Snowy Nights at the Lonely Hearts Hotel

by Karen King

Snowy rooftops, mulled wine, and a hot single dad. Not the Christmas Saffy wished for… but maybe the one she needs?

Twenty-nine-year-old Saffron Baxter knew her fun holiday plans didn’t stand a chance the moment her sister called to say she was stuck abroad with no hope of being home before Christmas. Saffy would just have to abandon thoughts of wild festive parties in the city and head down to remote Cornwall.

Because every year her sister hosts a huge Christmas meal for all the single parents in her village. And Saffy knows it’d break her heart to let them down.

Arriving as snow starts to fall over the thatched cottages of the little harbour town of Port Breok, she meets Logan – the tall, fair-haired, blue-eyed, devoted single dad who lives over the road, with his adorable daughter Chloe. At first she thinks he might help her make Christmas Day extra-memorable, but he just seems convinced she’ll never manage – that she’s just a party girl who doesn’t care about family, or anyone’s feelings.

Maybe he’s right. After all – she doesn’t want to settle down, she’s only there for a few days… But she’s still determined to do her sister proud with gorgeous decorations, the most beautiful real tree – complete with extra twinkly lights, and delicious mince pies. To make it a Christmas everyone will remember, especially little Chloe. Even if, when the mistletoe comes down, she knows she’ll probably never see Logan again…

The perfect festive romance novel, ideal for fans of Nora Roberts, Jenny Hale and Debbie Macomber.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Holiday, Contemporary, Adult, Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2018

About the author

Karen King is an Amazon international bestselling author of psychological suspense and women's fiction.

Her 7th psychological suspense novel, Don't Trust Him, was published on 3 April 2025 by Bookouture and her 'golden years' novel, The Runaway Wives, was published by Boldwood on 24th March 2025. This was her 12th woman's fiction novel.

Karen has also had 120 children’s books, two young adult novels, and several short stories for women’s magazines published. Her early writing career was spent working on various teenage and children's magazines.

Her suspense novels The Mother In Law, The Perfect Stepmother and The Stranger in my Bed and her romantic novel The Cornish Hotel by the Sea all became International Amazon bestsellers.

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dazzling heartwarming story full of comfort and joy!

This was a fantastical festive story that made me smile from first page to last.... A wonderful Christmas book is like the star on top of the Christmas tree; it just makes the season brighter.... This truly is a perfect Christmas book for those of us that could read a Christmas book in the middle of July! You know who you are! This book thoroughly embraces the Christmas spirit, not a good book for a Grinch! Although it would probably make your heart grow two sizes larger!

Saffy works hard and parties harder, or so everyone thinks.... when her sister calls pleading with her to host her annual Christmas single parent party, Saffy reluctantly agrees... not necessarily the type of party she had planned to bring her Christmas cheer.... with the help of her sisters handsome single neighbor Logan and his adorable daughter Chloe, Saffy is determined to make this party a success! Festive decorating, a beautiful Christmas tree, holiday perfection.... and snow, snow, and more snow....

This book was packed full of delightful characters....Saffy was such a fun character with a big heart, Logan was just a good guy, and Chloe was adorable quite often stealing the scene!Saffy’s neighbors Robbie and Dunkin added some humor and drama to this fantastic story.... i became so invested in the lives of these characters throughout this book, I sure am hoping there is a follow up....

A wonderful holiday Reid that will leave you feeling merry and bright... absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys a festive story filled with wonderful characters that will leave you feeling warm all over...

*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, what a fabulous romantic and festive read!

I absolutely love the setting for this story and the fact that there is quite a bit of snow which really gets the festive feeling across to the reader. There really is so much to love about this story. The cast of characters for a start!

There are so many great characters in this book. From Saffy, Logan, the adorable little Chloe, the gay best friends, Robbie and Duncan. I could easily have carried on reading about them all way after this story was finished. Would love for the author to do a catch up with them at some point as I loved reading about their lives.

Saffy I loved. Almost as much as Logan but not in a romantic way of course. I just thought she was fabulous and right from the start I was dying for her to meet and fall in love with someone. When Logan comes into it, well it isn't only Saffy's heart that gets a little flutter. Seeing the two of them get closer was so heart warming and I felt such a lovely warm glow the further into the story I got.

