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Bells Will Be Ringing
Can a disillusioned big city lawyer find love – and the true meaning of Christmas?
After her life takes a downward turn, Dana Clover decides to visit her vacation home in the small town of Chestnut Hill. When she discovers that the property is in worse shape than she expected, she must rely on helpful townspeople to improve it for potential future owners…
One of them is Dr. Holly McEwen who has been working hard to cope with a tragic loss. Friends and neighbors try to convince the well-loved town doctor that she deserves a second chance at love—but is she ready to open her heart?
Find out in this sweet lesbian Christmas romance...
After her life takes a downward turn, Dana Clover decides to visit her vacation home in the small town of Chestnut Hill. When she discovers that the property is in worse shape than she expected, she must rely on helpful townspeople to improve it for potential future owners…
One of them is Dr. Holly McEwen who has been working hard to cope with a tragic loss. Friends and neighbors try to convince the well-loved town doctor that she deserves a second chance at love—but is she ready to open her heart?
Find out in this sweet lesbian Christmas romance...
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2019
66 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Winkes
99 books212 followersBarbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 13, 2019
3.5 ... sweet little christmas story
November 12, 2019
Sweet romance!
There is a lot to love about this book: the atmosphere, the vibrant descriptions, the characters, the support of the townsfolk, the development of the relationship, the friendly meddling, the Christmas spark and of course the second chance at love. It is really a heartwarming story to curl up with a blanket, reading happily.
There is a lot to love about this book: the atmosphere, the vibrant descriptions, the characters, the support of the townsfolk, the development of the relationship, the friendly meddling, the Christmas spark and of course the second chance at love. It is really a heartwarming story to curl up with a blanket, reading happily.
December 1, 2020
Kindle Unlimited Read. I actually liked this for the most part. A sweet, simple read of two people who had been longing for something more meaningful in their lives, finding it in eachother.
Dana was a high powered lawyer for a firm in the city, but found herself not doing as altruistic things as she had hoped. On the day she was fired due to another's incompetence - she also found her longterm girlfriend in bed with another, the girlfriend quickly accused her of being too busy.
She decided to split from the city, and go to a small country cabin she had purchased and intended to do-up as a holiday getaway. There she meets Dr Holly. Holly has been grieving the loss of her spouse for 3 years. The good townsfolk adore her as their caring town doctor, but desperately want her to find happiness again.
The town of Chestnut Hill is a hallmark wet-dream of idyllic Christmas cheer and decoration, and lovingly gossipy and meddlesome community. But I had no complaints there.
I did however find the 3/4 drama entirely eye-roll worthy, unfeasible and forced. I'll pop it under spoiler tags.
This all causes tension between the couple, and an argument of accusations, lies, secrets, mistrust etc. Predictable stuff. But it all gets resolved quickly, thank goodness. But it irritates me when the black moment seems so contrived and part of a script.
Overall not a bad story, just predictable for the most part.
Dana was a high powered lawyer for a firm in the city, but found herself not doing as altruistic things as she had hoped. On the day she was fired due to another's incompetence - she also found her longterm girlfriend in bed with another, the girlfriend quickly accused her of being too busy.
She decided to split from the city, and go to a small country cabin she had purchased and intended to do-up as a holiday getaway. There she meets Dr Holly. Holly has been grieving the loss of her spouse for 3 years. The good townsfolk adore her as their caring town doctor, but desperately want her to find happiness again.
The town of Chestnut Hill is a hallmark wet-dream of idyllic Christmas cheer and decoration, and lovingly gossipy and meddlesome community. But I had no complaints there.
I did however find the 3/4 drama entirely eye-roll worthy, unfeasible and forced. I'll pop it under spoiler tags.
This all causes tension between the couple, and an argument of accusations, lies, secrets, mistrust etc. Predictable stuff. But it all gets resolved quickly, thank goodness. But it irritates me when the black moment seems so contrived and part of a script.
Overall not a bad story, just predictable for the most part.
