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Life on the Moors #6
A Cosy Countryside Christmas
Ella Welford’s done with love. After having her fingers burnt, she’s been resolutely single for the last year and has sworn to stay that way.
Joss Campion’s still reeling from a messy divorce and has vowed never to open his heart to love again.
Growing up in the picturesque village of Lytell Stangdale, with the North Yorkshire Moors as their playground, Joss and Ella were best friends. The pair were inseparable.
Until the day something happened to ruin their friendship and Joss moved away.
An urgent telephone call summons Joss back to the village. His father’s been rushed to hospital and he’s needed to run the farm. When he returns, with his loyal canine companion, Sid, in tow, it isn’t long before he realises things aren’t as they seem. Why is his brother, Rich, being so evasive? And why does he get the impression the farm’s in trouble?
Teaching Assistant, Ella, has just broken up for the Christmas holidays and is looking forward to spending more time on her parents’ farm, tending her variety of rescue animals and recharging her batteries.
It isn’t long before the pair run into one another and sparks of attraction begin to fly - not that either of them will admit to it. But, just before Christmas, they find themselves thrown together in an unexpected turn of events as a fierce snow blizzard rages around them.
Could this be the moment that changes everything? Or is their past too big to ignore?
One thing’s for certain, life’s never dull in this little corner of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Join Ella and Joss – and all the usual Lytell Stangdale characters – for a heartwarming festive read
Joss Campion’s still reeling from a messy divorce and has vowed never to open his heart to love again.
Growing up in the picturesque village of Lytell Stangdale, with the North Yorkshire Moors as their playground, Joss and Ella were best friends. The pair were inseparable.
Until the day something happened to ruin their friendship and Joss moved away.
An urgent telephone call summons Joss back to the village. His father’s been rushed to hospital and he’s needed to run the farm. When he returns, with his loyal canine companion, Sid, in tow, it isn’t long before he realises things aren’t as they seem. Why is his brother, Rich, being so evasive? And why does he get the impression the farm’s in trouble?
Teaching Assistant, Ella, has just broken up for the Christmas holidays and is looking forward to spending more time on her parents’ farm, tending her variety of rescue animals and recharging her batteries.
It isn’t long before the pair run into one another and sparks of attraction begin to fly - not that either of them will admit to it. But, just before Christmas, they find themselves thrown together in an unexpected turn of events as a fierce snow blizzard rages around them.
Could this be the moment that changes everything? Or is their past too big to ignore?
One thing’s for certain, life’s never dull in this little corner of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Join Ella and Joss – and all the usual Lytell Stangdale characters – for a heartwarming festive read
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2021
253 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Eliza J. Scott
18 books102 followersEliza writes heartwarming romance stories with happy endings.
She lives in North Yorkshire with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden. Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.
Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write stories that will make you cry tears of joy, laughter and sadness.
You can find out more or get in touch here:
Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/elizajscot...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizajscott/
She lives in North Yorkshire with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden. Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.
Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write stories that will make you cry tears of joy, laughter and sadness.
You can find out more or get in touch here:
Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/elizajscot...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizajscott/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 9, 2021
4☆ A Gorgeous Feel-good Festive Read
A Cosy Countryside Christmas is a book that literally gives you all the right festive feels. It's a book with a dash of Drama, Heartfelt Moments, Witty Humour, A will they, won't they Romance and best of all the most adorable array of animals.
Ella is a teaching assistant in a very small village school and they have just broken up for the Christmas holidays.
Ella is in for a bit of a shock when she finds out her childhood best friend Joss is back. You see they haven't seen each other in several years and things ended up a little awkward.
Reluctantly Joss is back, to help he's very sick Father run Camplin Farm.
He's also very apprehensive to see Ella again, especially when all those memories and feelings start flooding back!
I also just want to give a mention to Sid, Joss's adorable fur baby, who stole my heart.
But can Ella and Joss ever let their guard down and admit there is chemistry between them?
Can Joss repair he's fractured relationship with he's family or is it too late?
I didn't realise this book was part of a series but it didn't stop me settling straight into this wonderful story.
As I said before this gorgeous book really does give you all the right festive feels you come to expect and love with Eliza J Scott books.
Oh and I have to mention just how much I adore the book cover.
So if your looking for a second chance, will they, won't they Romance, with a good dose of Feel-good festive vibes, then grab a hot chocolate and a blanket, and prepare to be whisked away to the North Yorkshire Moors.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/1...
A Cosy Countryside Christmas is a book that literally gives you all the right festive feels. It's a book with a dash of Drama, Heartfelt Moments, Witty Humour, A will they, won't they Romance and best of all the most adorable array of animals.
Ella is a teaching assistant in a very small village school and they have just broken up for the Christmas holidays.
