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Christmas at Snowdrop Cottage
Full of sparkling festive magic, Little Woodville is all set for Christmas…
Belle Nightingale hasn’t celebrated Christmas properly since she lost touch with her Gran and left the tiny village in the Cotswolds behind two decades ago. But back in Little Woodville to sell up and move on to start a new business venture with her boyfriend, Belle finds herself wondering whether her own dreams have been pushed aside in her quest to please everyone else.
The cosy cottage, nostalgia and her tenant Sebastian’s ties to her own family, bring a lot of emotions to the surface for Belle, particularly when she begins to form a bond with Sebastian who isn’t the old man she was expecting, but a tall, dark and ridiculously handsome man her age and with a very kind heart.
When the snow blankets the tiny village and Belle comes up against a community that pulls together to look after their own, she begins to discover the true meaning of Christmas and wonders whether it’s time to confront the past in a last attempt to bring her family back together.
Grab a hot chocolate and escape to the quaint Cotswold village and the thatched cottage where the perfect recipe for Christmas may just contain a whole lot of love, friendship and kindness. And it may just be everything Belle is looking for.
Belle Nightingale hasn’t celebrated Christmas properly since she lost touch with her Gran and left the tiny village in the Cotswolds behind two decades ago. But back in Little Woodville to sell up and move on to start a new business venture with her boyfriend, Belle finds herself wondering whether her own dreams have been pushed aside in her quest to please everyone else.
The cosy cottage, nostalgia and her tenant Sebastian’s ties to her own family, bring a lot of emotions to the surface for Belle, particularly when she begins to form a bond with Sebastian who isn’t the old man she was expecting, but a tall, dark and ridiculously handsome man her age and with a very kind heart.
When the snow blankets the tiny village and Belle comes up against a community that pulls together to look after their own, she begins to discover the true meaning of Christmas and wonders whether it’s time to confront the past in a last attempt to bring her family back together.
Grab a hot chocolate and escape to the quaint Cotswold village and the thatched cottage where the perfect recipe for Christmas may just contain a whole lot of love, friendship and kindness. And it may just be everything Belle is looking for.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2017
145 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Helen J. Rolfe
26 books171 followersHelen J. Rolfe writes romantic fiction and contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community.
Never miss a release date! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts: www.helenjrolfe.com/newsletter
Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books, and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries where she thinks her readers might like to escape to.
Helen J. Rolfe also writes for Orion Books under the name Helen Rolfe.
Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia and it was there that she finally turned to what she loved and studied writing and journalism. She spent a while freelancing for women's health and fitness magazines, volunteered with the PR department of a children's hospital where she wrote articles and media releases, and eventually began writing fiction in 2011. And now, she thinks she may just have found her dream job.
Helen currently lives in Hertfordshire, UK, with her husband and their children.
Helen loves to hear from readers so please don't hesitate to get in touch. She can be found at:
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfew...
https://twitter.com/hjrolfe
www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe
Never miss a release date! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts: www.helenjrolfe.com/newsletter
Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books, and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries where she thinks her readers might like to escape to.
Helen J. Rolfe also writes for Orion Books under the name Helen Rolfe.
Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia and it was there that she finally turned to what she loved and studied writing and journalism. She spent a while freelancing for women's health and fitness magazines, volunteered with the PR department of a children's hospital where she wrote articles and media releases, and eventually began writing fiction in 2011. And now, she thinks she may just have found her dream job.
Helen currently lives in Hertfordshire, UK, with her husband and their children.
Helen loves to hear from readers so please don't hesitate to get in touch. She can be found at:
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfew...
https://twitter.com/hjrolfe
www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 25, 2020
Dnf 75% - this was cute, no better or worse than the usual Christmas drama/romance but it feels never ending. At this point I just cannot be bothered. We all know how it ends. These types of books are obviously obvious. So while sweet, I just can't drag on with this.