November 14, 2019
This was an ok read. The story was sweet but a little too superficial for me. At times the storytelling felt a bit stilted. The characters were nice though and the story fits the winter months and Christmas time. 2.8 stars, rounds up to 3 stars.
November 6, 2019
Bells Will Be Ringing romance is a sweet Christmas romance about grief, betrayal and allowing yourself to be happy again. And, to some extent, doing the right thing.
Dana Clover looses everything she cares about in one awful day. Her job as a lawyer, her girlfriend. Her friends convince her to take a break and spend a few days in the vacation home she never got to use in the small town of Chestnut Hill. Things don’t seem to go any better when she arrives. The house is freezing, the caretaker doesn’t care, and she cuts her wrist while trying to get some heat. Which leads her to the local medical practice, where she meets Dr. Holly McEwen. Sparks fly between the two women (we know, they don’t, not yet), and from then on, Dana’s life seems to find its balance again. At the beginning of the story, Dana is lost but she gets back on her feet quickly enough. Holly, on the other hand, while happy to help out, feels herself falling for the new woman in town, even though she’s not sure she’s ready. Everyone around seems to think she is, but the loss she has suffered makes her extremely protective of her heart.
While I really enjoyed reading this story, I have the same problem with it as with most novellas: it’s too short. I know, I know, novellas are supposed to be short. Still, the story could have been more developed and more than once I wished some scenes were a tad longer. The funny thing is, reading this made me realize how much I’d enjoyed another book by Barbara Winkes, The Amnesia Project, and that it deserves more stars than I originally gave it, seeing that it’s still very much on my mind.
Anyhow, the two main characters are very lovable, and if you’re into Hallmark movies, this is the book equivalent, and a good way to get into the holiday spirit.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dana Clover looses everything she cares about in one awful day. Her job as a lawyer, her girlfriend. Her friends convince her to take a break and spend a few days in the vacation home she never got to use in the small town of Chestnut Hill. Things don’t seem to go any better when she arrives. The house is freezing, the caretaker doesn’t care, and she cuts her wrist while trying to get some heat. Which leads her to the local medical practice, where she meets Dr. Holly McEwen. Sparks fly between the two women (we know, they don’t, not yet), and from then on, Dana’s life seems to find its balance again. At the beginning of the story, Dana is lost but she gets back on her feet quickly enough. Holly, on the other hand, while happy to help out, feels herself falling for the new woman in town, even though she’s not sure she’s ready. Everyone around seems to think she is, but the loss she has suffered makes her extremely protective of her heart.
While I really enjoyed reading this story, I have the same problem with it as with most novellas: it’s too short. I know, I know, novellas are supposed to be short. Still, the story could have been more developed and more than once I wished some scenes were a tad longer. The funny thing is, reading this made me realize how much I’d enjoyed another book by Barbara Winkes, The Amnesia Project, and that it deserves more stars than I originally gave it, seeing that it’s still very much on my mind.
Anyhow, the two main characters are very lovable, and if you’re into Hallmark movies, this is the book equivalent, and a good way to get into the holiday spirit.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2019
This was so cute. I’d been looking for holiday romances featuring women who love women, and this came recommended. It’s a very sweet, fluffy, adorable, Hallmark-style romance.
The story has pretty much every last trope I’d expect from one of those super cheesy romantic holiday movies: a big city character transplanted to a small town; a cast of quirky characters; meddling best friends; secrets; irritating exes; and a plot to ruin the town, complete with entangling the protagonists in misunderstandings.
And it was perfect.
I typically like a lot more depth in my stories, but every now and again, I crave pure escapism and beautiful, smart women. As a matter of fact, I got almost *nothing* but beautiful, smart women! The only men in this story are jerks or peripheral, which enhanced the escapism for me. Not that men are bad, but a whole town that mostly seems to be run by and revolve around women sounds pretty awesome, in my opinion.
I loved Dana. She had me in her corner right away, despite the fact that at least some of her problems probably could’ve been resolved with a healthy conversation or two. And she had the luck to escape those problems, something a lot of us only wish we could do.
