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Willowbrook
A Winter's Dream: An incredibly heart-warming and feel-good cosy read for Christmas
Liberty has never been a risk-taker. She loves the routine of her quiet life in the charming village of Willowbrook, with her Labrador, Charlie. But the arrival of a mysterious gift prompts Liberty to make some changes: starting with a daily challenge to say yes to everything for the month of December...
Fearless and independent, Alex could hardly be a less obvious fit for peaceful village life. But after an accident cuts short his promising motorcycling career, he finds himself in Willowbrook in search of new direction.
When the pair become unlikely housemates, sparks fly at Damselfly Cottage. Will living together prove impossible - especially when the first snow falls? Or, cut off from the outside world, can they help each other find what it takes to be brave this Christmas?
Fearless and independent, Alex could hardly be a less obvious fit for peaceful village life. But after an accident cuts short his promising motorcycling career, he finds himself in Willowbrook in search of new direction.
When the pair become unlikely housemates, sparks fly at Damselfly Cottage. Will living together prove impossible - especially when the first snow falls? Or, cut off from the outside world, can they help each other find what it takes to be brave this Christmas?
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2000
174 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Claire
9 books98 followersSophie Claire writes emotional stories set in England and in sunny Provence, where she spent her summers as a child.
She has a French mother and a Scottish father, but was born in Africa and grew up in Manchester, England, where she still lives with her husband and two sons.
Previously, she worked in marketing and proofreading academic papers, but writing is what she always considered her ‘real job’ and now she’s delighted to spend her days dreaming up heartwarming contemporary romance stories set in beautiful places.
She has a French mother and a Scottish father, but was born in Africa and grew up in Manchester, England, where she still lives with her husband and two sons.
Previously, she worked in marketing and proofreading academic papers, but writing is what she always considered her ‘real job’ and now she’s delighted to spend her days dreaming up heartwarming contemporary romance stories set in beautiful places.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
December 10, 2020
How good it is to be back in Willowbrook with an all new standalone story. Although if you are already a fan of Sophie Claire then you will be delighted to know that Evie and Natasha are Liberty's good friends and we get fabulous continuations of their stories.
But the main focus of the book is on Liberty, who is rather stuck in her routines, and on turning 30 realises this and decides to challenger herself to a month of saying yes, to be braver throughout December.
The idea is she does a daily challenge that would normally make her feel uncomfortable or make her say no, as after all she is rather a homebody, loves quilting, spending time with Charlie (who is a very clever labrador), just playing it safe the whole time. She is also feeling disconcerted as she is so used to spending time with Carys, who is currently in a coma unfortunately.
I absolutely loved how Liberty's character was developed and the various challenges she sets herself, from getting a lodger, which is where Alex comes in, to trying to date, to conquering specific fears. Throughout it all you see what a caring and loving person Liberty really is.
Alex on the other hand takes a bit longer to fully warm to, but then his entrance didn't exactly endear himself to Liberty in the first place.
They are complete opposites and I loved seeing how they learnt to get on with each other, although I did want to slam their heads together too on more than one occasion.
It's a story of self discovery, but also of quilting. We learn a great deal about quilting and I loved seeing how the various designs turned out.
This is a another heart-warming and really pleasing read from an author who I'm loving more and more with each book and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
But the main focus of the book is on Liberty, who is rather stuck in her routines, and on turning 30 realises this and decides to challenger herself to a month of saying yes, to be braver throughout December.
The idea is she does a daily challenge that would normally make her feel uncomfortable or make her say no, as after all she is rather a homebody, loves quilting, spending time with Charlie (who is a very clever labrador), just playing it safe the whole time. She is also feeling disconcerted as she is so used to spending time with Carys, who is currently in a coma unfortunately.
I absolutely loved how Liberty's character was developed and the various challenges she sets herself, from getting a lodger, which is where Alex comes in, to trying to date, to conquering specific fears. Throughout it all you see what a caring and loving person Liberty really is.
Alex on the other hand takes a bit longer to fully warm to, but then his entrance didn't exactly endear himself to Liberty in the first place.