December 1, 2018
My first Christmas read of the year. A beautiful festive romance. I loved the Cotswold village and all the villagers. Perfect book to read by the fire with a hot chocolate. Just need some snow now. Can't wait to read more.
August 5, 2019
Another fabulous book from Helen J Rolfe. This story gives you that lovely warm festive fuzzy feeling. It gets a huge thumbs up from me
December 5, 2020
Cute Christmas story about mending family bonds and following your heart.
Belle’s the legal owner of her estranged grandmother’s country cottage. When Belle and her boyfriend decide to open a business together, they look to sell the cottage to start them off. But Belle has some emotions to work through so she decides to visit the cottage and give notice to her tenant while she’s there only he’s not quite what she was expecting!
The characters were pretty likable, though a bit frustrating at times. I can relate to Belle’s loyalty and dedication to her loved ones and her desire to make them happy, and unfortunately can also relate to her sacrificing her happiness for their sake. It’s something I’ve learned to balance out with age and thankfully so does Belle.
Sebastian was fairly mellow and on the reserved side, but his mood swings sometimes got to me. Even if they were understandable it’s not an attractive trait. I do like him for the most part, but seriously. His penchant for talking to Betty about things (before clearing things up with Belle) was so annoying! Small town and close friendships aside, a little discretion wouldn’t be unreasonable.
Although there was a bit of a triangle situation here, it was handled well. Not too much drama and thankfully our heroine wasn’t forced to compromise any morals. I also really liked that Tom was genuinely a good guy but just not The Guy, and he handled everything with Grace.
The root of the actual family drama was... okay. I really liked Gran but Belle’s mom... eh.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. A fun story with some depth to make Christmas a bit emotional but in a good way.
Belle’s the legal owner of her estranged grandmother’s country cottage. When Belle and her boyfriend decide to open a business together, they look to sell the cottage to start them off. But Belle has some emotions to work through so she decides to visit the cottage and give notice to her tenant while she’s there only he’s not quite what she was expecting!
The characters were pretty likable, though a bit frustrating at times. I can relate to Belle’s loyalty and dedication to her loved ones and her desire to make them happy, and unfortunately can also relate to her sacrificing her happiness for their sake. It’s something I’ve learned to balance out with age and thankfully so does Belle.
Sebastian was fairly mellow and on the reserved side, but his mood swings sometimes got to me. Even if they were understandable it’s not an attractive trait. I do like him for the most part, but seriously. His penchant for talking to Betty about things (before clearing things up with Belle) was so annoying! Small town and close friendships aside, a little discretion wouldn’t be unreasonable.
Although there was a bit of a triangle situation here, it was handled well. Not too much drama and thankfully our heroine wasn’t forced to compromise any morals. I also really liked that Tom was genuinely a good guy but just not The Guy, and he handled everything with Grace.
The root of the actual family drama was... okay. I really liked Gran but Belle’s mom... eh.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. A fun story with some depth to make Christmas a bit emotional but in a good way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2019
I do love a Helen Rolfe book! Such an adorable Christmas story set in an idyllic setting that Helen really brings to life with her brilliant descriptive writing. I loved the mysterious part of this book, why Belle had lost contact with her Gran and who was the tenant looking after Snowdrop cottage? It was a pleasure to see Belle reconnect with her past and begin to fall back in love with the cottage that held so many happy memories. A heartwarming story with some lovely characters and enough unexpected moments to keep me entertained and engaged throughout. Another fabulous book by this talented author, I’m never disappointed with her gorgeous books ❤️
October 21, 2021
Sweet little heartwarming Christmas story. Predictable yet fun. Think of a Hallmark movie.
The only thing that bothered me in this book was how the breakup with Antony went down. He did nothing wrong. Yet he was cast aside quite quickly and quite heartlessly. And sent packing!! in a snowstorm of all things!!