Holly took a bit more selling. I thought at first she seemed a bit...melodramatic, maybe. On the other hand, her past probably did warrant it a bit, especially in this style of romance. And I think it’s a plus that she didn’t come complete with a cute kid and a dog, so I was willing to see how she developed. I may have underestimated her.
Naturally, in these types of stories, it’s often the townspeople who make or break it. I liked how it was all a bunch of women who were simultaneously caring and nosy. I absolutely adored Lizzie, and if there are ever any more stories about Chestnut Hill, I’d like to hope Lizzie is first in line.
Overall, this was exactly what I expected, nothing more, nothing less. So if you want a Hallmark movie without all the...uh...actual Hallmark, this one will do it.
The story has pretty much every last trope I’d expect from one of those super cheesy romantic holiday movies: a big city character transplanted to a small town; a cast of quirky characters; meddling best friends; secrets; irritating exes; and a plot to ruin the town, complete with entangling the protagonists in misunderstandings.
And it was perfect.
I typically like a lot more depth in my stories, but every now and again, I crave pure escapism and beautiful, smart women. As a matter of fact, I got almost *nothing* but beautiful, smart women! The only men in this story are jerks or peripheral, which enhanced the escapism for me. Not that men are bad, but a whole town that mostly seems to be run by and revolve around women sounds pretty awesome, in my opinion.
I loved Dana. She had me in her corner right away, despite the fact that at least some of her problems probably could’ve been resolved with a healthy conversation or two. And she had the luck to escape those problems, something a lot of us only wish we could do.
Holly took a bit more selling. I thought at first she seemed a bit...melodramatic, maybe. On the other hand, her past probably did warrant it a bit, especially in this style of romance. And I think it’s a plus that she didn’t come complete with a cute kid and a dog, so I was willing to see how she developed. I may have underestimated her.
Naturally, in these types of stories, it’s often the townspeople who make or break it. I liked how it was all a bunch of women who were simultaneously caring and nosy. I absolutely adored Lizzie, and if there are ever any more stories about Chestnut Hill, I’d like to hope Lizzie is first in line.
Overall, this was exactly what I expected, nothing more, nothing less. So if you want a Hallmark movie without all the...uh...actual Hallmark, this one will do it.
November 30, 2019
Sweet
This is indeed, a sweet lesbian Christmas romance. I enjoyed it since the first page. Holly and Dana are captivating characters with different issues and heart breaks needed to heal. A light reading to sparkle the holidays. I definitely recommend it.
This is indeed, a sweet lesbian Christmas romance. I enjoyed it since the first page. Holly and Dana are captivating characters with different issues and heart breaks needed to heal. A light reading to sparkle the holidays. I definitely recommend it.
January 1, 2020
Sweet little romance that had just the right amount of angst.
December 15, 2019
Christmas is magic
Dana moves to what seems to be an old fashioned Christmas loving town. People are helpful and friendly. Meeting Holly is the best thing to happen to her. Holly needs to move forward and learn to let love in again. Together they also need to save the town they love.
Dana moves to what seems to be an old fashioned Christmas loving town. People are helpful and friendly. Meeting Holly is the best thing to happen to her. Holly needs to move forward and learn to let love in again. Together they also need to save the town they love.
December 14, 2019
Loved every second!
This was heart breaking and heart warming! Perfect to curl up in the couch under the Christmas tree and read the afternoon away!
This was heart breaking and heart warming! Perfect to curl up in the couch under the Christmas tree and read the afternoon away!
December 7, 2019
This is a sweet love story. Well written with a nice ending.
November 13, 2019
A cute, warm, festive story
Lawyer Dana is taking a vacation for the Holidays needing a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, but her holiday home is in disrepair and she needs the help of the locals. She meets Dr Holly who lends her a helping hand more than some of the others and they become close friends, but there is that hint of attraction brewing from the first second they meet. Holly has been through a lot and she is hesitant to open her heart to another, but there is something about Dana that has her wondering if she should.