They are complete opposites and I loved seeing how they learnt to get on with each other, although I did want to slam their heads together too on more than one occasion.
It's a story of self discovery, but also of quilting. We learn a great deal about quilting and I loved seeing how the various designs turned out.
This is a another heart-warming and really pleasing read from an author who I'm loving more and more with each book and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
December 20, 2022
Review to follow xxx
November 8, 2022
True escapism, this book literally ticks every box for a cosy, romcom, Christmassy read. I didn’t want it to end!
I’ll definitely be reading more books by Sophie Claire.
I’ll definitely be reading more books by Sophie Claire.
October 4, 2020
I so enjoy Christmassy books – and I really have to say that I thought this book was just wonderful. Sophie Claire is a superb story teller – her writing wraps you up in a warm hug, and it’s just lovely to allow yourself to enter the lives of her characters, watch them change and grow and find things that make them happy in a way that warms your heart and makes you glow inside.
It was lovely to be back in Willowbrook, and to meet again many of the characters whose company I’d enjoyed at my last visit. I must say though, if you’ve never had the pleasure of spending time there before, you’ll have no problems reading this one (third in series) as a standalone – this is the kind of series I like, where the location and background characters follow through but the main story follows a new set of lead characters.
Liberty works at The Button Hole with Evie (you know, that gorgeous little shop where you can buy everything you need for your sewing projects, and they have those beautiful hand-made quilts…): after a traumatic event, she’s living alone at Damselfly Cottage other than her companion Charlie the labrador, and is content with her quiet life and routine, walking the dog, enjoying her home and its surroundings, sewing her quilts in the evenings by the fire. But there comes a point where “content” becomes “in a rut” and “boring”: she decides December will be her month of saying “yes” to everything, no matter how uncomfortable or frightening.
And that decision brings Alex into her life, and into her home as a lodger – French, a former motor-cycling world champion, his career ended after injury, looking for a long-lost relative while deciding on his next move. The author’s excellent at male leads who begin by being pretty obnoxious – everything he does and says rubs lovely Sophie up the wrong way, and he really doesn’t seem to care. But he’s distinctly “hot”, not as miserable and standoffish as he first appears, just carrying rather a lot of personal baggage, and things slowly begin to change when they both drop their defences a little – although being snowed in together really tests their growing friendship.
And that’s the point when everything starts to become distinctly Christmassy, and it’s just perfectly done – choosing a Christmas tree, a bit of walking through the snowy landscape, building a snowman (or more accurately, a snowdog…), and some sledging that really tests Liberty’s newfound bravery. It’s all just perfectly done, as they feel their way through their tentative new friendship – and it’s not even Christmas yet, that’s still to come, after Alex has left for home and she’s on her own again.
But life’s rarely that predictable, and the story moves away from Willowbrook as Liberty tests her bravery even further – and has a whole new set of experiences (in the most beautifully detailed and drawn locations – which will come as no surprise if you’ve read the author’s books before), a Christmas she never expected, and a confession she just has to make that takes more courage than anything she’s faced before. I SO want to say more about the last third of the book – I adored every moment – but really don’t want to spoil the book for anyone, so I’ll resist the temptation (but you’re going to love it!).
The characters in this book are just so beautifully drawn. You can’t help caring for Liberty, feeling her sadness and loss, and taking her to your heart – but Alex also has quite a back story, along with an emotional complexity and a well-hidden warm heart, and you soon find yourself very much in his corner as he discovers he needs to find some bravery too. The wider cast of characters is wonderful – strong and supportive friendships, the possibility of the perfect partner for Liberty in Ethan, a new friendship with his mother (which changes her life a little too), and a few well-developed dramas, secrets and surprises that really keep the story moving. And a particularly special mention for labrador Charlie – however allergic you might be, I guarantee he’ll become your new best friend too.
A gorgeous romance, everything Christmassy you could possibly ask for, a really well told story, the strongest of characters, a touch of armchair travel, plenty of emotional content, a few gentle laughs along the way… there was absolutely nothing about this book I didn’t enjoy, and I’d really urge you to add it to your Christmas reading list. Warm, uplifting, heartwarming… a really lovely read.