Ella is in for a bit of a shock when she finds out her childhood best friend Joss is back. You see they haven't seen each other in several years and things ended up a little awkward.
Reluctantly Joss is back, to help he's very sick Father run Camplin Farm.
He's also very apprehensive to see Ella again, especially when all those memories and feelings start flooding back!
I also just want to give a mention to Sid, Joss's adorable fur baby, who stole my heart.
But can Ella and Joss ever let their guard down and admit there is chemistry between them?
Can Joss repair he's fractured relationship with he's family or is it too late?
I didn't realise this book was part of a series but it didn't stop me settling straight into this wonderful story.
As I said before this gorgeous book really does give you all the right festive feels you come to expect and love with Eliza J Scott books.
Oh and I have to mention just how much I adore the book cover.
So if your looking for a second chance, will they, won't they Romance, with a good dose of Feel-good festive vibes, then grab a hot chocolate and a blanket, and prepare to be whisked away to the North Yorkshire Moors.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/1...
December 9, 2021
Joss Campion comes back to Lytell Stangdale after a long "exile" to help at his estranged dad's farm while his father is at the hospital. He is still ashamed for how he departed from the village as a teen so he doesn't want to meet anyone while he is there, but fate has other plans for him and the first person he meets is Ella Welford, his best friend and first love interest. Will they rekindle their friendship? Or their time together is too short?
It was such a pleasure to visit Lytell Stangdale again during the winter and to feel again part of this community, with these kind friends and families always ready to help.
Joss and Ella were two endearing characters, after so many years spent apart they still feel guilty for their past mistakes, but it was nice to see how they try to bridge their lost friendship making amends. They were perfect together and it was impossible not rooting for their happily ever after, especially so near to Christmas.
Eliza J. Scott delivered a sweet story, easy to read that take you on the Moors while it's snowing but without the cold, and that's always a win for me.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
December 9, 2021
It was so good to return to Lytell Stangdale in the North Yorkshire Moors
To catch up with the locals who I've read about before.
This time the story, packed with drama, is a delightful wintry scene
In which there's a second chance romance that might have been!
As childhood best friends, Ella and Joss grew together
But then an event made them all links to sever.
He left the village and hasn't returned for eighteen years
But now he's back will it all end again in tears?
Joss finds out his father is in hospital, ill
So he returns to look after the farm, unsure of his welcome still.
He plans to stay clear of the folks he once knew
But plans don't always work out as you plan them to!
What a great festive read this proved to be
With all the usual capers and antics to see.
I really enjoy returning to this rural setting once again
Where nothing is quiet, that's certainly plain!
Get ready for a family mystery
And shocking revelations from their history.
Add in winter snowfalls and villagers' antics
Together with a mum-to-be who is getting frantic!
It all adds up to create a community that's great
Filled with people to whom it is easy to relate.
There are some you'd like to be your friend
And others that'd be more likely to drive you round the bend!
One of my favourite characters in this story I have to say
Is one who loves to run out into the snow to roll and play!
He's a heartwarming, endearing character who
Seems to sense who cares and what he should do.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
To catch up with the locals who I've read about before.
This time the story, packed with drama, is a delightful wintry scene
In which there's a second chance romance that might have been!
As childhood best friends, Ella and Joss grew together
But then an event made them all links to sever.
He left the village and hasn't returned for eighteen years
But now he's back will it all end again in tears?
Joss finds out his father is in hospital, ill
So he returns to look after the farm, unsure of his welcome still.
He plans to stay clear of the folks he once knew
But plans don't always work out as you plan them to!
What a great festive read this proved to be
With all the usual capers and antics to see.
I really enjoy returning to this rural setting once again
Where nothing is quiet, that's certainly plain!
Get ready for a family mystery
And shocking revelations from their history.
Add in winter snowfalls and villagers' antics
Together with a mum-to-be who is getting frantic!
It all adds up to create a community that's great
Filled with people to whom it is easy to relate.
There are some you'd like to be your friend
And others that'd be more likely to drive you round the bend!
One of my favourite characters in this story I have to say
Is one who loves to run out into the snow to roll and play!
He's a heartwarming, endearing character who
Seems to sense who cares and what he should do.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
Read
January 6, 2022Sadly, although the plot and general execution were fine, there were moments in this story that left me with a rather unpleasant taste in my mouth.
First there's this:
'And who's this handsome hunk of raw man?' Slurring her words Anita looked at Joss lasciviously, inching her crepey bosom closer to his face. She ran a vivid red talon down his cheek..
The stereotypical older woman - crepey bosom, drunk, lecherous. The one who makes 'blatant advances' etc. For god's sake why are older women written like his? We DO have sex, you know. And we've been doing it a hell of a lot longer than younger women.