This story held all the usual ingredients needed to cook up a warm, fuzzy, festive romance, laced with drama and intense moments too, to keep the reader hooked and wondering if the Christmas love will be found. This wasn’t what I usually expect from Barbara’s stories, but it held a few traits that let me know it was one of hers, however it was great to experience her writing in a different genre, a little more light-hearted than her usual thrillers. There was so much heart and soul in this story that I really picked up that sense of community that shines through, especially in times of need, and in festive themed media.
I genuinely enjoyed the story, and don’t think it needed anything more or less. It was lovely.
Dana and Holly are such different characters, yet they have a few similarities and I think that it what worked so well in them getting along, and striking up a friendship. They had a lovely connection and understanding of one another’s issues, and insecurities. Due to the writing style we also got to know them a bit more intimately which was nice, and gave a level of understanding and incite for the reader.
A lovely, festive story, to warm your heart, and get immersed in the Christmas and community spirit.
Lawyer Dana is taking a vacation for the Holidays needing a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, but her holiday home is in disrepair and she needs the help of the locals. She meets Dr Holly who lends her a helping hand more than some of the others and they become close friends, but there is that hint of attraction brewing from the first second they meet. Holly has been through a lot and she is hesitant to open her heart to another, but there is something about Dana that has her wondering if she should.
This story held all the usual ingredients needed to cook up a warm, fuzzy, festive romance, laced with drama and intense moments too, to keep the reader hooked and wondering if the Christmas love will be found. This wasn’t what I usually expect from Barbara’s stories, but it held a few traits that let me know it was one of hers, however it was great to experience her writing in a different genre, a little more light-hearted than her usual thrillers. There was so much heart and soul in this story that I really picked up that sense of community that shines through, especially in times of need, and in festive themed media.
I genuinely enjoyed the story, and don’t think it needed anything more or less. It was lovely.
Dana and Holly are such different characters, yet they have a few similarities and I think that it what worked so well in them getting along, and striking up a friendship. They had a lovely connection and understanding of one another’s issues, and insecurities. Due to the writing style we also got to know them a bit more intimately which was nice, and gave a level of understanding and incite for the reader.
A lovely, festive story, to warm your heart, and get immersed in the Christmas and community spirit.
December 1, 2019
It was a sweet story.
November 16, 2019
A corporate lawyer gets the shaft or does she!
After being fired she retreats to her vacation home in an historic town. Talking with the local doctor and the mayor she learns of an attempt by her former company who wants to bend the bylaws. Read and Enjoy how she thwarts her former company.
After being fired she retreats to her vacation home in an historic town. Talking with the local doctor and the mayor she learns of an attempt by her former company who wants to bend the bylaws. Read and Enjoy how she thwarts her former company.
November 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this Christmas novella and I thought the story’s main characters brought out the good in each and helped them find each other. Dana and Holly are cute together and I like how the story ended, nope not going to spoil it for you, but it is a HEA.
I really enjoy Barbara Winks stories and recommend this one as well. If you love Christmas Romances I’m sure you’ll love this one as well.
I was given a copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
I really enjoy Barbara Winks stories and recommend this one as well. If you love Christmas Romances I’m sure you’ll love this one as well.
I was given a copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
November 9, 2019
Recommend this book good Christmas romance
I loved this book,just the kind of story I read during the holidays. Very good read characters are likable. Thanks
I loved this book,just the kind of story I read during the holidays. Very good read characters are likable. Thanks
November 5, 2019
This was a sweet romance about turnng your life around and moving on in order to find love. The author kept me engaged with the characters and plot twists throughout. I was reading this book with a friend and was only supposed to read a certain number of chapters but I couldn't help myself and read much further. This is not my first story by this author it's my favorite so far. I'll have to check out her other books.