Snowy Nights At The Lonely Hearts Hotel is a truly fabulous feel good read that will definitely have you feeling all loved up and romantic by the end. The perfect festive read. Loved it!

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Snowy Nights at the Lonely Hearts Hotel" was my first book by Karen King but it definitely won't be my last.

I really really enjoyed this book. It had a wonderful christmassy and wintery atmosphere which I absolutely loved.

Saffy, Logan and especially little Chloe were wonderful characters and I really liked them. I could really connect with Saffy and understood her feelings very well. It was very enjoyable how Saffy and Logan meet and slowly connected with each other, although it got a bit annoyed over them not admitting their feelings.

The story was very heart-warming and just perfect for the Christmas time. It's a story about love and family and it really touched me.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pure pleasure to devour this book, I just didn't want it to end, I was enjoying it so much.

Karen King has written a wonderful Christmas book, set in Cornwall, with a new love on the cards, big declarations of love, a Christmas party for all the local single parents and their children, tree decorating, polar bear onesies, snow and just a huge helping of festive goodwill and cheer.

Saffy is Hannah's younger sister and doesn't visit her as often as she should, is more of a career girl, so when Saffy is asked to run the Christmas party and Hannah's hotel her first instinct is to refuse. But once she agrees and we see just how Christmas mad, Saffy is I start to think its a very good thing, and shows a whole new side of her.

We are also introduced to Logan and his young daughter Chloe and they are a huge part of this wonderful story, and Chloe very quickly found her way into my heart too. She is adorable.

This is a really sweet story with so many good parts, that its best for you to discover them for yourselves. Definitely my new favourite book from Karen King, I found this quick and enjoyable to read, and it passed my ultimate test of, me not having the foggiest where I was on the tube journey, while I was reading it, which is normally a great indicator of how absorbed I am.

Snowy Nights at the Lonely Hearts Hotel would not look out of place on any Christmas reads TBR this year, its that good.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author and certainly lived the cover of this book and was looking forward to reading it and it was simply fantastic from the first page to the last I really didn't want it to end at all. So enchanting and romantic and about finding your own happiness when you don't think you can and finding friends support to help you. The characters are brilliant and the plot of the book is simply brilliant and worth far more than five stars and such a simple great read pack with so much fun and laughter and upset as well.
Staffy is just finishing off her work for Christmas Glad and looking forward to a good break to chill and do nothing but spending it with friends. She's a girl who lives for her job and wants to do well and please her boss as she knows a promotion is on the cards. She meets up with friends as she finishes work and Robbie says he's going to propose to his partner Duncan on Christmas Day so they are all excited. She is looking forward to a lay in the next day but she gets a phone call from her sister who is so upset as they are away and can't fly home as the children who are twins have measles and she has plans to invite all the single parents to hers for Christmas to give them a good time so asks her sister to go and stay at hers and get ready for the party and be there on Christmas Day to give everyone the Christmas to remember it's not really her idea of fun but she does agree to it. She's told the neighbour Logan will help and be there as he's a single dad. She travels to Cornwall and has to go to see Logan as she doesn't know how to work the heating and also to collect the dog when she meets him her heart skips a beat but she tries to ignor it. Every time she goes out she happens to see Logan with his daughter Chloe and she becomes close to them but hides her feelings. The phone goes and Robbie is asking for her address as he's coming to stay hes all upset as he proposed early as couldn't wait and Duncan looked shocked so he ran out and went straight to hers but she thinks it's a misunderstanding and wants them back together but he helps her get the place ready for Christmas. Sadly Logan thinks that Robbie is staffy'a boyfriend and he's so upset as he's fallen for her. Christmas is approaching and can staffy get Robbie and partner back together or not. Also what happens between Logan and staffy and Chloe as Chloe loves staffy so much. Can staffy make everyone happy on Christmas Day and does the party go well with everyone as she just wants to please her sister and make all the single mums and dads happy so they aren't lonely. She starts getting much closer to Logan and then his ex turns up wanting contact with the daughter and between Logan not wanting to upset his daughter and staffy keeping a secret that she knows will mean Logan won't want her any more does she go home on her own or not. She hears she has a new job that will be based nearer to her sister and she takes it but can she be happy or has she blown it and will Logan be happy with the right woman.
A simply fantastic read highly recommend it.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Karen King and I was utterly charmed by her style. This was a totally heartwarming and fun story.