It was lovely to be back in Willowbrook, and to meet again many of the characters whose company I’d enjoyed at my last visit. I must say though, if you’ve never had the pleasure of spending time there before, you’ll have no problems reading this one (third in series) as a standalone – this is the kind of series I like, where the location and background characters follow through but the main story follows a new set of lead characters.
Liberty works at The Button Hole with Evie (you know, that gorgeous little shop where you can buy everything you need for your sewing projects, and they have those beautiful hand-made quilts…): after a traumatic event, she’s living alone at Damselfly Cottage other than her companion Charlie the labrador, and is content with her quiet life and routine, walking the dog, enjoying her home and its surroundings, sewing her quilts in the evenings by the fire. But there comes a point where “content” becomes “in a rut” and “boring”: she decides December will be her month of saying “yes” to everything, no matter how uncomfortable or frightening.
And that decision brings Alex into her life, and into her home as a lodger – French, a former motor-cycling world champion, his career ended after injury, looking for a long-lost relative while deciding on his next move. The author’s excellent at male leads who begin by being pretty obnoxious – everything he does and says rubs lovely Sophie up the wrong way, and he really doesn’t seem to care. But he’s distinctly “hot”, not as miserable and standoffish as he first appears, just carrying rather a lot of personal baggage, and things slowly begin to change when they both drop their defences a little – although being snowed in together really tests their growing friendship.
And that’s the point when everything starts to become distinctly Christmassy, and it’s just perfectly done – choosing a Christmas tree, a bit of walking through the snowy landscape, building a snowman (or more accurately, a snowdog…), and some sledging that really tests Liberty’s newfound bravery. It’s all just perfectly done, as they feel their way through their tentative new friendship – and it’s not even Christmas yet, that’s still to come, after Alex has left for home and she’s on her own again.
But life’s rarely that predictable, and the story moves away from Willowbrook as Liberty tests her bravery even further – and has a whole new set of experiences (in the most beautifully detailed and drawn locations – which will come as no surprise if you’ve read the author’s books before), a Christmas she never expected, and a confession she just has to make that takes more courage than anything she’s faced before. I SO want to say more about the last third of the book – I adored every moment – but really don’t want to spoil the book for anyone, so I’ll resist the temptation (but you’re going to love it!).
The characters in this book are just so beautifully drawn. You can’t help caring for Liberty, feeling her sadness and loss, and taking her to your heart – but Alex also has quite a back story, along with an emotional complexity and a well-hidden warm heart, and you soon find yourself very much in his corner as he discovers he needs to find some bravery too. The wider cast of characters is wonderful – strong and supportive friendships, the possibility of the perfect partner for Liberty in Ethan, a new friendship with his mother (which changes her life a little too), and a few well-developed dramas, secrets and surprises that really keep the story moving. And a particularly special mention for labrador Charlie – however allergic you might be, I guarantee he’ll become your new best friend too.
A gorgeous romance, everything Christmassy you could possibly ask for, a really well told story, the strongest of characters, a touch of armchair travel, plenty of emotional content, a few gentle laughs along the way… there was absolutely nothing about this book I didn’t enjoy, and I’d really urge you to add it to your Christmas reading list. Warm, uplifting, heartwarming… a really lovely read.
December 17, 2021
It’s a perfect Christmas book, because she works in a sewing shop and she quilts! She has a lovely dog and lives in a beautiful remote cottage. All the things I love. It’s just a lovely escapism story. The author has done her homework when it’s comes to the art of sewing and quilting and I thank her for that!
December 22, 2021
A cosy festive read
November 12, 2024
IDK why I even finished this book cause it was not good at all. It’s chicklit at its worst. Also, sloppy, childish writing style detracted from the book a lot. Neither the characters, nor the plot were believable.
The fact that I read it in English is the only consolation 😄
The fact that I read it in English is the only consolation 😄
December 19, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy winter story about the discovery of self-confidence through challenges and new beginnings, which creates a heart-warming festive read.
The two main characters have very different goals for their future, but while Liberty faces her fears and tries to find answers, Alex pushes them down and finds it difficult to deal with the emotions resulting from that. As they both struggle through an enforced temporary proximity, it is interesting to see how they react to each other’s views and personal histories, occasionally drawing them closer before they recognise their insurmountable differences.