I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2019
Perfect Christmas Romance
I've read quite a few of Barbara's books I particularly loved the Callie and Rebecca series,this is an excellent Christmas romance it has all the right ingredients for a great quick read in front of the fire with a warm fluffy blanket something nice to drink and just forget the world
I've read quite a few of Barbara's books I particularly loved the Callie and Rebecca series,this is an excellent Christmas romance it has all the right ingredients for a great quick read in front of the fire with a warm fluffy blanket something nice to drink and just forget the world
November 6, 2019
A pleasant low angst Christmas time story. The meet -to - in love is pretty fast but if it’s going to be set in the Christmas season that is to be expected. No-one wants a mood hoover at this time of year! 3stars, spirit of Christmas upgraded to 4 as low angst was a nice change. This was an ARC
December 11, 2019
👩❤👩📚👩❤💋👩👩🎓❄️❣️🎄👩⚕⚢📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of « Bells Will Be Ringing » by Barbara Winkes…
So, here it is !!
Thank you Barbara for providing me this book.
My rating : 3 ⭐️
The story sets in the small town of Chestnut Hill and focuses on :
° Dana Clover, a disillusioned big city lawyer. After her life takes a downward turn, Dana decides to visit her vacation home. When she discovers that the property is in worse shape than she expected, she must rely on helpful townspeople to improve it for potential future owners…
&
° Dr. Holly McEwen who has been working hard since years to cope with a tragic loss. Friends and neighbors try to convince her that she deserves a second chance at love.
They met when Dana, who need to have a doctor have a look on a wound, is sent to the practice by the pharmacist across the street… To their surprise, they clicked right away but … Can both of those usually strong ladies find love – and the true meaning of Christmas?
Let’s say it, there’s really a lot to love about this book : the settings (I loved the description of the house on the hill) ; the sweet town name : « Chestnut Hill », so cute !!! ; the soon-to-be-lovebirds ladies, the second chance at love offered to the MCs, the highly supportive friends and neighbors (I wish I could have grow up in such a kind small town) … Yup !!! This is definitely a sweet lesbian Christmas romance … But !!! Yeah, here comes the « but », personally I would have prefered to see this novella become a long length novel.
Why ??
° because for now, since the MCs and their surroundings were totally unknown for us (= readers) until now, I found the story too superficial and its let me wondering way too many things about everything … => Having a novel instead of a novella would have allowed a way much better character development. => Allowing yourself to be happy again takes time, even at Christmas I really think it would have been great to learn more about the MCs, to see them struggle a bit more to acknowledge once and for all their grief about the loss of a loved one, the betrayal, etc … and to fight their attraction (despite their great chemistery and the fact they seemingly are soulmates) during the process …
°having a tad more of « action » (OK, try a lot of more …) would have been appreciated. Seeing Dana’s transformation from disillusioned big city lawyer to sharp top-notch small town lawyer and let her get in action to put down the « sharks » who threatened the small town she wants to call home … It would have brought more credibility and depth to the Lovebirds’ story.
I guess you all have figured out that I love novellas when they come as an addition to a long-length novel, to bring us a couple « screenshots » of what our beloved MCs from a previous book have become. But when they introduce totally new characters, settings, etc … I like them a lot less. LOL
Note to the author : if you decide to make a long length novel from this novella (it wouldn’t be the 1st time an author does such a thing), I’d be delighted … &, please, let me know if I can be helpful one way or another 😉
OK ... Guys and gals, now it’s your turn to visit Chestnut Hill, so, especially if you’re into Hallmark rom-coms… Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚👩❤💋👩👩🎓❄️❣️🎄👩⚕⚢📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of « Bells Will Be Ringing » by Barbara Winkes…
So, here it is !!
Thank you Barbara for providing me this book.
My rating : 3 ⭐️
The story sets in the small town of Chestnut Hill and focuses on :
° Dana Clover, a disillusioned big city lawyer. After her life takes a downward turn, Dana decides to visit her vacation home. When she discovers that the property is in worse shape than she expected, she must rely on helpful townspeople to improve it for potential future owners…
&
° Dr. Holly McEwen who has been working hard since years to cope with a tragic loss. Friends and neighbors try to convince her that she deserves a second chance at love.
They met when Dana, who need to have a doctor have a look on a wound, is sent to the practice by the pharmacist across the street… To their surprise, they clicked right away but … Can both of those usually strong ladies find love – and the true meaning of Christmas?