In the festive setting it has everything Christmas is about : love and romance galore without being cheesy.

The story made me smile often, but made my eyes tear up sometimes as well. A perfect combination for a feel good book.

I loved the characters and I secretly hope that the author will treat us to a sequel. 5 stars.

Thank you, Karen King, Bookouture and Netgalley.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read this was! At first I admit to being a little put off by Saffy/Saffron just because she seemed so very self centered and childish for someone who is almost 30 years old. In the first few paragraphs the author has her changing from sensible work clothes into a sleeveless lacy top, sheer tights, and sandals and then complaining that it's cold outside and may snow. Well, how about wearing a proper parka Saffy?

I'm glad I stuck with this because she turned into a very good character and I loved all of the supporting characters although it seemed that Saffy was not really great friends with Meg. Her relationship with Robbie and Duncan was comfortably sweet.

Saffy and Logan seemed well matched and the relationship between Saffy and Logan's daughter Chloe was adorably cute. I liked seeing Saffy grow as a person and as a character throughout the book.

All in all a very cozy read.

[Meg Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! This one really had it all: fun characters, a break-up, an engagement, Christmas, and of course a crazy dog! I hope there is a second (or even a third) book to continue the (mis) adventures of Saffy & her friends/family :c)

[superawesomekt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite trope. I did like that it highlighted fertility issues and co-parenting. But, in the end there was way too much hot chocolate—seemed unrealistic. Ha!

[Julia Sarene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Snowy Nights at the Lonely Hearts Hotel. It's cute and comes without over the top drama.

A women staying at her sisters house and organising a Christmas party for her, because the sister is stuck overseas.
At the start I thought the main character might be a bit lofty and self centered, but quickly learned she is really kind actually. Enter a single dad neighbor who is really good looking, but focused completely on good daughter, and you have a Christmas romance waiting to happen!

I especially enjoyed how both of them felt realistic in their thoughts and decisions, and I could relate to them. So often this sort of story uses cheap misunderstandings as sole reason for the back and forth, and while there was some of these here, it was just minor moments. The rest of the time it was actual reasons to not jump into any relationships.

No really bad trauma, this book isn't the tear jerker variety, but trigger warning for
Infertility, Custody struggles

[Mariana Barletta · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have got to stop reading these type of books. They don’t work for me.

The writing felt plain, the story never caught me and the characters just annoyed me. At the end of it all, I didn’t feel anything reading this.

I really wished this could be a good one for me, but unfortunately it wasn’t.

[Lauren-Tess Anderson-Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowy Nights at the Lonely Hearts Hotel was my first venture into a Karen King novel and it most certainly won't be the last for I LOVED it!

Saffy's sister hosts a party every Christmas for the single parents and their children but Saffy is called upon to save the day when her sister & husband and twins are stuck aboard and won't be home to organise and host the party.

Saffy comes across as the average party girl/career woman but there is a lot more to Saffy than meets the eye.

Logan, single dad to Chloe, lives just across the road from Saffy's sister and goes to the Christmas party every year since he's moved to the street and it's something him and his daughter look forward to every year.

I really enjoyed this story and seeing how it all plans out for both Logan and Saffy. Given their stories and how they feel about each other really set the motion for the book. I became really immersed in their lives throughout reading, that when I wasn't reading I was thinking about them.

This heartfelt novel set at Christmas time is definitely recommended as a must read this Christmas.

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. This is the first book I have read by Karen King but I love Jenny Hale and the blurb suggested this is a similar style. I also LOVE a Christmas so all of this made me take a chance on an author new to me.

In this story, we follow Saffy. Saffy is a career woman. She lives in Birmingham spending her time working hard and playing hard. When her sister needs her to host her annual Christmas party for single parents it's not exactly Saffy's thing but feeling guilty she agrees. Saffy is a complex character. She may be a career woman but there's more going on there. Saffy is a fun character too, I love the scene with her polar bear onesie. She's also fiercely independent.