The strong community spirit and family devotion, which is beautifully written, supports and encourages the couple to come to terms with their differences until a final twist in the tale creates a scenario no one had been expecting.
With sensational snowy scenes, wonderful woodland walks and picturesque Provencal panoramas, this is an utterly uplifting read.
The two main characters have very different goals for their future, but while Liberty faces her fears and tries to find answers, Alex pushes them down and finds it difficult to deal with the emotions resulting from that. As they both struggle through an enforced temporary proximity, it is interesting to see how they react to each other’s views and personal histories, occasionally drawing them closer before they recognise their insurmountable differences.
The strong community spirit and family devotion, which is beautifully written, supports and encourages the couple to come to terms with their differences until a final twist in the tale creates a scenario no one had been expecting.
With sensational snowy scenes, wonderful woodland walks and picturesque Provencal panoramas, this is an utterly uplifting read.
December 28, 2024
While this isn't exactly literature at its finest, I enjoyed spending my December with Liberty and Alex. I found many aspects of the story repetitive and slightly irritating, but all in all it's a harmless, cosy read, which is exactly the sort of book I'm after over Christmas.
December 14, 2022
Loved this book! 😊💜 It was exactly what I wanted...a cozy Christmas romance 😍 The main character Liberty reminded alot of myself as we both had red hair and like our routines.
This is enemies to lovers, which is a trope that I just love ❤️ I would nearly say Grump/sunshine but both characters have their moments where you can see their tempers.
This is enemies to lovers, which is a trope that I just love ❤️ I would nearly say Grump/sunshine but both characters have their moments where you can see their tempers.
December 14, 2021
This book just didn’t do it for me.
I’ll start with the good - it’s well written. The author clearly has a knack for describing scenery and nature very well.
My issue with this was it just isn’t contemporary romance. Liberty is a 30 year old woman who reads like a 65 year old. Its not just the obsession with quilting and sewing (good on her for that talent). It’s the way she speaks, the way she behaves, everything. She just was beyond stuffy and old-fashioned in her speech and most of her behaviour. She spent most of the book judging Alex based solely on his racing profession. The author tries to convince us she’s youthful, even referring to her quilting patterns as “modern” 8 freaking times. I get it. Her quilts are super modern ughhh. That doesn’t take away from the fact that she’s only 30 and absolutely obsessed with getting married asap and having 4 babies. It doesn’t take away from the fact that her clothes are described and make her sound old fashioned (lots of velvet…what 30 year old wears this?). It doesn’t take away from the fact her idea of fun is sewing with elderly women in her village on a Friday night. And it doesn’t take away from some of her judgy, stilted speech. I just couldn’t warm to her.
Alex is marginally better, but I don’t see how he did a 180 and wanted to live in her town by the end of the book. I assume this was supposed to be a slow burn, but in reality its just very slow with very little happening. They finally start acknowledging feelings at 65% (and that came out of nowhere - there was NO chemistry between them…none). The whole think takes place over a 6-8 week period…and that’s about how long it felt like I was reading this.
Obviously this could just be a “me” issue. Like I said, the author does know how to write and so maybe the characters and story just didn’t mesh for me.
I’ll start with the good - it’s well written. The author clearly has a knack for describing scenery and nature very well.
My issue with this was it just isn’t contemporary romance. Liberty is a 30 year old woman who reads like a 65 year old. Its not just the obsession with quilting and sewing (good on her for that talent). It’s the way she speaks, the way she behaves, everything. She just was beyond stuffy and old-fashioned in her speech and most of her behaviour. She spent most of the book judging Alex based solely on his racing profession. The author tries to convince us she’s youthful, even referring to her quilting patterns as “modern” 8 freaking times. I get it. Her quilts are super modern ughhh. That doesn’t take away from the fact that she’s only 30 and absolutely obsessed with getting married asap and having 4 babies. It doesn’t take away from the fact that her clothes are described and make her sound old fashioned (lots of velvet…what 30 year old wears this?). It doesn’t take away from the fact her idea of fun is sewing with elderly women in her village on a Friday night. And it doesn’t take away from some of her judgy, stilted speech. I just couldn’t warm to her.
Alex is marginally better, but I don’t see how he did a 180 and wanted to live in her town by the end of the book. I assume this was supposed to be a slow burn, but in reality its just very slow with very little happening. They finally start acknowledging feelings at 65% (and that came out of nowhere - there was NO chemistry between them…none). The whole think takes place over a 6-8 week period…and that’s about how long it felt like I was reading this.
Obviously this could just be a “me” issue. Like I said, the author does know how to write and so maybe the characters and story just didn’t mesh for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2020
I saw this book in a Kondle sale, and I swear it was an award winner or nominee or something or other, and I thought it might be a cute read in the lead up to Christmas. And I suppose it was.
This is a chick-lit book so you know what you'll get out of it, there's no suspense here, no twists, no turns, just the pretty standard chick-lit formula.
I didnt really like Liberty if I'm honest. There was too much emphasis on the absolute HORROR of BEING OVER 30, and not just that BEING WITHOUT CROTCHSPAWN AT AN AGE OVER 30!!! I mean, the horror!!! Granted the genre means you know Liberty will get her man, but does being single, liking staying in, and being crafty have to be portrayed as such a bad thing? Whilst Liberty does choose to make a change for herself its motivated by fear and I really didn't that.
She's also not a 'nice' person. She basically blames Alex for staying with her with his dog allergy when she A: forgot to mention she had a dog, B: failed to control the dog around someone with an allergy, C: only cleans up the allergens when she likes her allergic guest. I could add she always seemed to see the worst in him but this book does a rare thing and has the characters actually communicate with each other, and she does mentally acknowledge her bias against him so... I wont hold it against her but I didn't like how people had to share her opinions.
Of the two characters whilst Liberty does open herself up to new experiences, it's Alex that does the major character growth imo.
If you asked me to describe the book I'd say it was "ok" which typically would mean a 2 star rating, but that does seem unfair, especially as I'd like to read another book in this kinda series... so a grudging 3 stars overall.
This is a chick-lit book so you know what you'll get out of it, there's no suspense here, no twists, no turns, just the pretty standard chick-lit formula.
I didnt really like Liberty if I'm honest. There was too much emphasis on the absolute HORROR of BEING OVER 30, and not just that BEING WITHOUT CROTCHSPAWN AT AN AGE OVER 30!!! I mean, the horror!!! Granted the genre means you know Liberty will get her man, but does being single, liking staying in, and being crafty have to be portrayed as such a bad thing? Whilst Liberty does choose to make a change for herself its motivated by fear and I really didn't that.
She's also not a 'nice' person. She basically blames Alex for staying with her with his dog allergy when she A: forgot to mention she had a dog, B: failed to control the dog around someone with an allergy, C: only cleans up the allergens when she likes her allergic guest. I could add she always seemed to see the worst in him but this book does a rare thing and has the characters actually communicate with each other, and she does mentally acknowledge her bias against him so... I wont hold it against her but I didn't like how people had to share her opinions.
Of the two characters whilst Liberty does open herself up to new experiences, it's Alex that does the major character growth imo.
If you asked me to describe the book I'd say it was "ok" which typically would mean a 2 star rating, but that does seem unfair, especially as I'd like to read another book in this kinda series... so a grudging 3 stars overall.
December 22, 2025
The plot: Liberty McKenzie is determined to shake up her routine and decides that December will be her "month of yes." Meaning, she has to say yes to every opportunity that presents itself (even and ESPECIALLY if it terrifies her). Liberty's best friend and roommate Carys is in a months-long coma following a car accident, and her December challenge inspires her to seek out a temporary lodger to help with the rent. Enter Alex Ricard, a handsome motorcycle racer and adrenaline junkie who's recovering from a career ending injury. While they get off on the wrong foot; Alex thinks that Liberty is boring and set in her ways while Liberty assumes that Alex is selfish and privileged, a friendship blossoms as Alex helps Liberty with her challenge and Liberty helps Alex in his search for a long lost relative. As the friendship develops, so do unexpected romantic feelings. Thus, they both have to decide if they're brave enough to explore a deeper relationship.