Let’s say it, there’s really a lot to love about this book : the settings (I loved the description of the house on the hill) ; the sweet town name : « Chestnut Hill », so cute !!! ; the soon-to-be-lovebirds ladies, the second chance at love offered to the MCs, the highly supportive friends and neighbors (I wish I could have grow up in such a kind small town) … Yup !!! This is definitely a sweet lesbian Christmas romance … But !!! Yeah, here comes the « but », personally I would have prefered to see this novella become a long length novel.
Why ??
° because for now, since the MCs and their surroundings were totally unknown for us (= readers) until now, I found the story too superficial and its let me wondering way too many things about everything … => Having a novel instead of a novella would have allowed a way much better character development. => Allowing yourself to be happy again takes time, even at Christmas I really think it would have been great to learn more about the MCs, to see them struggle a bit more to acknowledge once and for all their grief about the loss of a loved one, the betrayal, etc … and to fight their attraction (despite their great chemistery and the fact they seemingly are soulmates) during the process …
°having a tad more of « action » (OK, try a lot of more …) would have been appreciated. Seeing Dana’s transformation from disillusioned big city lawyer to sharp top-notch small town lawyer and let her get in action to put down the « sharks » who threatened the small town she wants to call home … It would have brought more credibility and depth to the Lovebirds’ story.
I guess you all have figured out that I love novellas when they come as an addition to a long-length novel, to bring us a couple « screenshots » of what our beloved MCs from a previous book have become. But when they introduce totally new characters, settings, etc … I like them a lot less. LOL
Note to the author : if you decide to make a long length novel from this novella (it wouldn’t be the 1st time an author does such a thing), I’d be delighted … &, please, let me know if I can be helpful one way or another 😉
OK ... Guys and gals, now it’s your turn to visit Chestnut Hill, so, especially if you’re into Hallmark rom-coms… Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚👩❤💋👩👩🎓❄️❣️🎄👩⚕⚢📖👭🏳️🌈
December 1, 2019
This book was so cozy! I loved that it took place in a small town and that it stayed true to its coziness throughout, not sexual, just the right amount of intimacy to push the characters through!
I loved Dana and Holly :) From the very beginning I loved seeing how they were both, I won't fall in love, but quietly flirting with each other. This book was a roller coaster of emotions I felt for both Holly and Dana at different times because of what they were going through.
I was so scared when the inevitable plot twist came to fruition because it really felt like it would all end but the solution that they found was just beautiful and heartwarming. That is the beauty of this book it is just so understanding, wholesome, cozy, and real. On multiple occasions, things could have been handled very different but this author handled it with grace and the consent and respect for each other could be felt through the pages.
This is an FF romance and one you should definitely read if you are feeling in a cozy Christmasy mood!
I loved Dana and Holly :) From the very beginning I loved seeing how they were both, I won't fall in love, but quietly flirting with each other. This book was a roller coaster of emotions I felt for both Holly and Dana at different times because of what they were going through.
I was so scared when the inevitable plot twist came to fruition because it really felt like it would all end but the solution that they found was just beautiful and heartwarming. That is the beauty of this book it is just so understanding, wholesome, cozy, and real. On multiple occasions, things could have been handled very different but this author handled it with grace and the consent and respect for each other could be felt through the pages.
This is an FF romance and one you should definitely read if you are feeling in a cozy Christmasy mood!
November 7, 2019
Wonderful story
Holly and Dana , talk about rough starts. Dana having found her girlfriend in their bed with another woman and after just quitting her job had a double whammy of a day and the baggage she was carrying was monumental to her. Than Holly had a real big baggage to be carrying around what with the death of her girlfriend.
If Dana hadn't been so clumsy about fixing things and stab herself she wouldn't have met Holly the first day in town. The storyline stayed consistent throughout the book. The main characters were wonderful if not a little hesitant. The fact that this whole book was written without explicitly described sex scenes was refreshing. I for one love to use my imagination and have it challenged when reading a book. Very commendable of the author.