The only thing that bothered me in this book was how the breakup with Antony went down. He did nothing wrong. Yet he was cast aside quite quickly and quite heartlessly. And sent packing!! in a snowstorm of all things!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2022
If you are going to write a book with multiple cooking scenes, don't start with food that just doesn't sound like anything a competent cook would ever do. Also don't call your characters after an indie band. It's just jarring. Other than that it's like a low rent hallmark movie - and I normally enjoy a hallmark movie!
December 23, 2022
Christmas at Snowdrop Cottage is my first read by Helen Rolfe. Since it looks like she has a ton of novels available, I cannot wait to read more in the future, especially as some of them are holiday reads. This story follows Belle Nightingale as she returns to the small town of Little Woodville where she hasn’t been in the past twenty years. After Snowdrop Cottage went into her name, she plans to fix it up and sell it, however, this plan is easier said than done. This sale would help her on her new business venture with her boyfriend. The current tenant, Sebastian, creates some kinks in her plans.
There is a lot of layers in this story. The first is Belle’s estrangement from her grandmother, who gave the cottage to Belle. As a child she used to visit her grandmother, but an event changed this relationship. The mystery of this situation was captivating as I, as a reader, was anxious to see what tore the family apart. While I enjoyed the mystery of this and learning about the family dynamic, it did feel a little underwhelming compared to what the writing seemed to build up. The second main one is Belle’s dreams as she reacquaints herself with the small town that she left behind. This one, for me, was the most enjoyable and relatable as sometimes memories can help trigger a change for the future. This was all well-done in the story and the writing itself was enjoyable.
The story was sweet, and I loved the beautiful setting. The writing is very descriptive, so it was easy to picture the scenery and small-town life. There is a lot of heart-warming moments in the story with some lovely characters. I love Belle’s journey to reacquaint herself with her past. This story was an easy read for a single sitting, and I look forward to reading more from the author.
There is a lot of layers in this story. The first is Belle’s estrangement from her grandmother, who gave the cottage to Belle. As a child she used to visit her grandmother, but an event changed this relationship. The mystery of this situation was captivating as I, as a reader, was anxious to see what tore the family apart. While I enjoyed the mystery of this and learning about the family dynamic, it did feel a little underwhelming compared to what the writing seemed to build up. The second main one is Belle’s dreams as she reacquaints herself with the small town that she left behind. This one, for me, was the most enjoyable and relatable as sometimes memories can help trigger a change for the future. This was all well-done in the story and the writing itself was enjoyable.
The story was sweet, and I loved the beautiful setting. The writing is very descriptive, so it was easy to picture the scenery and small-town life. There is a lot of heart-warming moments in the story with some lovely characters. I love Belle’s journey to reacquaint herself with her past. This story was an easy read for a single sitting, and I look forward to reading more from the author.
August 9, 2021
Christmas at Snowdrop Cottage - Helen J Rolfe
Belle Nightingale hasn’t celebrated Christmas properly since she lost touch with her Gran and left the tiny village in the Cotswolds behind two decades ago. But back in Little Woodville to sell up and move on to start a new business venture with her boyfriend, Belle finds herself wondering whether her own dreams have been pushed aside in her quest to please everyone else.
This is an adorable story with such a beautiful setting, complete with very descriptive writing. I loved that in addition to the Christmas theme there was a slight mystery as to why Belle had lost touch with her Gran. I thought that this was a heart-warming tale with lovely characters, and given that I read the majority of this book in one sitting it was definitely entertaining.
I read this on a wet and miserable afternoon and it was just the perfect escape. I could easily see this book being read under a nice cosy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate.
Rating 4/5
Belle Nightingale hasn’t celebrated Christmas properly since she lost touch with her Gran and left the tiny village in the Cotswolds behind two decades ago. But back in Little Woodville to sell up and move on to start a new business venture with her boyfriend, Belle finds herself wondering whether her own dreams have been pushed aside in her quest to please everyone else.