My thoughts: This book started off slow for me but around the halfway mark I really fell in love with the characters and the story. Liberty and Alex were both set in their ways so it was sweet to see how both characters evolved over the course of the story. I really enjoyed this sweet, Christmas romance...and I didn't realize that I'd already downloaded the next book in the series. Please Clap.
Spoiler Below:
I was frustrated that Alex's search for his half sister didn't really lead to anything but oh well, such is life😂
My thoughts: This book started off slow for me but around the halfway mark I really fell in love with the characters and the story. Liberty and Alex were both set in their ways so it was sweet to see how both characters evolved over the course of the story. I really enjoyed this sweet, Christmas romance...and I didn't realize that I'd already downloaded the next book in the series. Please Clap.
Spoiler Below:
I was frustrated that Alex's search for his half sister didn't really lead to anything but oh well, such is life😂
December 1, 2021
This is my newest favourite Christmas read. Having devoured Sophie Claire's The Christmas Holiday and A Forget-me-not Summer, I was looking forward to her next read so much. A Winter's Dream reads like peppermint hot chocolate - cosy, delightful and utterly refreshing. I love how rooted Liberty and Alex are as individuals and how the author makes use of their difference in personality and values to build up their story.
I love it that their story continued even after the new year and the two wonderful reveals at the end was the cherry on top of my ice-cream. It was also nice seeing Evie, Jake, Luc and Natasha again. Will the next read be about Liberty's friend Carys? That would be great.
I love it that their story continued even after the new year and the two wonderful reveals at the end was the cherry on top of my ice-cream. It was also nice seeing Evie, Jake, Luc and Natasha again. Will the next read be about Liberty's friend Carys? That would be great.
December 23, 2023
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. I picked it as I wanted something with a Christmas feel!
I found it a bit difficult to get through, I felt it needed a faster pace and I know most romances are predictable, but I felt this was already written before I even got half way through.
The scenery and description was beauitful and the lovely country cottage and snowy village sounded perfect.
I did enjoy the jump to France and Alex's character, family and background was really interesting. I felt that Liberty was a bit one dimensional, but loving and caring.
The whole idea of taking risks and not saying no was the best concept throughout the whole book and I felt it saved it a little.
I found it a bit difficult to get through, I felt it needed a faster pace and I know most romances are predictable, but I felt this was already written before I even got half way through.
The scenery and description was beauitful and the lovely country cottage and snowy village sounded perfect.
I did enjoy the jump to France and Alex's character, family and background was really interesting. I felt that Liberty was a bit one dimensional, but loving and caring.
The whole idea of taking risks and not saying no was the best concept throughout the whole book and I felt it saved it a little.
October 8, 2020
I loved this story and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's gripping, heartwarming and highly entertaining.
You cannot help loving Liberty and Alex and root for them. I loved the character development and read about how Liberty changes.
It's an excellent Christmas story and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
You cannot help loving Liberty and Alex and root for them. I loved the character development and read about how Liberty changes.
It's an excellent Christmas story and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 27, 2022
This book was good and about what you’d expect from a cheesy Christmas romance. Predictable endings, things that made you roll your eyes, small towns, etc. This is not the type of thing I like to read year round but I’m a little more open to all the cheese during the holidays so it was a great December read for me. If I could, I’d rate 3.5/5 ⭐️
December 31, 2020
Awwww I loved it so much! My favourite festive book so far! I loved the main couple and their love story! So sweet and meaningful! My heart feels so full! If only it was just a little bit shorter, but that’s my only criticism!
September 8, 2021
I absolutely loved this book . Very festive but also easy to read outside of December.
December 1, 2022
This book was an absolute delight! It was wintry, the romance was fluffy, and the male interest was swoon-worthy. Definitely a book I would love to have a physical copy of!
February 11, 2022
I didn't get to read this book during my Christmas holidays, but I knew I had to catch up soon, and what a catch up I had. This book brought me back to the magic that is Christmas and I loved everything about it.
Liberty loves routine and is scared of change. Alex on the other hand has to try everything, and he's an adrenaline junkie. When Liberty and Alex become unexpected roommates, they are both in for a heap of troubles. They seem to not get along but maybe they are way each other needs.
What I loved the most about this book is how Liberty tried to take charge of her own life and change it for the better. She was scared, but she knew she had to do it.
Liberty loves routine and is scared of change. Alex on the other hand has to try everything, and he's an adrenaline junkie. When Liberty and Alex become unexpected roommates, they are both in for a heap of troubles. They seem to not get along but maybe they are way each other needs.
What I loved the most about this book is how Liberty tried to take charge of her own life and change it for the better. She was scared, but she knew she had to do it.
June 9, 2021
Overall I liked the book and enjoyed the premise. I liked Alex a lot and the supporting characters were great. Liberty was just dull though. I understood her fear and hesitation to try new things but my God, she was so dull and kind of annoying. I did appreciate her journey of self reflection and discovery but she could've loosened up just a bit more.
December 31, 2022
Love a cheesy Christmas book but this was too cheesy even for me haha. Also never found out what happened with something?!
November 26, 2020
This book was like a nice warm hug. Great to settle down with whilst sat by the tree enjoying a cup of cocoa.
November 29, 2021
A charming seasonal read- I doubt I'd enjoy this much outside of the Christmas season, but it was a nice, chill book to sink into while the snow was falling outside.
September 11, 2020
This is a really lovely gentle romance, although it is set in the winter you can read it at any time of year.
Liberty is a very likeable character, very cautious by nature, especially since her close friend has laid in a coma since a bad car accident some months ago. She sets herself a challenge to say yes to things that push her out of her comfort zone, including renting out her spare bedroom to a short term lodger.
Alex is a French racing driver over in the UK to see his friend Luc and try and trace a half sibling. He is struggling to come to terms with a slower lifestyle as injury means he can no longer race. He likes speed, the excitement of racing. He is the complete opposite to Liberty and they clash until an attraction develops.
I wasn’t aware that this was part of a series, I don’t feel this affected my enjoyment of this book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.
Liberty is a very likeable character, very cautious by nature, especially since her close friend has laid in a coma since a bad car accident some months ago. She sets herself a challenge to say yes to things that push her out of her comfort zone, including renting out her spare bedroom to a short term lodger.
Alex is a French racing driver over in the UK to see his friend Luc and try and trace a half sibling. He is struggling to come to terms with a slower lifestyle as injury means he can no longer race. He likes speed, the excitement of racing. He is the complete opposite to Liberty and they clash until an attraction develops.
I wasn’t aware that this was part of a series, I don’t feel this affected my enjoyment of this book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.
July 3, 2021
I’m going to try to keep my review short and sweet because trying to read 6 Christmas books in a week is a lot on top of you know life and everything else. Happy Christmas in July to those who are weird enough to long for Christmas all year round. This book is about a girl named Liberty who is a homebody wanting to become more adventurous. She decides to spend the month of December saying yes to everything. A friend needs someone to stay in her house for a couple of weeks while he’s visiting? Yes. Karaoke? Yes. Blind dates? Yes. But, when the person staying in her house is a loud motorcycle racer who she keeps getting into arguments with, what else is there to do but fall in love?
Despite sharing a name with the main character, there were a lot of moments when I wanted to shake that girl. She’s super sweet and innocent, but she’s so naive it’s hard to read this as a romance and not a satire. I felt like her love interest was a much more well rounded character who, despite having many contradictions, felt like a real person. I was more interested in him and his past and his side of these arguments than I was her. She had a solid point about the guy going out for rides in the middle of the night and making a crap ton of noise, but otherwise all of these arguments felt like she was always making a fuss about nothing. It was so annoying.
Also, the book doesn’t get really Christmasy until about 85% of the way through the book. The main focus is about Liberty taking the chance to say yes to whatever opportunities come her way and how she changes as a person. But since I didn’t like her I didn’t really care too much. I was more holding on for her love interest and the Christmas scenes I knew had to be coming. But when the Christmas stuff did pop up the author did a really good job of making you feel there in the moment.