This was a very endearing read for me and I look forward to reading more by this author as well as rereading this story again.
.
Holly and Dana , talk about rough starts. Dana having found her girlfriend in their bed with another woman and after just quitting her job had a double whammy of a day and the baggage she was carrying was monumental to her. Than Holly had a real big baggage to be carrying around what with the death of her girlfriend.
If Dana hadn't been so clumsy about fixing things and stab herself she wouldn't have met Holly the first day in town. The storyline stayed consistent throughout the book. The main characters were wonderful if not a little hesitant. The fact that this whole book was written without explicitly described sex scenes was refreshing. I for one love to use my imagination and have it challenged when reading a book. Very commendable of the author.
This was a very endearing read for me and I look forward to reading more by this author as well as rereading this story again.
.
November 7, 2019
Bells Will be Ringing is a sweet romance about lawyer Dana and doctor Holly.
Dana is fired and on the same day find her girlfriend cheating on her. With a break-up and her job gone, Dana heads to Chestnut Hill where she has a cabin. She plans to sell it, but realizes the place needs some work.
Dana meets Holly who's still nursing a wounded heart after losing her wife. However, she's friendly with Dana and soon the two are dating. But this is a Christmas story so there has to be some miracle needing even which comes in the form of big business wanting to buy some old buildings in Chestnut Hill.
Naturally, this is just for the good of the town or is it?
This a cute story and sweet one. It's got an insta attraction vibe and a little angst. I enjoyed it and I recommend it.
Dana is fired and on the same day find her girlfriend cheating on her. With a break-up and her job gone, Dana heads to Chestnut Hill where she has a cabin. She plans to sell it, but realizes the place needs some work.
Dana meets Holly who's still nursing a wounded heart after losing her wife. However, she's friendly with Dana and soon the two are dating. But this is a Christmas story so there has to be some miracle needing even which comes in the form of big business wanting to buy some old buildings in Chestnut Hill.
Naturally, this is just for the good of the town or is it?
This a cute story and sweet one. It's got an insta attraction vibe and a little angst. I enjoyed it and I recommend it.
November 29, 2019
Barbara Winkes can tell a story. I wasn't disappointed. The first sentence set the tone for me. Dana hadn't read the signs quickly enough and it was a bad day for real. When she got home I begged her out loud "Don't go in there!" Oh well. I felt the disappointment and cried when the heater didn't work in her house. But there was a Christmas angel in the lovely town's doctor, Holly. What a beautiful well written story about loss and finding love in spite of the obstacles life hurled at these two women. I felt the cold, felt the warmth of fire places and heard snow crunching under boots. Small town life's charms against the glitter of big city. Effective contrasting. I will continue to read works by Miss Winkes.
December 27, 2020
When Dana returns to her vacation home, she finds it in bad shape and needs help from others to make the improvements. Of course she gets injured and must go to the local doc. Dr. Holly is pretty much loved by everyone in this small town and they are pulling for her to have some joy in her life. Both have suffered terrible losses and are in a lot of pain. But Barbara wrote a beautiful, slow-building friendship that turned into so much more than they could have imagined. With the help of their meddling friends and the spark of Christmas, Dana and Holly have a real and true second chance. This was a very enjoyable and endearing read!
November 7, 2019
We are used to enjoy Barbara Winkes suspense and intricate stories. This is quite different. It's a very sweet and uncomplicated Christmas romance. If you want to start to get into holiday mood and think about Christmas miracles. Then, this is the perfect book for you.
Big city lawyer Dana Clover got away from a life crumbling down in pieces and went to stay to her vacation home. She had a minor incident that took her to Dr. Holly McEwen practice. The moment they met they felt the change in the air. Dana was struggling on her first day in town, but Holly was determined to help her to give her a warm welcome.
It's a short feel-good story, it is sweet to see how Dana is influenced by the town calmness and now she is ready to move on. It is also enjoyable to witness Holly's will to finally end her grieving time and move on with Dana.
