywhere is already full until she is taken to some houses that haven't been finished but she is told she can stay there and she slowly builds a relationship with the builder but they both have pasts and things to deal with so can they work through them and how easy is it for her to go back to America or can she not do. A simple read but so well done I just didn't want it to finish.
December 31, 2021
Anna travels from New York to spend Christmas by herself in the Cotswolds. Unfortunately her planned accommodation falls through and she ends up at the mercy of local builder, Colin. You can guess the rest. There are issues for both of the main characters which leave them guarded, but being such a short story, we don’t really have time for depth. However, it was a nice little Christmas read to round out the year.
October 16, 2016
Excellent holiday story with great descriptive writing that painted a beautiful picture of the English countryside during the holiday season. American Anna Vere needed to get away. After a broken engagement a holiday vacation in the Cotswolds, far away from her messed up life seems perfect. It starts out well but when the B&B she is suppose to stay in is flooded, she's stuck looking for somewhere else to stay. She's grateful when a local carpenter, Colin Heath, offers up a manor house in nearby Willoughby Close. Then when that doesn't work out she finds herself staying at the home of the very sexy carpenter. These two have a very intense connection but past hurts make both of them afraid to risk getting attached. As her time to leave comes closer it becomes obvious that their hearts have gotten involved. Will they be brave enough to find a way to make this work??
I highly recommend this one.
I highly recommend this one.
December 9, 2022
A good book. Makes me want to go there for Christmas myself.
December 27, 2017
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
It was a nice read, but I would have liked it better if the plot had not been a rehash of "A Vicarage Christmas" (by the same author). Plus, the lenght. This is more a novella than a real novel.
It was a nice read, but I would have liked it better if the plot had not been a rehash of "A Vicarage Christmas" (by the same author). Plus, the lenght. This is more a novella than a real novel.
November 22, 2022
I've picked the series when I got really tired of cozy mysteries, which I usually use as a light reading to offload after a busy, heavy loaded day.
Slow snowy evenings in front of a cozy fireplace, warm socks and a huge cup of hot coco was the vibe I expected. I got some of it, but not to the fullest.
Typical romantic story, which starts with an escape from the broken heart. On top of that her room in the B&B is flooded. But the life is full of surprises and what was supposed to be a disaster turned into a cozy and cute romantic story.
Cheesy, cliche but still cute and nice romantic story, I kinda like it.
Slow snowy evenings in front of a cozy fireplace, warm socks and a huge cup of hot coco was the vibe I expected. I got some of it, but not to the fullest.
Typical romantic story, which starts with an escape from the broken heart. On top of that her room in the B&B is flooded. But the life is full of surprises and what was supposed to be a disaster turned into a cozy and cute romantic story.
Cheesy, cliche but still cute and nice romantic story, I kinda like it.
October 26, 2016
3.5
This is a very atmospheric seasonal read but at the same time it is not overly Christmassy. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the little village and the Cotswold.
A Cotswold Christmas is the prequel to the Willoughby Close series and it made me really curious about the actual series.
Some things felt a little bit rushed, especially the relationship between Anna and Colin. They are both stating this throughout the story but I really would have liked to read more about the two and I hope we will see them again in the actual series.
Colin was my fave character in this book. I liked how much he was down-to-earth and caring about friends, family, and even strangers. Anna felt a bit distant to me, she felt like a typical New York business woman but I could start to feel how she was warming up to the rural village and Colin.
The writing style was very enjoyable and I will look out for more books by Kate Hewitt.
This is a very atmospheric seasonal read but at the same time it is not overly Christmassy. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the little village and the Cotswold.
A Cotswold Christmas is the prequel to the Willoughby Close series and it made me really curious about the actual series.
Some things felt a little bit rushed, especially the relationship between Anna and Colin. They are both stating this throughout the story but I really would have liked to read more about the two and I hope we will see them again in the actual series.
Colin was my fave character in this book. I liked how much he was down-to-earth and caring about friends, family, and even strangers. Anna felt a bit distant to me, she felt like a typical New York business woman but I could start to feel how she was warming up to the rural village and Colin.
The writing style was very enjoyable and I will look out for more books by Kate Hewitt.
November 4, 2016
This novella is a perfect sweet and charming Christmas read. It has everything that I like when looking for a holiday read; a beautiful festive cover, a quaint setting, very likable characters, and a romance that seems realistic and not over the top. Anna heads to the Cotswolds for Christmas to escape her life in NYC. Local carpenter and handyman comes to her rescue. The place she intends to stay is flooded so the owner finds her a room in Willoughby Close. This is the first of 4 books in the Willoughby Close Series and I look forward to reading the next installment.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.
September 28, 2016
I enjoyed this book set in the Cotswolds - not too festive for those who do not like reading books with Christmas in the title before December. I was surprised to discover the author is American as I thought she captured the Cotswolds quite well. I enjoyed the love story between Anna and Colin and it left me wanting more - so it's a good job this is the first book in a new series. I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review although I have to say my kindle didn't like the format and I had to rotate the screen to see all the text.
December 5, 2023
The Holiday sans Nancy Myers, which makes it worse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews