Winter House

The Winter Series #6

by Joanne DeMaio

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes an enchanting novel about a beautiful old house and the love story it opens its doors to.

New England in December is a special world. Wreath-topped lampposts shine, balsam garland drapes across picket fences, and fresh snow dusts the land. Then there are the decorated houses: saltboxes, Victorians, farmhouses, Tudors. Tiny lights shimmer on front porches; candles glow in paned windows. But one imposing stone colonial towers dark in the night.

Since moving to town, Millie Ives has heard hushed whisperings of that house -- and of the mysterious man who lives and works there. A chance happening leads Millie to this Mr. Winter's spellbinding shop just past the bell tower. Surprisingly, he's not who she thought he'd be.

As the month unfolds, both find themselves on each other's minds and in each other's hearts. Yet when Millie tries to bridge a gap in his life, she risks losing him. Unless the spirit of the season can bring them back together at the Winter House.

The Winter Series Reading Order:
Book 1 - Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes
Book 2 - Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer
Book 3 - Cardinal Cabin
Book 4 - First Flurries
Book 5 - Eighteen Winters
Book 6 - Winter House
Book 7 - Winter Road
Book 8 - Merry Everything
And more Winter Novels

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2021

About the author

Joanne DeMaio is the prolific New York Times bestselling author of The Seaside Saga and other novels. She lives with her family in Connecticut and is currently at work on upcoming books.

Joanne enjoys hearing from readers at Facebook.com/JoanneDeMaioAuthor.

Reviews

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Festive and heartfelt

Winter House is a festive and heartfelt story of love, forgiveness, and second chances. I loved returning to the quaint town of Addison for another wonderful Christmas tale. Millie and Dean are lovely characters, and who can resist a the grumpy/sweet storyline? Grab some hot chocolate and a plate of warm cookies, sit in front of a fire or a Christmas tree to enjoy this charming book!

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful cozy novel that is beautifully written! Absolutely did not want it to end. I love the descriptive writing, describing the house, the shops, the people and the Christmas cheer! There is magic, and the miracle of love. Just the book needed to brighten up our spirits!

[Amy Bancroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

I’ve read every book by Joanne and loved them all but this is my favorite! Thank you for a perfect story as I wipe my happy tears.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter House
Whether it is a sense of obligation or the thought of his father selling the family business and home in Addison, Dean Winter finds himself leaving the West coast and return ing to New England.
Millie Ives has been dumped by her boyfriend, is out out of a job and has no where to live. She travels to New England and decides to start over in the sweet town of Addison.
Christmas in Addison with all its decorations, twinkling lights and small town events is the perfect place for Millie and Dean to both find what they need in this delightful holiday book. Author, Joanne DeMaio has written another book describing her love of New England with her beautiful scenery depictions and characters that any reader could love. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and comments are my opinion.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

Millie seems to be doing things on a whim lately. And finding things working out really well for her.

Dean and his father Hank don't see eye to eye on things. So they have their ups and downs.

Really enjoyed the book. The writing was superb. I could not put the book Down. Felt all kinds of emotions while reading it.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Winter House, author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader to the quaint small New England lakeside town of Addison, Connecticut for another heartwarming holiday tale of family, friendship, new beginnings, and finding a chance at unexpected love.

Winter House is a wonderful holiday story that will tug at the heartstrings and fill the reader with seasonal joy. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a spellbinding tale set in the quaint New England town of Addison, Connecticut, that captivates the reader's attention with the latest heartwarming holiday romance from her Winter Novels collection.

Dean Winter's life is upturned when his father Hank gives him a proposition / ultimatum ... leave his Southern California life of flipping houses and return home to Addison, Connecticut, and buy the family home and lighting shop, or he'll put it up for sale. One year later, Dean is very busy running the shop, Lighting Lodge, but he neglects the Christmas decorating tradition of the Winter House, and has a rocky relationship with his father.

Millie Ives just broke up with her longtime boyfriend and lost her job working at their woodworking company. On a whim Millie is ready for a new beginning, and she takes a job as an image scout for Perfect Puzzles, and buys a beautiful small cabin named Finch Farmhouse in the Snowflake Lake cabin community of Addison, Connecticut.