Their chemistry is palpable and even when they don't want to rush things at first; their mutual desire and fondness for each other take them to a sweet, blissful journey. There is a little bump in the road, but at the end, they get their happy ending.
It is a comfort read that I'd like to recommend.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Big city lawyer Dana Clover got away from a life crumbling down in pieces and went to stay to her vacation home. She had a minor incident that took her to Dr. Holly McEwen practice. The moment they met they felt the change in the air. Dana was struggling on her first day in town, but Holly was determined to help her to give her a warm welcome.
It's a short feel-good story, it is sweet to see how Dana is influenced by the town calmness and now she is ready to move on. It is also enjoyable to witness Holly's will to finally end her grieving time and move on with Dana.
Their chemistry is palpable and even when they don't want to rush things at first; their mutual desire and fondness for each other take them to a sweet, blissful journey. There is a little bump in the road, but at the end, they get their happy ending.
It is a comfort read that I'd like to recommend.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
November 9, 2019
Starting over is never easy and for Dana it’s a rough start to her new life! Two life changing occurrences in the same day has her reevaluating her life. Getting out of town to her other property seems like her best option, until she gets there and realizes it could be just another setback. When she meets Holly her life looks a little brighter. Could this small town doctor be the medicine she needs to make it all better?
Barbara has written a holiday story that will warm you up on cold winter days. It’s a different storyline than she usually writes and I’m glad she took the chance. Her characters are always interesting and easy to fall in love with. Dana and Holly are no exception. I want to find their small town and take them to dinner, after reading their story! I know you’ll enjoy this one! It’s a good way to kick off your holiday reading!
I was given an ARC and that in no way affected my review.
Barbara has written a holiday story that will warm you up on cold winter days. It’s a different storyline than she usually writes and I’m glad she took the chance. Her characters are always interesting and easy to fall in love with. Dana and Holly are no exception. I want to find their small town and take them to dinner, after reading their story! I know you’ll enjoy this one! It’s a good way to kick off your holiday reading!
I was given an ARC and that in no way affected my review.
December 16, 2019
Nice short read
Shorter than I thought it would be. I probably would have been able to finish this in one sitting but I didn’t because I kept dwelling on the part about the death of her former lover. I stop reading for awhile and I was dreading and wondering if I should continue because that part seemed a little bit heavy for me. But the story did not dwell on that part much (thank goodness!^^). I wouldn’t call it sweet and because it short, it didn’t get to draw out the characters more but I still would recommend it.
Shorter than I thought it would be. I probably would have been able to finish this in one sitting but I didn’t because I kept dwelling on the part about the death of her former lover. I stop reading for awhile and I was dreading and wondering if I should continue because that part seemed a little bit heavy for me. But the story did not dwell on that part much (thank goodness!^^). I wouldn’t call it sweet and because it short, it didn’t get to draw out the characters more but I still would recommend it.
December 20, 2019
Nice romance
A nice romance set at Christmas time.
The clear introductions of the heart broken lead characters drew me to quickly care about them and their lives. The vivid setting and engaging people support the new lovers and bringing vividness to their relationship and the town. The story supports it’s self in that it didn’t need more development nor an extended ending to feel complete. Quite enjoyable.
*kindle unlimited reader
A nice romance set at Christmas time.
The clear introductions of the heart broken lead characters drew me to quickly care about them and their lives. The vivid setting and engaging people support the new lovers and bringing vividness to their relationship and the town. The story supports it’s self in that it didn’t need more development nor an extended ending to feel complete. Quite enjoyable.
*kindle unlimited reader
December 26, 2021
Dana is at a low point in her life when she ascends the hill in the small town where her second home is located, but the kindness of the town people and the warmth of the lovely Dr. Holly soon give her spirits the holiday boost they need.
Dana and Holly are complex, well-drawn characters, and the way their stories intertwine and unfold is both entertaining and heartwarming. The charming small town setting and people only add to the appeal of this holiday tale.
Dana and Holly are complex, well-drawn characters, and the way their stories intertwine and unfold is both entertaining and heartwarming. The charming small town setting and people only add to the appeal of this holiday tale.
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