Logan lives opposite Saffy's sister's. Logan is a hot single dad. Little Chloe is his world and he would do anything for her. The minute Saffy and Logan meet you can feel the chemistry and you just know that something is going to happen here. I was so excited! I couldn't wait for this to all unfold.

I really enjoyed Karen's style. I started reading this book and before I knew it I was halfway through. It was an incredibly easy read and perfect for a winter evening. I do warn you though, make sure you have hot chocolate and your favourite Christmas foods on hand because I was craving these quite a lot throughout this book.

I look forward to discovering more of Karen's books in the future.

[Lisa M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! I have read quite a few Christmas romance novels lately and felt I needed a change so had got back into the crime genre and almost begrudgingly picked this up when I knew I needed to review it but oh my goodness it did not disappoint.

Saffy steps in to save the day for a single parents Christmas event/party when her sister, who is the usual host, is stranded abroad. Saffy is a work-hard, play-hard singleton hiding a secret that almost scares her off relationships. Step forward Logan and his adorable daughter Chloe - they, all 3, share a real connection but will Saffy walk away broken-hearted?

I cannot really put my finger on why I enjoyed it so much but overall it was just so heart-warming and definitely had the feel good factor. With most of these novels you get a sense of the ending and where the book is heading very early on so for me it is about the story leading up to the big happy ever after that I love and there were a few believable twists along the way with this one.

I finished the book honestly feeling a warm glow and will definitely be looking up more from this author!

My thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Terrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read from the first page to the last. Full of warm, relatable characters and a well-paced engaging story. A perfect festive read, that I highly recommend.

Saffy drives to Cornwall to stand in for her sister who is stranded abroad. She agrees to run the Christmas day party that her sister hosts every year for the single parents in the village. With the help of her sister's neighbour, a single dad, she delivers a day to remember, but will she also find love along the way, and learn what matters most in life.?

An easy 5 stars from me. Can't wait to read more books by this author.

[Tracy C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Climb on board my struggle bus......I really dislike giving bad reviews. It's got to be so hard writing a book. But unfortunately, I did not like this. First strike was the heroine's nickname. Saffy!! Her name is Saffron. A perfectly lovely name. Why such a horrible nickname?? I cringed every time I read it, Then the weird, unnecessary Robbie/Duncan situation. So juvenile. These were grown men acting like caricatures of what the author thought of as a gay couple drama. I just really could not sink into the story and didn't really care about the characters.

[Shirleyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful festive story. Certainly a book to curl up on the sofa with a hot chocolate. Lots of romance,funny and perhaps realistic moments that the reader can relate to. Some really likeable characters. I would certainly recommend reading this book.

[Natasha B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm. This was a ‘nice’, kinda uneventful, predictable story. I’m surprised by the overall goodreads score. It’s an easy read but ultimately, quite forgettable.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t resist the fabulously festive cover of Snowy Hearts at the Lonely Hearts Hotel and I’m really happy to say that the novel more than lives up to the cover!

Saffy is an independent woman who enjoys her career and her social life and doesn’t have much spare time for family but when her sister Hannah calls to say she’s stuck abroad and needs Saffy to help her out, Saffy feels she can’t say no. Hannah runs a big Christmas party for all the single parent families in her neighbourhood every year and now Saffy has to organise the whole thing!

Soon after arriving Saffy meets her sister’s neighbour Logan and his young daughter Chloe. There is a clear spark between Saffy and Logan but the path to true love never runs smoothly and these two keep missing the mark with each other. Saffy is determined to focus on the party planning and to show her sister that she is capable and can do it.

I very much enjoyed this book. It’s set pretty much entirely over the Christmas period so is really festive! It’s got snow and party planning, romance and misunderstandings and lots and lots of holiday fun. It’s gorgeous – just the absolute perfect book to curl up with on a cold, wintery day! I highly recommend adding this book to your Christmas reading plans!