Millie meets Dean when she takes her favorite painted mason jar lamp to get repaired. Millie is unaware that Dean is the abrupt, cold as ice, distant Mr. Winter that the townsfolk warned her about. Millie is enjoying everything that the picturesque town of Addison offers, even the unexpected chance meetings with Dean that slowly develops into something more. But there is just one thing that hampers their happiness, Dean's rocky relationship with his dad, especially when Hank offers to help Dean with the shop and decorating the neglected family home. Can Millie thaw Dean's frosty heart, and help him re-establish his relationship with his dad, and bring the holiday tradition back to the Winter House?

Winter House is a wonderful story that has a rich description of the breathtaking holiday decorated small town setting filled with holiday traditions. Dean and Millie find an unexpected chance at love as their story unfolds in a magical way that will make the reader believe in the power of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the joy of the holiday season.

There are not enough words that I can express about the simplicity and beauty in which author Joanne DeMaio weaves her heartwarming and multi-layered stories filled with a mixture of love, friendship, family, life's changes, and unexpected special moments, it is simply breathtaking. As the reader follows Dean and Millie's story, the author cleverly interweaves characters and events from the previous books in the collection that provides a seamless continuation of their stories from winter to winter.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how the richly vivid description of the town of Addison is phenomenal, you'll yearn to visit the area and experience the quaint lakeside town's holiday tradition and friendly townspeople. Ms. DeMaio has a special gift for transporting the readers into every story that she weaves while leaving them yearning for more!

Winter House is an enchanting holiday story full of warmth and comfort that will remind the reader of the magic, joy, cheer, and spirit of Christmas. It is a lovely story that will resonate with the reader for a very long time.

Winter House is the latest installment in The Winter Novels collection, each book is a stand alone read, but each book does have intertwining snippets from the previous books, so you'll want to read the whole collection!

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[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cozy Christmas Romance

A delightful and warm story of reconnecting with a parent, a couple falling in love, a quaint New England town, the friendly people who live there, and a storybook ending. What more could you ask of an author? Joanne DeMaio beautifully wove the storyline and wonderful characters into a book you can get lost in.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love loved this heartfelt romantic Christmas read. Joanne was very detailed at how the village of Snowflake Lake decorated for Christmas and how they banded together to help each other out. Also loved the chemistry between Milly and Dean. I felt like I was right there in the community along with the other residence. Kudos to Joanne for another fantastic and heartwarming winter read

[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter House by author Joanne DeMaio is a wonderful holiday themed romance that also is a reunion of sorts between a father and son. The author takes us back to the quaint little village of Addison where several of her other books take place. What I enjoy about this is that some of the characters mentioned in this book are ones we already know from reading her previous stories. It’s like revisiting old friends! Reading how the town goes all out in decorating and holiday festivities instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. One thing that I especially find interesting is the authors use of spirits in her stories. There’s one in her Seaside Saga and there’s also one in this book. I think it adds more depth and magic to the story which I find to be fun and mythical. The ending to this story was my very favorite part as it left me feeling both happy and nostalgic. I’m looking forward to reading more about Addison and the wonderful characters who live there. If you’ve never read a book by this author, I highly recommend you do. Then you too will see how easy it is to grow a fondness and connection to her characters like I have.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're ready to get into the holiday mood, (and who isn't?!) you've got to read Winter House by Joanne DeMaio. I've read all of the winter-themed books she's written and have loved them all! I love that they're all set in the same cozy New England town and that characters from the prior books pop up in the new books. If you read Cardinal Cabin, you'll be familiar with the area into which Millie moves. And I absolutely love her job at a puzzle making place! This whole town has the best small businesses, and one of them is a lighting business where Millie meets Mr. Winter. And the amazing love story begins. I highly recommend Winter House and all of the winter novels by Joanne DeMaio. With their cozy atmosphere and wonderful characters, they'll really get you into the holiday mood!

[Judy Kristynik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read. Joanne writes such wonderful stories. This truly touched me as I love Christmas and family. This was such a sweet story. Highly recommend!

[Pamela Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast festive feel good Christmas romance

Loved it. First time reading this author and will look for more of her books. Felt like a hallmark story and exactly what I was in the mood for. Had all the fun holiday feels.

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautifully written favorite for the holidays. I loved all the characters and the little touch of "ghostly" presence in the storyline -- it was as if I had stepped back into an Old World Christmas. DeMaio has a special way with presenting the details.

My only complaint is that we didn't get a look into the future to see if there was indeed a happily-ever-after and not left hanging with happy for now.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

November-December/Connecticut

Some of the previous main characters make appearances throughout the story. There is a happy ending, but it was frustrating to get there. I didn't really like Dean until the end of the story. Millie was likeable throughout.