But then we are treated to Portia openly lusting over Joss:Honestly Ells, he's magnificent naked; seiously ripped, he just oozes strength and … sex. Warghh! He's got me all unnecessary. Anyway, I'm going to have to go back up to the farm tonight; I need some more of him: I simply can't get enough.'
How fucking creepy, especially as she loves someone else. She also referred to him as Hot-To-Trot which is as bloody sexist as calling him a 'handsome hunk of raw man' only of course Portia is 'young'.
So why is it wrong for a woman who has a crepey bosom to lust over a man and yet it's perfectly acceptable for a woman who has professed her love for someone else to shag the same guy and crow about it? Double standards anyone? Are older women not allowed to have sex, or lust over a man?
I loathed Portia. I also loathed Joss because - in my mind - a romance novel is about the love between two characters and (I may be wildly old-fashioned here) having the H shag the h's best friend is the last thing I want to read in a romance. I also couldn't understand how Portia who was in love with someone else acted as if she was free and easy. It was just meh.
A couple of other points. 'Erm' is NOT a good way to start dialogue, especially when it happens 20 times in the book. It's silly and distracting.
This was written in third person past tense with alternating POVs and I found it very irritating to be told at the start of each chapter, whose POV it was. It was totally unnecessary IMO.
I don't think I'll read any more by this author. Maybe I'm too old (crepey bosom and all that) but I like my romances to have less of the stereotypical portrayal of older characters.
Not rating at this time.
First there's this:
'And who's this handsome hunk of raw man?' Slurring her words Anita looked at Joss lasciviously, inching her crepey bosom closer to his face. She ran a vivid red talon down his cheek..
The stereotypical older woman - crepey bosom, drunk, lecherous. The one who makes 'blatant advances' etc. For god's sake why are older women written like his? We DO have sex, you know. And we've been doing it a hell of a lot longer than younger women.
But then we are treated to Portia openly lusting over Joss:Honestly Ells, he's magnificent naked; seiously ripped, he just oozes strength and … sex. Warghh! He's got me all unnecessary. Anyway, I'm going to have to go back up to the farm tonight; I need some more of him: I simply can't get enough.'
How fucking creepy, especially as she loves someone else. She also referred to him as Hot-To-Trot which is as bloody sexist as calling him a 'handsome hunk of raw man' only of course Portia is 'young'.
So why is it wrong for a woman who has a crepey bosom to lust over a man and yet it's perfectly acceptable for a woman who has professed her love for someone else to shag the same guy and crow about it? Double standards anyone? Are older women not allowed to have sex, or lust over a man?
I loathed Portia. I also loathed Joss because - in my mind - a romance novel is about the love between two characters and (I may be wildly old-fashioned here) having the H shag the h's best friend is the last thing I want to read in a romance. I also couldn't understand how Portia who was in love with someone else acted as if she was free and easy. It was just meh.
A couple of other points. 'Erm' is NOT a good way to start dialogue, especially when it happens 20 times in the book. It's silly and distracting.
This was written in third person past tense with alternating POVs and I found it very irritating to be told at the start of each chapter, whose POV it was. It was totally unnecessary IMO.
I don't think I'll read any more by this author. Maybe I'm too old (crepey bosom and all that) but I like my romances to have less of the stereotypical portrayal of older characters.
Not rating at this time.
December 11, 2021
I have been a fan of Eliza’s work for a little while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of read I have come to expect from Eliza- a festive, fun and adorable romance.. Well ‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ was certainly all that and more. I really enjoyed reading ‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ but more about that in a bit.
I was drawn into this gorgeous story from the moment I read the first word on the first page. The book seemed to develop a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t wiling to break. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read the book shortly before I went to bed. Let’s just say that bedtime was delayed and I had a ‘lack of sleep’ hangover the following day, but it was so worth it. I loved the characters of Ella and Joss. They have suffered heartache in the past and so they are a bit fragile. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered down the wrong path entirely. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to be turning. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ and I had to say goodbye to Ella, Joss and the rest of the gang. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ and the book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside- as if I had had a hug from a mug of hot chocolate.
‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Eliza J. Scott. Eliza has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Eliza’s books feels more like a chat between good friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. I love the fact that this series is set in the North Yorkshire Moors. I have never been there but Eliza makes the scenery come alive as it were through her very vivid and realistic descriptions and I feel that I know the area now. I actually live across the river from North Yorkshire so the story is still fairly local to me. Eliza clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the way in which she talks about them.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Eliza’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I was drawn into this gorgeous story from the moment I read the first word on the first page. The book seemed to develop a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t wiling to break. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read the book shortly before I went to bed. Let’s just say that bedtime was delayed and I had a ‘lack of sleep’ hangover the following day, but it was so worth it. I loved the characters of Ella and Joss. They have suffered heartache in the past and so they are a bit fragile. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered down the wrong path entirely. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to be turning. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ and I had to say goodbye to Ella, Joss and the rest of the gang. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ and the book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside- as if I had had a hug from a mug of hot chocolate.
‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Eliza J. Scott. Eliza has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Eliza’s books feels more like a chat between good friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. I love the fact that this series is set in the North Yorkshire Moors. I have never been there but Eliza makes the scenery come alive as it were through her very vivid and realistic descriptions and I feel that I know the area now. I actually live across the river from North Yorkshire so the story is still fairly local to me. Eliza clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the way in which she talks about them.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Cosy Countryside Christmas’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Eliza’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
December 13, 2021
Pleasant seasonal story spoiled by lazy repetition and dated stereotypical language. Not everyone in Yorkshire greets people with ey up! and to refer to everything as achingly- cosy, beautiful, attractive set my teeth on edge.
December 18, 2021
What will the return of an old friend mean?
Teaching Assistant Ella Welford is happy that the Christmas Holidays means that she doesn’t have to go to school, and can put all her love into helping on her parents’ farm and tending the variety of rescue animals. And even if everyone is asking her about her love life, she is a happy single, after her last relationship, and determined to stay single. But then suddenly Joss Campion returns in town… Joss and Ella used to be best friends, and just did everything together, until one day something happened that changed everything and Joss moved away… Now Joss is forced to return with his adorable dog Sid as his father has been rushed to the hospital and needs help. Not only his father needs help, but also the farm and his brother Rich isn’t a real help. The only silver lining is that Joss and Ella quickly rekindle their friendship. And even if they both aren’t admitting it, sparks fly around…
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Lytell Stangdale and its inhabitants!!! So returning there, and for another Christmas story, made me very very happy! Beside the love for this cute little village, I ADORED Ella and Joss!
Ella is just the perfect girl next door, with a kind heart and not only for her friends and family. The lengths she goes for the children at school, no matter how difficult they can be, and her readiness to help animals anyway she can, how can you not like Ella? She is also a great friend, as will be clear how she behaves with Portia. Even when something happens that breaks her heart, but makes her friend happy, she puts her own feelings aside. And when a certain feeling evolves, she cannot shake off that feeling of guilt towards her friend…
And Joss… even if most of the time I loved him, sometimes he made me also very very angry! Initially we don’t know what happened in the past to make him move away, or what happened between Joss and Ella. And first I thought that something really really really bad happened between the friends, but I was happy that my wicked mind was very wrong! Okay, it changed everything, but what Joss did, wasn’t as terrible as I thought. But his tale about his move and the strained relationship with his father broke my heart. Especially when the truth comes out... The angriness from my side came when Joss acted typical as a male, thinking with his lower regions and not with his heart and head. Because of course as a reader we want a certain ending and him doing the opposite made it difficult!
However, seeing these former best friends finding each other again, and reading how that companionship of the past was so easily back, truly warmed my heart. And I laughed at the way they both try to resist the obvious! Somehow, the community also made me a bit jealous, because no one hesitates when helping hands are needed, and everyone does whatever he/she can. Just a perfect place to live! And even when injustice is being uncovered, the kind hearts of those with the correct sense of right and wrong, beside the anger, it made me feel happy and proud as it didn’t become an act of ‘ an eye for an eye’.
This was a lovely story to read, bringing me back to a wonderful community, with new and old friends. It shows us also that the past isn’t always in the past, and that mistakes can be redeemed. And forgiveness can be given, no matter how much time has passed. But most important, feelings come also when you least expect it, even towards people you least expect it. However, how scary it may be to give in to these feelings, fear (and the past) shouldn’t be holding you back, because what you gain instead, is so much more rewarding!
The author managed again to write a captivating story about lovely people with a shared past, and a past that changed them. And this all around the Christmas period. Is there truly something else you need to grab this book and enjoy every beautiful bit of it???
Teaching Assistant Ella Welford is happy that the Christmas Holidays means that she doesn’t have to go to school, and can put all her love into helping on her parents’ farm and tending the variety of rescue animals. And even if everyone is asking her about her love life, she is a happy single, after her last relationship, and determined to stay single. But then suddenly Joss Campion returns in town… Joss and Ella used to be best friends, and just did everything together, until one day something happened that changed everything and Joss moved away… Now Joss is forced to return with his adorable dog Sid as his father has been rushed to the hospital and needs help. Not only his father needs help, but also the farm and his brother Rich isn’t a real help. The only silver lining is that Joss and Ella quickly rekindle their friendship. And even if they both aren’t admitting it, sparks fly around…
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Lytell Stangdale and its inhabitants!!! So returning there, and for another Christmas story, made me very very happy! Beside the love for this cute little village, I ADORED Ella and Joss!