This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com

[Breane Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an arc from netgalley. This is the first ook by Karen King that I have read. It will not be the last. This book rocks! Love all of the characters! Highly recommend!

[Lisa Baillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely festive read. This could be a winner over the winter. Lovely characters, perfect Cornish setting for this love affair. What’s not to love

[Stacy Cartledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. So festive and heartwarming. I'm not one for romantic books very often but I must admit I've just pre-ordered Karen King's next book and be looking forward to reading that in February!

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saffy is a go-getter and career girl, and completely attached to her belief that she doesn’t need a man or relationship to make her life complete. With a set of lovely friends and a sister with twins and a husband down in Cornwall, she’s never prioritized ‘family’ time, and has a litany of events planned for the Christmas holidays. But, a wrench is thrown into the works when her sister Hannah calls in a favor: she and her husband are in Tenerife for a pre-holiday getaway, but the twins are down with measles, and won’t be able to fly until Boxing Day. Which means that the Christmas dinner that Hannah has hosted for years for the single parents and their kids won’t be held, unless Saffy steps up. Alternately pulling in a favor and guilting her into it, Saffy agrees to head to Cornwall to her sister’s B & B, and manage the event. Despite her reservations and unease about all of the children that will arrive.

Logan and his daughter Chloe have been watching Hannah’s dog, and keeping an eye on their home, and Hannah has offered up his services to help Saffy out with the prep for the party. Nothing to it, Saffy is in this to win it, and she’s got plenty of ideas of her own. It’s not that she doesn’t want family, but her father’s leaving when she was a child left her feeling that nothing is permanent, and with a bad breakup years earlier, that feeling was reinforced. Logan’s ex Jade, Chloe’s mother, disappeared and has been an infrequent and unreliable parent. Unwilling to see his little girl hurt again, and with one ‘relationship’ with someone in the small village that ended badly and still makes things awkward, he’s not interested in anyone remotely “career oriented’, finding them too reminiscent of his selfish ex. When you add in Saffy’s first impressions (city-girl, pulled together with mile-high heels) and her obvious unwillingness to ‘ask’ for help – these two have an interesting start. Made worse by the electricity sparking between them. When you add in the arrival of one of Saffy’s best friends, Robbie, devastated and pouty when his proposal to his partner Duncan didn’t go to plan, the addition of another party to the mix helps Logan and Saffy to start to build a friendship, and the child-like excitement when Chloe discovers Saffy’s polar bear onesie (WITH ears and a tail!) seals the deal.

Back and forth, we see Logan’s worries for Chloe and the issues with her mother and the stress weighing on him. It makes him quick to react, and often with the worst of impressions. But Saffy’s starting to see (and perhaps want) something different for herself, something she never considered: a family and children. Things she believes are both impossible and will end every relationship before it starts – she can’t risk the hurt again. Making sure that Robbie and Duncan patch things up, getting the party with thirty-five guests, games, presents and food, and getting that white Christmas, Saffy’s back and forth has highlights of great heights and some pretty large moments of self-correction. Bonding with Logan and Chloe, but thinking that ‘casual’ is all it can be, Saffy’s desire for a family, a connection to a place and people who are more than friends, and the offer of a promotion at her work that brings her closer to her sister and the people she’s come to meet over the holiday. With solid advice and support from friends and family, and a new chance with Logan who has found (for the moment) a happy medium with his ex and her relationship with Chloe, and the obvious fears that both he and Saffy share about the future, it only takes a pushy sister, left-behind keys and some honesty to get these two on the same page and setting them along the way to a happy ending. King build this story so the characters, their hearts and fears were up front and accessible, and you can’t help but cheer on the good moments, worry about the bad ones, and enjoy these people, wanting them to be your friends and neighbors. There’s no reinvention of the wheel here – but each moment is handled with care, given the opportunity to show growth and change, and bringing some of the joy of Christmas to everyone.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I was in the mood for!! Snowy Nights at the Lonely Hearts Hotel is a great Christmas read that will leave you longing for more of Saffy, Logan and cute little Chloe. The spirit of giving is strong in this story as well as putting others before yourself. Such a great read!