[Morgan King · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just like a Hallmark movie…super predictable but cozy for Christmastime!!!

[Juliana Kulak · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warms your soul!

Do yourself a favor and read this heartwarming book of friends and family. This has all the feels and vibes of Christmas, love, understanding and friendship. My heart is happy after reading this lovely book.

[Sandym24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun, cozy and festive holiday read by Joanne Demaio. Anytime you are entering the picturesque town of Addison you can be sure you are in for a charming holiday read.

[Kathie Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you need a good feel good story and this was definetly a good one

[Penny Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one writes a heartwarming story like Joanne DeMaio!! The magical setting is a small, charming town on the New England Coast.
Gus is one of my favorite characters, and he has reappeared in this winter series to warm our hearts.
Millie is a lovely young lady who moves to Addison to start over and begins working for a puzzle company to take photos for new puzzles. She encounters Mr. Winters, the local lamp business owner, who has a reputation around town as being grumpy and stand-offish.
But BAM!! When they meet the attraction they both feel is instant and powerful.
This is a wonderful romantic Christmas story! I will definitely read it again during the holidays!

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter House by Joanne DeMaio
This book starts out with dedication and then the table of contents. Story starts out with Dean on the west coast and a call from his father on the east coast with something to mull over.
Dean makes his decision and he's back in Addison living at the family house and running the lighting store on the side of it. His father moved to an apartment over the general store in town. Dean is so busy with walk in customers and the train depot chandelier spruce up in time for the holidays.
The fence fascinates me with names. Like the legend of the original owners, the sea captains and the reference Dean makes to Josiah. At first I thought it was a cat he keeps in the shop...
Millie Ives is out of a job, her boyfriend left and she has a room at her sisters til she's on her feet. While having lunch she looks over the jobs and finds one she knows she could do, puzzles: clerk: answer phones, scout scenes for new puzzles, marketing, etc. She also then looks through house listings and finds the open houses for that weekend. She drives up to many of them an now they are beyond her budget or house is just too big for her.
She falls in love with farmhouse style cabin and it comes with some furniture. Love tour at night as a group walk around town hearing about the history of the area. Dean takes her mason jar light from her father. She tells him others think a Mr. Winter is a bit cold and tells him that, not knowing who he is.
Scenes are just so very festive, the decorating is out of this world and light everywhere
Love catching up with characters from past books, glad to know they are thought of during this time of the year. Gus with his snowocycle and Derek with his boat parade, etc.
Dean and Millie are often thrown together as others meddle with getting everyone together.
Turmoil between Dean and his father Hank and Dean is so stubborn to ask for help...
Story goes on with the festivities for all to enjoy while they also enjoy each others company.
Love all the town and family traditions, so magical and festive, brings the whole town out to celebrate.
Things go so well for Dean and Millie til they don't any more.... Angel mist, so cool! Maybe it will bring them all back together.
Love hearing how Dean uses his hands to make a living, so cool! Procedures he follows are so detailed it's fun to 'watch' a career being done.
Millie also using photographs to make puzzles and that process are also explained.
Works by the author are listed at the end along with about the author. Can't wait for another book from her.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

I love that,  in this series, it is the old men playing bingo,  gossiping,  and acting as matchmakers! Gus is my favorite senior/older male. He's adorable. In the movies (hoping there will be movies!) I picture a cross between Santa Claus and either Bruce Boxleitner, Ted McGinley,  Mitch Pileggi or Terry O'Quinn.

In this series the leading men can tend to be jerks at times, because they were hurt, yadda yadda...but a fabulous trait most possess is they are gentlemen. They make sure their female companions are warm enough in the frigid New England temperatures, they make sure the females are safe in their own cars before driving themselves away, etc. Quite refreshing! But, not surprising for the town of Addison.

So this is the last of the series, for now at least, I read them all this Christmas season and I can tell you that although there were similarities they were also unique in their own ways. This one being no exception.  Most entertaining. I am not tired of Addison yet! I want more!

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joanne's stories and love it when I'm able to go back to her winter books and visit with the people of that community again. She consistently introduces new characters and it's interesting to watch them settle into the lifestyle surrounding them, letting go of their issues and embracing the changes that will make them happy.

Winter House was a marvelous escape that totally got me in the mood for winter, and the holiday season. Along with the very likeable characters, the setting is so refreshing and beautiful. It makes me wish I was able to be there myself and, for the time that I'm reading the pages, I was transported to that wonderful place.