Ella is just the perfect girl next door, with a kind heart and not only for her friends and family. The lengths she goes for the children at school, no matter how difficult they can be, and her readiness to help animals anyway she can, how can you not like Ella? She is also a great friend, as will be clear how she behaves with Portia. Even when something happens that breaks her heart, but makes her friend happy, she puts her own feelings aside. And when a certain feeling evolves, she cannot shake off that feeling of guilt towards her friend…
And Joss… even if most of the time I loved him, sometimes he made me also very very angry! Initially we don’t know what happened in the past to make him move away, or what happened between Joss and Ella. And first I thought that something really really really bad happened between the friends, but I was happy that my wicked mind was very wrong! Okay, it changed everything, but what Joss did, wasn’t as terrible as I thought. But his tale about his move and the strained relationship with his father broke my heart. Especially when the truth comes out... The angriness from my side came when Joss acted typical as a male, thinking with his lower regions and not with his heart and head. Because of course as a reader we want a certain ending and him doing the opposite made it difficult!
However, seeing these former best friends finding each other again, and reading how that companionship of the past was so easily back, truly warmed my heart. And I laughed at the way they both try to resist the obvious! Somehow, the community also made me a bit jealous, because no one hesitates when helping hands are needed, and everyone does whatever he/she can. Just a perfect place to live! And even when injustice is being uncovered, the kind hearts of those with the correct sense of right and wrong, beside the anger, it made me feel happy and proud as it didn’t become an act of ‘ an eye for an eye’.
This was a lovely story to read, bringing me back to a wonderful community, with new and old friends. It shows us also that the past isn’t always in the past, and that mistakes can be redeemed. And forgiveness can be given, no matter how much time has passed. But most important, feelings come also when you least expect it, even towards people you least expect it. However, how scary it may be to give in to these feelings, fear (and the past) shouldn’t be holding you back, because what you gain instead, is so much more rewarding!
The author managed again to write a captivating story about lovely people with a shared past, and a past that changed them. And this all around the Christmas period. Is there truly something else you need to grab this book and enjoy every beautiful bit of it???
January 28, 2022
Ella is looking forward to having a break from school over Christmas and spending time with her family. Joss on the other hand is about to get a very different Christmas than planned. After receiving a call from his brother to let him know his estranged Dad is in hospital, he has to drop everything and head back his little home village of Lytell Stangdale to look after the farm. But he’s not looking forward to going back. It’s been 18 years and he didn’t leave on good terms…..not only that he left his best friend Ella behind….But can he reintegrate into the village? Will the villagers forgive him for the things he’s done? And will the sparks that fly between Ella and Joss when they remelt turn into something more, or are they destined to friendship forever?
This is a lovely festive, heartwarming romance. The majority of the characters are all so lovely. Ella is wonderful and I liked her from the very start. You just want her to be happy because she’s such a warm and lovely person. Joss has had some bad press, but is really ashamed of his previous behaviour and wants to make amends. Despite what we know about him from the start, I really liked him and that only grew throughout the book. His dog Sid is (obviously!) my favourite – anyone that didn’t like Sid, wasn’t worth knowing about!! Joss’ brother Rich is pretty shady – there’s something about him from the start, and things will come out as the story moves forwards….
The setting is delightful. A cosy little village with a warm and welcoming pub, little shops and a community that will pull together to help everyone out. As with small communities, it’s hard to keep secrets but this works out for the best in the end….. The farmhouses sounded super cosy, and just made me want to settle down with a hot chocolate next to the aga (I don’t have one!)
The plot will warm your heart. Joss has been through so much, and you’ll really want the best for him, as well as routing for him and Ella! There were some complete surprises in this as secrets unravelled. And I loved how Joss and Ella rebuilt their friendship, and how others made amends.
So if you’re looking for a cosy, warm and festive romance in a wintery community setting, then you should check this out. Recommended by me.
This is a lovely festive, heartwarming romance. The majority of the characters are all so lovely. Ella is wonderful and I liked her from the very start. You just want her to be happy because she’s such a warm and lovely person. Joss has had some bad press, but is really ashamed of his previous behaviour and wants to make amends. Despite what we know about him from the start, I really liked him and that only grew throughout the book. His dog Sid is (obviously!) my favourite – anyone that didn’t like Sid, wasn’t worth knowing about!! Joss’ brother Rich is pretty shady – there’s something about him from the start, and things will come out as the story moves forwards….