Saffy is usually caught up in her own life and goes out partying during the holidays. When her sister calls and tells her that her twins have come down with the measles while they have been on vacation, she has to call on Saffy to do the unthinkable, help others out during the holidays and not go out partying. This will ruin all of Saffy plans that she has been looking forward to. Saffy tells her sister that she will do what she needs to so that she won't be worrying about the Christmas party that she usually hosts and instead be able to focus on getting the twins better so that they can get back home as soon as possible. The other thing is that Saffy is going to have to travel to her sister's house as soon as she can because they left their dog with their neighbor, Logan. Saffy needs to get to the house and take care of him as well as make sure that she gets everything decorated and prepared for the Christmas party. We also meet Duncan, Saffy's friend that is planning on proposing to his partner Robbie on Christmas Day. Saffy is sad that she is not going to be in town when this takes place.

The Christmas party that Saffy's sister usually hosts is for single parents and their kids to help with the cost of a Christmas dinner. When Saffy gets to her sister's she meets Logan and Chloe, the neighbors that are watching her sister's dog. Saffy quickly makes friends with Chloe because of the love of polar bears that they share. Logan is very polite and willing to help Saffy do just about anything. Saffy is very reserved about Logan at first and is back and forth on her feelings for him. You can tell that she wants to like him a lot more than what she puts on, but she does have her reservations about him. Saffy loves Chloe and will do anything for her.

When Duncan shows up at Saffy's door unannounced, she knows that things did not go well and that something is wrong. Why would Duncan be with her over Christmas when he is supposed to be proposing to Robbie? Saffy soon realizes that she is going to have some extra help for the Christmas party that she was not expecting.

As the story goes on, we learn that things are not always what they seem (Duncan and Robbie) and that sometimes you have to give people a second chance, even if you don't want to. I fell in love with all these characters and felt that I was right there with them all. Karen King did a great job with this one for sure. I can't wait for more from Karen King and hope that there are some follow up stories to these characters.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own!

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best festive reads I have stumbled across this year - and I did stumble across it in my usual trawl for a seasonal read by an author I have never tried before. Always a bit of a gamble but occasionally that gamble pays off and this was one such time - it was very welcome too as I had just finished a handful of quite disappointing reads.

It is quite predictable in its plotting but somehow that doesn't really matter as this is more about the characters in the book than the actual story. The characters are richly written and by the end of the book you do feel like you have known them all for a very long time indeed. Although it did set me wondering just why so many books seem to be currently set in Cornwall, I know it is a beautiful part of the British Isles but if all the fictional characters suddenyl appeared there the country would upend itself

Saffy is an absolute joy to read about. She is a perfectly normal human being with prejudices of her own and forced family jollity appears to be one of them. All she wanted for her Christmas was to stay in her Singletons flat and party with her friends but her sister has other ideas. Ideas that mean she has to uproot herself and put on a party for the local single parents in her sister's absence. There is a lot of humour in the situations Saffy finds herself in and the writing is well observed and draws you in to the story.

Even better there is a gay couple in the book who are treated as just another couple with their own set of problems. The main one being Robbie and Duncan split up just before the big day - I loved that they weren't caricatures but a real couple and it was refreshing to read in a mainstream chick lit book.

Then there is single dad Logan and his bubbly, polar bear obsessed little girl Chloe. Single parenthood is painted with slightly rose tinted spectacles but many of the struggles of real life are shown which gave that extra touch of realism. When Chloe's mother comes back on the scene demanding to spend time with her daughter we get to feel Logan's worries about this and he doesn't always deal with things the "mature" way but it did feel like his reactions were normal and not ramped up for dramatic effect.

A good strong read with a sprinkling of Christmas Magic.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay. So. When I started reading this book, I wasn't exactly over enamoured with the central character Saffron Baxter (Saffy). I mean, she was nice enough, a career minded girl with ambition, something to be applauded. But when her sister called to say that she was stuck abroad with two very ill children, asking for Saffy's help to run a community Christmas dinner at the Bed and Breakfast in Cornwall ... well let's just say Saffy wasn't over struck with the idea and her almost childish reaction as to all the things and fun she would miss meant I wasn't overly struck on her. Where was her Christmas spirit? Her charitable nature? Her warm heart?