Also, I need to mention this cover. I absolutely love this one! So beautiful and festive, totally representing the whole holiday vibe.

I highly recommend Winter House for the perfect holiday read to get you in the mood for winter and Christmas.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how much of the male audience for these books that I represent, but I've read all of the books in the Winter Series up to this one, with the next one lined up for next year.

I don't read any other types of books like this, nor any of the other series by the author, but around this time of year I like to read the latest book in this series because they're just well-written books that are consistently nice to read as Christmas approaches.

That's the key word - they are "nice". There's not much corruption, intrigue, people up to no good, etc. and I don't think there's anything else in my literary world that is that nice. That's why I read them.

Also, I learned something about goldfinches in this year's book.

This book is on-par with the others quality-wise, which is very good. It's appealing to have a new story blended with familiar "faces" (even if I can't quite remember their backstories from the previous books, I do at least remember them by name).

Looking forward to the next one in another year!

[Readsandeats · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the next in the Winter series.
We meet Millie who has moved to Addison to work at the Puzzle Company. She buys Finch Farmhouse, which is on the beautiful lake. She needs to find someone in Addison who can sort her prescious lamp. She is directed to Winter House, where the light repaired lives. She hears many things about the mysterious man and none of it particularly good, although he does have a great reputation with regards lights.
As the lead up to Christmas happens Millie and Mr WInter, find themselves spending more time together, can Millie bring down his barriers and help him bring cheer to those around him.
I loved this book, the despritions of the town, the decorations and also meeting characters we have met in previous books.
A lovely book to read at this time of year.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie Ives loves the town that she lives in and with the upcoming holiday season everyone has displayed wonderful decorations. That is everyone but one single home, since moving here Millie has heard that the man, Mr. Winter, who lives there is full of mystery. When she ends up at Mr. Winters store she soon learns the man isn't anything like she pictured. As each day goes from one to the next the two can't keep the other off their minds. Soon their hearts become involved but when Millie tries to move things forward she begins to worry she might have messed things up. She hopes that with time and love the two can be together as one. This was a lovely read in a beautiful setting that will surely get you into the mood for the holidays and some romance.

[Carol Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Joanne DeMaio writes a beautiful story! I just love the wonderful feelings and emotions Winter House brings with her delightful characters Millie, Dean and the other Mr. Winter. I particularly liked the way missing people are celebrated with lights on boats in the cove and then ... tons of folks....they just take time to decorate the ornaments on The Missing Fence - writing names in memory for those who have passed. There is also descriptions of the Winter House that make one want to curl up in front of the cozy warm fireplace with Dean and Millie. After eating warm chocolate cookies... while they decorate the Christmas tree that hasn't been done in years. Heartwarming and romantic, this is a book you won't want to leave when you finish the last page.

[Mitchy Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joanne's winter novels. They have such a feeling of comfort and warmth, like curling up in my favorite chair with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a warm fire on a cold winter's night. The Winter House is no exception. I couldn't put it down! The characters of Dean and Millie are wonderful. We meet old favorites from previous stories such as Gus who is such an old romantic and only wants the best for everyone. And, I love Captain Josiah Briggs! Was he really a ghost or just Dean's imagination? The New England Christmas is what many of us depict Christmas should be and it is described perfectly by Joanne. So, do yourself a favor and get a copy of The Winter House. I have no doubt you'll enjoy it!

[Sarah Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter House by Joanne Demaio was a wonderful Christmas present from my friend in the USA. I have never read any of her books but I found this book a really lovely Christmas read. Set in the beautifully quaint town of Addison in New England we follow the characters of Millie and Dean as they fall in love. It is a heartfelt, cosy festive read full of Christmas descriptions, magic, joy, friendships and love. It is beautifully written and the writing draws such a wonderful picture of the town. I loved the concept of the missing fence and loved the idea of the ghost looking over them. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wholeheartedly loved this book. It wasn’t super deep, but it did have some familial conflict between one of the main characters, Dean, and his father, Hank. Millie moves to town and meets Dean when she is looking to get a lamp that her late father got for her repaired. Dean owns a lamp restoration shop. This makes for the perfect introduction and start to a relationship between the two. But the relationship isn’t without some small issues, revolving around Dean and Hank’s falling out and the fact that Millie knows that tomorrow isn’t promised.
This book was just an absolute gem to me, I loved sitting down each evening to read it and I am looking forward to more in the series!