The setting is delightful. A cosy little village with a warm and welcoming pub, little shops and a community that will pull together to help everyone out. As with small communities, it’s hard to keep secrets but this works out for the best in the end….. The farmhouses sounded super cosy, and just made me want to settle down with a hot chocolate next to the aga (I don’t have one!)
The plot will warm your heart. Joss has been through so much, and you’ll really want the best for him, as well as routing for him and Ella! There were some complete surprises in this as secrets unravelled. And I loved how Joss and Ella rebuilt their friendship, and how others made amends.
So if you’re looking for a cosy, warm and festive romance in a wintery community setting, then you should check this out. Recommended by me.
December 8, 2021
I enjoy second-chance romances, especially when there's a solid foundation of friendship at their core. In this book it isn't only the reunion of childhood friends Joss and Ella that plays out against the small-town backdrop but also the reunion of estranged family.
It's clear early on that this book is part of a long-running series with many community members in the forefront of the story. Scott does a commendable job of threading other couples in and out of the story without taking primary focus away from Joss and Ella or causing confusion for readers who haven't read the earlier books (like me).
I enjoyed the strong community spirit, the secondary characters who helped move the story forward, and the development of Joss and Ella, both as a couple and as individuals. I especially enjoyed the evolution of Joss's relationship with his father and the light thread of suspense involving his brother. Both were relatable and realistically portrayed.
There is a thread in the first part of the book, however, involving Joss and a secondary character, that I did not enjoy. What happened, and how it was handled afterward, did not feel authentic to what I knew of Joss's character at that point and definitely impacted my feelings about him. The characters came to terms with what happened (very quickly, it seemed) but what occurred felt gratuitous to me and continued to have a negative impact on my enjoyment of Ella and Joss's relationship. I was happy for them at the end of the book, and other readers may not share my reservations, but my happiness was tempered by a shadow that, for me, still hovered.
That quibble aside, my overall enjoyment of the book was enough to encourage me to seek out the earlier books in the series. I enjoyed this little village and there are several couples whose stories I would like to read.
ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Tour review - Rachel's Random Resources
It's clear early on that this book is part of a long-running series with many community members in the forefront of the story. Scott does a commendable job of threading other couples in and out of the story without taking primary focus away from Joss and Ella or causing confusion for readers who haven't read the earlier books (like me).
I enjoyed the strong community spirit, the secondary characters who helped move the story forward, and the development of Joss and Ella, both as a couple and as individuals. I especially enjoyed the evolution of Joss's relationship with his father and the light thread of suspense involving his brother. Both were relatable and realistically portrayed.
There is a thread in the first part of the book, however, involving Joss and a secondary character, that I did not enjoy. What happened, and how it was handled afterward, did not feel authentic to what I knew of Joss's character at that point and definitely impacted my feelings about him. The characters came to terms with what happened (very quickly, it seemed) but what occurred felt gratuitous to me and continued to have a negative impact on my enjoyment of Ella and Joss's relationship. I was happy for them at the end of the book, and other readers may not share my reservations, but my happiness was tempered by a shadow that, for me, still hovered.
That quibble aside, my overall enjoyment of the book was enough to encourage me to seek out the earlier books in the series. I enjoyed this little village and there are several couples whose stories I would like to read.
ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Tour review - Rachel's Random Resources
December 6, 2021
A COSY COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTMAS by Eliza J. Scott
Ella Welford is 34 years old and works as a teaching assistant at the local village primary school. She lives in a cosy rented cottage with her cat.
Joss Campion is called back to his father’s farm after a family crisis. He hasn’t been back for eighteen years, but he reluctantly agrees to return to Camplin Farm with his gorgeous dog Sid. As he drives towards the farm, he sees Ella, the girl who broke his heart when they were both sixteen.
Will they rekindle the friendship they had all those years ago? Or is life destined for them to continue on their separate paths? After all, Ella has always said she’s never fancied Joss, they were just best friends. And Ella’s friend Portia definitely DOES fancy Joss. So what will happen there? And why has Joss’s brother Rich suddenly disappeared?
The book is told from both Ella’s and Joss’s viewpoints. The story is set in the village of Lytell Stangdale, in the North Yorkshire Moors, in December, so it has a very good festive, snowy setting and is great to read at this time of year.
It’s a little bit too descriptive for my tastes, but overall, it’s a good book and I enjoyed it. I got into the story easily, it’s interesting and you want to know what happens to everyone. The village setting is great, I liked the characters and Eliza J. Scott has a talent for writing really good dialogue.
Ella Welford is 34 years old and works as a teaching assistant at the local village primary school. She lives in a cosy rented cottage with her cat.
Joss Campion is called back to his father’s farm after a family crisis. He hasn’t been back for eighteen years, but he reluctantly agrees to return to Camplin Farm with his gorgeous dog Sid. As he drives towards the farm, he sees Ella, the girl who broke his heart when they were both sixteen.