But then this is really the crux of this book as throughout the whole thing there is a recurring theme of misunderstanding. Of people misinterpreting others actions and of taking things completely the wrong way. Because Saffy does put her life on hold and head to Cornwall, albeit with the intention of spending as little time as possible there before heading back to her own sparkling social life, but credit where it is due, she intends to create a beautiful Christmas for all of the single parent families her sister had invited to dinner. What she doesn't count on is meeting Logan, her sister's across the road neighbour and father to a wonderful daughter, Chloe.

Now I said that I wasn't immediately struck on Saffy, which is true. But as the story progressed I really did warm to her. She is fun, dedicated to her friends and family, even if she can't aways show that to her own sister, and she does have a really big heart hidden under all that corporate glitz and ambition. And it's creative ambition to be fair, one which puts her in good stead with the locals and for creating that perfect Christmas. The more time you spend with her, the more you understand what is driving her and the secrets she is hiding, the more you find yourself falling in love with her character. Well her and Logan to be fair, who along with little Chloe will melt anyone's heart. Now there is a clear instant attraction between the two but, as always in these books, the path of true love never runs smoothly, and through frustrations, sometimes comic and often romantic situations, you know they will be perfect together but wonder if it will ever truly happen.

There are some fabulous supporting characters in this book and I really did like Saffy's best friend Robbie, who makes an unexpected appearance at the B&B after a pre Christmas break up with his partner Duncan. He is a character who keeps Saffy grounded in his own inimitable way but he is fun and fills the story with laughter, even if he is personally feeling the pain. You want him to get his perfect Christmas and find yourself hoping that Saffy can work her magic on him and Duncan too.

It's not all romance and laughter though and there are some difficult moments as Logan finds himself faced with the prospect of losing Chloe when her mother reappears in quite demanding style. The emotions here, felt by Logan, the uncertainty tempered against Chloe's excitement at seeing her mother over Christmas, are captured perfectly and will make your heart break just a little, knowing there is no right answer in the decisions Logan needs to make.

Fun, romantic and full of the joys of the season, this is a book which will engage you, energise you and maybe make you just that little bit more excited about the festivities to come. I really enjoyed it.

[Ems. (afternoonbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know Christmas is well over by now but i am not quite ready to get rid of the festive reads just yet, the minute i do i will be well on with the summer beach reads so i decided this one looked cute. Having visited Cornwall for the first time last year i also love a book set there even more than i did before. I always imagine myself living there in a coastal cottage been an author. Ha. So lets chat about this book.



Saffy is a career driven party loving girl with no plans to settle, she is quite happy spending her christmas partying with her closest. When her sister calls in a panic as her twins are poorly and she cant return home from holiday but has planned her annual christmas party and she doesnt want to ruin these single parents christmas with their children.



Saffy arrives with a list of instructions from her sister to make planning this party as simple as possible, and with help from Logan the neighbour across the road it really should be easy. What she didnt count on was how helpful Logan would be, and how lovely his little girl was. However - what she does know is this is a holiday and whatever happens in cornwall will be over when christmas is.



When life throws in a curve ball though, could it all change?



I really enjoyed this, it was a fun read - i was worried by the half way point about how it was going to fill the whole book, but oh it worked there was plenty to continue on with. Saffy was focused on her career and Logans first impression of her was one of loving herself, slightly selfish and glam but when she opens the door in a polar bear once that is soon dispelled. Saffy is a lovely and likeable character, i really enjoyed learning about her and her personality.



Logan is another fab character, he has a heart of gold and i have heard that he is rather swoon worthy too, he devotes his time to raising his daughter Chloe and protecting her. The relationship that develops between the three of them is a delight to read and with a backdrop of snow starting to fall, and all the hot drinks it really did make me smile. A great read for starting to round off the festive reads.

[Mayela · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It gives me no pleasure to rate a book as low as it can get, and a Christmas book at that! Anyone who knows me knows I'm the opposite of The Grinch, I love Christmas and all things Christmassy. Thus, I was naturally very excited for this book. The cover was adorable, the synopsis sounded fun and promising. And then... the execution failed me terribly. Clearly I'm in the minority here, many reviewers loved it, but I found the story trite, the characters unlikable and hard to care for, the writing maudlin.