This is an adorable story with such a beautiful setting, complete with very descriptive writing. I loved that in addition to the Christmas theme there was a slight mystery as to why Belle had lost touch with her Gran. I thought that this was a heart-warming tale with lovely characters, and given that I read the majority of this book in one sitting it was definitely entertaining.
I read this on a wet and miserable afternoon and it was just the perfect escape. I could easily see this book being read under a nice cosy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate.
Rating 4/5
December 6, 2022
At first I found it hard to click with the main character. She just seems to go along with everyone else's wishes, and didn't seem to have much personality herself. However, I was happy to see her grow into herself and learning to stand up for herself throughout the course of the story. So with time I did warn to her.
I really liked Sebastian from the get go, and the community spirit in the village, so those were instant draws for me. The romance bit did not sit well with me at all, but it's actually just a tiny bit of the book, so it didn't really take away any of my enjoyment.
It's much more about family, loyalties, friendships, looking out for each other and the difference between goals and dreams. I was eager to find out what happened in the past to have her family all scattered.
All of these worked well for me, so despite the romance falling flat, it's still very enjoyable 4* read for me.
I really liked Sebastian from the get go, and the community spirit in the village, so those were instant draws for me. The romance bit did not sit well with me at all, but it's actually just a tiny bit of the book, so it didn't really take away any of my enjoyment.
It's much more about family, loyalties, friendships, looking out for each other and the difference between goals and dreams. I was eager to find out what happened in the past to have her family all scattered.
All of these worked well for me, so despite the romance falling flat, it's still very enjoyable 4* read for me.
September 28, 2022
Belle has been estranged from her grandmother for twenty years due to her mother’s actions and desires. But still, her grandmother had given Belle her cottage when she moved to a care facility ten years ago. Now Belle wants to sell it, to garner money for a business venture with her partner. She was going to the village to give notice to the tenant, but she didn’t anticipate how difficult that would turn out to be. She also didn’t anticipate a tenant her age and handsome. There is a lot of history in Belle’s family that she is ignorant of, things her mother won’t talk about. But a reconciliation between Belle and Granny breaks the ice, and hearts begin to melt. This lovely tale is a perfect Christmas story, not too sweet, but filled with a hopeful future for all. The characters are delightful, the setting quaint, and the writing just flows.
January 6, 2021
This is everything you want in a Christmas romance. Beautiful decorations, spices, the possibility of snow, stunning scenery and, of course, love is in the air.
Belle heads to the village she spent so much time in as a little girl but hasn't visited for 20 years. Her purpose is to make her gran's cottage fit for sale.
Families have drama, and hers has been torn apart.
Everywhere she goes, memories start to return.
A lovely Christmassy read 💖
I'm sure more books by this author will appear on my TBR.
Belle heads to the village she spent so much time in as a little girl but hasn't visited for 20 years. Her purpose is to make her gran's cottage fit for sale.
Families have drama, and hers has been torn apart.
Everywhere she goes, memories start to return.
A lovely Christmassy read 💖
I'm sure more books by this author will appear on my TBR.
December 18, 2019
This book was ok. I liked the found family and the small town feel. There was a lot of family drama and some real sweet moments.
I'm not a fan when one person in the romantic relationship starts off in another relationship. But I think that's a personal preference.
There were parts of the story I found a little mundane and dull. Like exact descriptions of list of things a character did. But really a small gripe.
All together a Christmas easy read that was lovely
I'm not a fan when one person in the romantic relationship starts off in another relationship. But I think that's a personal preference.
There were parts of the story I found a little mundane and dull. Like exact descriptions of list of things a character did. But really a small gripe.
All together a Christmas easy read that was lovely
December 18, 2020
Loved it
Belle hasn't been to Snowdrop Cottage in 20 years but she is going back because her grandmother put it in Belle's name
But she is going for a reason to fix it up and sell it. But there is a tenant at the cottage and Belle has to tell him he is being evicted
A great cast of characters all having something they need to work out especially Belle..who has been estranged from her grandmother be sure she didn't want to hurt her mother...