Will they rekindle the friendship they had all those years ago? Or is life destined for them to continue on their separate paths? After all, Ella has always said she’s never fancied Joss, they were just best friends. And Ella’s friend Portia definitely DOES fancy Joss. So what will happen there? And why has Joss’s brother Rich suddenly disappeared?
The book is told from both Ella’s and Joss’s viewpoints. The story is set in the village of Lytell Stangdale, in the North Yorkshire Moors, in December, so it has a very good festive, snowy setting and is great to read at this time of year.
It’s a little bit too descriptive for my tastes, but overall, it’s a good book and I enjoyed it. I got into the story easily, it’s interesting and you want to know what happens to everyone. The village setting is great, I liked the characters and Eliza J. Scott has a talent for writing really good dialogue.
December 9, 2021
A Cosy Countryside Christmas by Eliza J. Scott
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Ella Welford’s done with love. After having her fingers burnt, she’s been resolutely single for the last year and has sworn to stay that way.
Joss Campion’s still reeling from a messy divorce and has vowed never to open his heart to love again.
Growing up in the picturesque village of Lytell Stangdale, with the North Yorkshire Moors as their playground, Joss and Ella were best friends. The pair were inseparable.
I was glad I had Christmas decorations and a Christmas jumper on when I read this book as it left me in a very festive mood. This is a second chance romance with alternating viewpoints between Ella and Joss. I thought that it was very well-written with lovely characters and some lovely wintery descriptions.
This is the last book in the series but I have read it as a stand-alone. A sweet, easy to read story ideal to read on a cosy evening with a blanket and a festive drink.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Ella Welford’s done with love. After having her fingers burnt, she’s been resolutely single for the last year and has sworn to stay that way.
Joss Campion’s still reeling from a messy divorce and has vowed never to open his heart to love again.
Growing up in the picturesque village of Lytell Stangdale, with the North Yorkshire Moors as their playground, Joss and Ella were best friends. The pair were inseparable.
I was glad I had Christmas decorations and a Christmas jumper on when I read this book as it left me in a very festive mood. This is a second chance romance with alternating viewpoints between Ella and Joss. I thought that it was very well-written with lovely characters and some lovely wintery descriptions.
This is the last book in the series but I have read it as a stand-alone. A sweet, easy to read story ideal to read on a cosy evening with a blanket and a festive drink.
Rating: 4/5
December 10, 2021
This is one of my favourite series. The cast of characters keeps growing as the lives of the community are introduced and it is great to glimpse so many in the pages of the book. It makes for a feelgood and inviting read. Joss and Ella are old friends with a history and this is very much one where secrets from the past provide surprises and change the direction of lives.
Family and friendship are so important. You get to see some close, affectionate families, like Ella's. You also get to contrast them with families who are estranged and hurt, like Josh's. It is clear however that Josh feels strong family ties despite what has happened in the past. With snowdrifts and Christmas lights, you get a real feel for the festivities in this gorgeous little village. The community is as strong as ever. I am hoping for a seventh instalment. Fingers crossed.
In short: Secrets from the past need to be uncovered.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
Family and friendship are so important. You get to see some close, affectionate families, like Ella's. You also get to contrast them with families who are estranged and hurt, like Josh's. It is clear however that Josh feels strong family ties despite what has happened in the past. With snowdrifts and Christmas lights, you get a real feel for the festivities in this gorgeous little village. The community is as strong as ever. I am hoping for a seventh instalment. Fingers crossed.
In short: Secrets from the past need to be uncovered.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
October 13, 2024
This book is supposed to be a Christmas cosy romance book about two people who were best friends Ella & joss, there was a family disagreement and joss left and didn’t come back 18 years. He received a phone call saying his father was ill & decided to return. It was clear he still carried some type of feelings for Ella.
I was enjoying this book right up until joss started sleeping with Ella’s best friend, when I think about a cosy Christmas romance book I certainly don’t want to read anything like that. That’s just my opinion & then portia started acting a bit crazy after joss had already told her he wasn’t interested in anything serious. Ella and joss still hadn’t come together by 75% and I decided to dnf. Some people might enjoy this book but I just couldn’t get past the best friend thing I’m sorry but that’s a no from me.
I was enjoying this book right up until joss started sleeping with Ella’s best friend, when I think about a cosy Christmas romance book I certainly don’t want to read anything like that. That’s just my opinion & then portia started acting a bit crazy after joss had already told her he wasn’t interested in anything serious. Ella and joss still hadn’t come together by 75% and I decided to dnf. Some people might enjoy this book but I just couldn’t get past the best friend thing I’m sorry but that’s a no from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2021
So so Christmassy I curled up on the sofa and was totally transported into the village life and with Ella and Joss and of course all the regular characters I purposely left the book to read in December to take me away from all the outside worries and it did not disappoint. Just cant wait and hoping for the next chapter in this beautiful village, Eliza J. Scott your so much at the top of my favourite author list, beautifully written,very realistic and I was totally drawn into the book couldnt put it down absolutely loved it.