Just an okay read from me. I think the length (no one needs a nearly 500 page romance novel) and the main character are the key things drawing my rating down.
Despite sharing a name with the main character, there were a lot of moments when I wanted to shake that girl. She’s super sweet and innocent, but she’s so naive it’s hard to read this as a romance and not a satire. I felt like her love interest was a much more well rounded character who, despite having many contradictions, felt like a real person. I was more interested in him and his past and his side of these arguments than I was her. She had a solid point about the guy going out for rides in the middle of the night and making a crap ton of noise, but otherwise all of these arguments felt like she was always making a fuss about nothing. It was so annoying.
Also, the book doesn’t get really Christmasy until about 85% of the way through the book. The main focus is about Liberty taking the chance to say yes to whatever opportunities come her way and how she changes as a person. But since I didn’t like her I didn’t really care too much. I was more holding on for her love interest and the Christmas scenes I knew had to be coming. But when the Christmas stuff did pop up the author did a really good job of making you feel there in the moment.
Just an okay read from me. I think the length (no one needs a nearly 500 page romance novel) and the main character are the key things drawing my rating down.
November 2, 2021
*Adorable Romance*
This tale is the type of book you could cuddle up with. Liberty likes to play things safe and lives in the lovely village of Willowbrook in a cottage that stands alone and a place that would be great as a Christmas Card illustration.
Liberty has her routines but after receiving a gift from an unknown source she decides to challenge herself by saying yes to anything that comes her way including things that scare her. There is one special person missing it’s her friend that was involved in a bad accident that has left her in a coma.
Her 1st challenges is getting a lodger due to her friend being out of the picture for now. One of her friend’s suggest Alex a French friend who will be in the U.K. for a month. Liberty’s natural reaction is to say no, but she must follow through with her challenge.
When Alex turns up he opposite to what Liberty was expecting and he is late and has a noisy motorbike. Alex was an up and coming championship racer but his last crash has put paid to his promising career. He is here on a mission to right some wrongs made by his womanising father. Because of this he does not want to commit to anyone in case he hurts someone.
Both Alex and Liberty have to be brave in different ways, will they be able to find some common ground?
This tale is the type of book you could cuddle up with. Liberty likes to play things safe and lives in the lovely village of Willowbrook in a cottage that stands alone and a place that would be great as a Christmas Card illustration.
Liberty has her routines but after receiving a gift from an unknown source she decides to challenge herself by saying yes to anything that comes her way including things that scare her. There is one special person missing it’s her friend that was involved in a bad accident that has left her in a coma.
Her 1st challenges is getting a lodger due to her friend being out of the picture for now. One of her friend’s suggest Alex a French friend who will be in the U.K. for a month. Liberty’s natural reaction is to say no, but she must follow through with her challenge.
When Alex turns up he opposite to what Liberty was expecting and he is late and has a noisy motorbike. Alex was an up and coming championship racer but his last crash has put paid to his promising career. He is here on a mission to right some wrongs made by his womanising father. Because of this he does not want to commit to anyone in case he hurts someone.
Both Alex and Liberty have to be brave in different ways, will they be able to find some common ground?
November 17, 2021
I found myself not really connecting with the characters, especially Liberty for the first half of this book.
Yet I absolutely loved when this switched and I personally feel became almost more in the view of Alex. It was written so well and is a different take on the usual romance type novels.
Even at the end with Carys I loved the perfect reaction to Carys waking up. Again, I love that she did! It gave me more excitement than Liberty and Alex. For me it showed just how important those friendships are and how hard it is to lose them.
Loved the ending of this book
Yet I absolutely loved when this switched and I personally feel became almost more in the view of Alex. It was written so well and is a different take on the usual romance type novels.
Even at the end with Carys I loved the perfect reaction to Carys waking up. Again, I love that she did! It gave me more excitement than Liberty and Alex. For me it showed just how important those friendships are and how hard it is to lose them.
Loved the ending of this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2020
My new favorite author. This wasn’t an over the top holiday cheesy romance novel (IMO). It has just the right amount of everything. Loved this and her previous novel for December reads.
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