First the story, we all knew what was going to happen from the get-go but that's not a problem. I like knowing the destination and the journey is 95% of the fun anyways. But the journey was boring. The plot moved at a snail's pace, the events always felt anti climatic. When our protagonist, Saffy (what an awful name. No name should rhyme with Taffy), falls of the roof, I figured it was either meant to be funny or dramatic, but in reality it was neither. The whole drama with her friends Robbie and Duncan? Boring and unnecessary.

Then, the characters. Saffy is supposed to be big hearted and warm... she comes off as childish and ridiculous. Logan is supposed to be caring and a great dad. He's judgmental and controlling. Chloe is supposed to be cute, as kids are wont to do in books, but really, she's annoying. Robbie and Duncan were supremely boring and disagreeable.

The dialogue? So corny and poorly written.

I'm afraid nothing saved this one for me. Not even the original idea. Everything felt forced, convoluted, and annoying. I'm sorry. I know it's not easy to write a book and it must be awful to have it critiqued, but I just really did not enjoy my time at the LH.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty-nine-year-old Saffron Baxter, aka Saffy, was all set for wild parties and fun in the city, until she gets a call from her sister. She is out of country and with her twins having measles, they can't come home. She needs Saffy to step up and organize the huge Christmas meal for all the single parents in her village, that she does each year. Saffy agrees and heads off to the little harbour town of Port Breok in Cornwall. When she arrives she meets Logan, the single dad who lives in the thatched cottage across the way. She falls in love with his daughter, Chloe and they bond over love of polar bears. They both misjudge one another and the longer they spend time together, the stronger their feelings grow for each other. With roadblocks and judgmental attitudes, will they find a way to each other.

I enjoyed this festive story, with all the party planning and finally a wonderful Christmas day. The weather, the setting and the holiday spirit make this a wonderful Christmas read. The characters were well developed with baggage, and trust issues. Logan has a lot to deal with after his partner leaves him and Chloe behind. He finds it tough to trust again, and has no plans to fall in love again. When Chloe's mother begins to make demands for Chloe's visits, it causes even more turmoil in Logan's life. Saffy has a secret that is keeping her from getting involved with anyone, but I wish she had been open about it much sooner. Some of the other characters, such as Robbie and Duncan added to the story and showed Saffy's true character. The story doesn't end at Christmas and there was more to come before we see whether or not Logan and Saffy will have a happily ever after. Snowy Nights At The Lonely Hearts Hotel is a wonderful feel good read that had me wanting to put on the Christmas Carols and make some Christmas cookies before I was finished. A sweet Christmas Romance.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen King (2018) SNOWY NIGHTS AT THE LONELY HEARTS HOTEL

London. Bookouture


🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅 5 out of 5 Santas 


The sleeve reads, "Twenty-nine year old Saffron Baxter knew her holiday plans didn’t stand a chance the moment her sister called to say she was stuck abroad with no hope of being home before Christmas. Saffy would just have to abandon thoughts of wild festive parties in the city and head down to remote Cornwall. Because every year her sister hosts a huge Christmas meal for all the single parents in her village. And Saffy knows it’d break her heart to let them down. Arriving as snow starts to fall over the thatched cottages of the little harbour town of Port Breok, she meets Logan – the tall, fair-haired, blue-eyed, devoted single dad who lives next door, with his adorable daughter Chloe. At first she thinks he might help her make Christmas Day extra-memorable, but he just seems convinced she’ll never manage – that she’s just a party girl who doesn’t care about Christmas, or anyone’s feelings. Maybe he’s right. After all – she doesn’t want to settle down, she’s only there for a few days… But she’s still determined to do her sister proud with gorgeous decorations, the most beautiful real tree – complete with extra twinkly lights, and delicious mince pies. To make it a Christmas everyone will remember, especially little Chloe. Even if, when the mistletoe comes down, she knows she’ll probably never see Logan again…"


Loved this big time. Very Christmassy. Very homely. Very cwtchy. Very "feel good". Finished way too soon! 


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