December 7, 2021
Heartwarming, cosy & the perfect book to snuggle up with on the countdown to the big day.
Book six of the Life on The Moors series, but can be read as a standalone. I'm intrigued now & want to read the others in the series.
Very well written, with some gorgeous characters & the perfect wintery storyline.
Book six of the Life on The Moors series, but can be read as a standalone. I'm intrigued now & want to read the others in the series.
Very well written, with some gorgeous characters & the perfect wintery storyline.
December 24, 2021
I adore these books
The events, characters and storylines are so natural, that makes you feel as you know them. The story of Joss and Ella, was heart breaking at times. However the love between them couldn't be stopped.
A few issues with names being mixed up, but this did not stop me from living this book.
The events, characters and storylines are so natural, that makes you feel as you know them. The story of Joss and Ella, was heart breaking at times. However the love between them couldn't be stopped.
A few issues with names being mixed up, but this did not stop me from living this book.
February 5, 2022
Good easy down to earth lo e story.
I didn't dislike anything. It was a lovely book to read, believable and uplifting at the same time. Couldn't put it down once started reading.
I didn't dislike anything. It was a lovely book to read, believable and uplifting at the same time. Couldn't put it down once started reading.
May 22, 2022
A Cosy Countryside Christmas
This book is just as well written, happy and full of excitement and love as the other 5. Thank you Eliza J Scott. I shall be following you very closely in the future.
This book is just as well written, happy and full of excitement and love as the other 5. Thank you Eliza J Scott. I shall be following you very closely in the future.
January 6, 2026
This was the third book in this series that I have read. Like the other two I absolutely LOVED it! It was a complete delight and pleasure all the way through. If I could move to Lytell Stangdale I would!
November 5, 2021
Love Lytell Stangdale
Another heart-warming story from the north York moors! So sad it’s the last in the series. Read this in one day - I just couldn’t put it down.
Another heart-warming story from the north York moors! So sad it’s the last in the series. Read this in one day - I just couldn’t put it down.
November 21, 2021
Review to follow for the blog tour
December 5, 2021
This had such a wholesome feel.
It may not be the most exciting or riveting book but it is the type of book you enjoy while curled up near a fire with a hot chocolate🔥
It may not be the most exciting or riveting book but it is the type of book you enjoy while curled up near a fire with a hot chocolate🔥
December 29, 2021
Christmas fun
A lovely book, not just for reading over Christmas. A good story line, with a perfect good feel ending, just how I like it.
A lovely book, not just for reading over Christmas. A good story line, with a perfect good feel ending, just how I like it.
April 11, 2022
Loved this series was so happy when noticed book 6 can’t wait for book 7 have read the 6 in last last 3 weeks 😍
Eliza you have me buried in your books and give me a high reading them 🙏
Eliza you have me buried in your books and give me a high reading them 🙏
June 23, 2022
A gentle read.
Lovely, warming story. You feel transported right into the heart of the village. Another successful novel from Eliza J Scott.
Lovely, warming story. You feel transported right into the heart of the village. Another successful novel from Eliza J Scott.
October 4, 2022
As Cosy As The Title suggests
I was delighted to read this further story in the series. Can't beat romance in the snow. A very enjoyable read.
I was delighted to read this further story in the series. Can't beat romance in the snow. A very enjoyable read.
November 18, 2022
Fantastic!!!!
A very good read to good to put down. The whole series has kept me hooked and waiting to start the next one.
A very good read to good to put down. The whole series has kept me hooked and waiting to start the next one.
June 29, 2025
Great story
Another couple who are destined for happiness with bumps along the way! I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one in the series!
Another couple who are destined for happiness with bumps along the way! I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one in the series!
December 26, 2025
Heart warming
What a lovely read festive happy no trouble just a nice bedtime easy read.a good happy ending.Looked forward to picking it up each day.
What a lovely read festive happy no trouble just a nice bedtime easy read.a good happy ending.Looked forward to picking it up each day.
June 29, 2022
A cosy countryside Christmas
This is the second book I've read by Eliza J Scott. Like the first one I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so I'm off to get another. This author really knows how to keep the reader involved with the story. Eliza is fast becoming one of my favourites.
This is the second book I've read by Eliza J Scott. Like the first one I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so I'm off to get another. This author really knows how to keep the reader involved with the story. Eliza is fast becoming one of my favourites.
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