A great Christmas story
Belle hasn't been to Snowdrop Cottage in 20 years but she is going back because her grandmother put it in Belle's name
But she is going for a reason to fix it up and sell it. But there is a tenant at the cottage and Belle has to tell him he is being evicted
A great cast of characters all having something they need to work out especially Belle..who has been estranged from her grandmother be sure she didn't want to hurt her mother...
A great Christmas story
December 2, 2018
Christmas feel good
Great Christmas read that warms the heart and soul!
You are transported to the beautiful village of Little Woodville and really feel all the emotions Belle is experiencing, good and bad, and rejoice at the highs the book brings.
A great book to curl up with, with a great big mug of Hot chocolate and loose yourself in on a cold winters night.
Great Christmas read that warms the heart and soul!
You are transported to the beautiful village of Little Woodville and really feel all the emotions Belle is experiencing, good and bad, and rejoice at the highs the book brings.
A great book to curl up with, with a great big mug of Hot chocolate and loose yourself in on a cold winters night.
March 15, 2019
Excellent
Even though Christmas has passed this book can be read at any time. The cottage descriptions sound ideallic and the village is one that makes you want to visit. The theme is one that does happen but in this case it turned out well. A really good book that makes you want to not put it down.
Even though Christmas has passed this book can be read at any time. The cottage descriptions sound ideallic and the village is one that makes you want to visit. The theme is one that does happen but in this case it turned out well. A really good book that makes you want to not put it down.
November 15, 2019
This was such a cute and cozy Christmas story! I enjoyed the growth and development of the main character on her journey to find out what really mattered as well as bringing her family back together for the holidays!!
October 27, 2020
Lovely
What a lovely heart warming lovely pleasant read, all the characters came to life as if you were truly meeting them , although this was a romantic love story It was full of unexpected suprises.
What a lovely heart warming lovely pleasant read, all the characters came to life as if you were truly meeting them , although this was a romantic love story It was full of unexpected suprises.
November 29, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is one of those gentle, light reads that you can loose yourself in. The characters are interesting and little village sounds like a delight to live in. True escapism.
December 16, 2020
Great Christmas Story
I really got into this story. I love little town settings. The characters are always pleasant and heartfelt. Very good reading and honestly couldn't put it down.
I really got into this story. I love little town settings. The characters are always pleasant and heartfelt. Very good reading and honestly couldn't put it down.
October 27, 2018
Loved everything about this story
Amazing book I was there every step of the way thank you so much Helen for opening my eyes and heart to reading
Amazing book I was there every step of the way thank you so much Helen for opening my eyes and heart to reading
December 15, 2018
Holiday indulgence
Though you know from the start what will happen in the end it is really no problem to continue to the end of a nice indulgent romance. Lovelye.
Though you know from the start what will happen in the end it is really no problem to continue to the end of a nice indulgent romance. Lovelye.
April 21, 2019
Misunderstanding, persistence and kindness...
leads to a sweet, heartwarming read. The meaning of Christmas expressed in the loveliest of ways in the ideal setting.
leads to a sweet, heartwarming read. The meaning of Christmas expressed in the loveliest of ways in the ideal setting.
September 3, 2019
Brilliant story, couldn't put it down, was disappointed when I had finished it, wanted to know how the joint business /relationship went.
December 25, 2019
This is a very cute Christmas romance/light family drama. Much better than some of the others I picked up this season. Light and fluffy without being too twee.
December 27, 2019
another great story by Helen Rolfe.
December 31, 2019
Easy Christmas read
January 11, 2020
Who doesn't love a Christmas romance at Christmas time? I do and am going to be happy to settle into them for the next few weeks.
January 26, 2020
Absolutely loved it x
November 4, 2020
Snow drop cottage
I could not stop reading this story until it was finished. Wonderfully good that the next one will be even better
I could not stop reading this story until it was finished. Wonderfully good that the next one will be even better
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews