What do you think?
Rate this book
Winter Solstice
When Paige Morgan receives a request from her employer, Hayes Somerson, to look into his girlfriend’s past, she’s not at all surprised. Her job as his executive assistant involves a lot of snooping. And Paige happens to be very good at it. So when her search turns up nothing on Hayes’ girlfriend, Mary-Ann Flynn, Paige decides to go back to Mary-Ann’s hometown of Dungeness Hollow. And while she’s expecting to use her son, Max, as an excuse to stop by the Flynn family’s lavender farm on an expedition for information, the last thing she’s expecting is an invitation to stay.
While Paige accepts the offer, she does so warily. Mary-Ann’s eldest brother, Frankie, is suspicious. He’s also arrogant, rude, and…gorgeous. As Paige becomes immersed in the close-knit family’s life, she realizes that she’s unprepared to deal with Frankie and, more, dreading the possibility that by uncovering the Flynn’s long-kept secret, she could be hurting good people...people she could actually care about.
While Paige accepts the offer, she does so warily. Mary-Ann’s eldest brother, Frankie, is suspicious. He’s also arrogant, rude, and…gorgeous. As Paige becomes immersed in the close-knit family’s life, she realizes that she’s unprepared to deal with Frankie and, more, dreading the possibility that by uncovering the Flynn’s long-kept secret, she could be hurting good people...people she could actually care about.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2022
12 people want to read
About the author
Tess Shepherd
9 books63 followersTess was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. Her unusual childhood in a beautiful but tragic country was responsible for her deep love of everything fantastical and magical—including romance. When her thirst for adventures and travel brought her to California for university, she happened to meet her very own Mr. Darcy (slightly taciturn and all). Tess now lives with her husband in California, and when she’s not elbow-deep in some topsy-turvy world of her own creation, she can be found working out, meeting her friends for drinks (sometimes, after working out), and alternately binge-watching soppy rom-coms and Criminal Minds with her dogs, Teddy and Winnie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 20, 2022
Loved this Novella!! A light and easy read that has me dying to read the next Flynn brother’s story!!! I just want to go and settle in the Hollow… how long do we have to wait for the next one???????
Want to read
August 26, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/26/2022)! 🎁
January 30, 2022
I never used to be a fan of novellas, but with stories like these and authors like Tess, I'm quick becoming a fan. Winter Solstice defines both the novella genre, and the word 'perfection'
Thank you to Tess for access to read this novella after reading an Advanced Readers Copy of her book coming out on February 11th next month, Spring Tide.
*This novella review will contain a few spoilers here & there, but they won't ruin the plot of the book so if you want to read my review and don't mind, carry on. If you want to be 100% surprised, please scroll away. The spoilers are only mentions of things here and there, not about the plot or storyline overall.*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paige had brief appearances here and there in Spring Tide as one of the few sub-characters dotted throughout the book, but she was already set to be one of the most intriguing ones of them all. One scene in particular comes to mind, when Mary and Paige meet for the first time.
From there, I was always curious as to what happened with Paige. Winter Solstice answers a lot of those questions and fills in the gaps we didn't even know where gaps--if that makes sense--, leaving only a few remaining which would usually be annoying because as readers we love when things are tied up in a nice and neat bow, but that isn't the case here. Where Paige and Frank's story is far from over, the ending and the way things were left has only fuelled my desire to want more of them.
Side-note, I absolutely loved Frank. Aka. Frankie. He's the kind of grump-like character we love to see change into the biggest softie, and I have a feeling Paige will soften him up in all the areas that count. Who wouldn't love a man who is all about the animals? I can't resist, that's for sure.
Thank you to Tess for giving us a novella that despite being a shorter read--as is the definition of a novella--, packs a whole lot of content inside which left me feeling very satisfied, sated yet yearning for more.
5/5 stars!
Thank you to Tess for access to read this novella after reading an Advanced Readers Copy of her book coming out on February 11th next month, Spring Tide.
*This novella review will contain a few spoilers here & there, but they won't ruin the plot of the book so if you want to read my review and don't mind, carry on. If you want to be 100% surprised, please scroll away. The spoilers are only mentions of things here and there, not about the plot or storyline overall.*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paige had brief appearances here and there in Spring Tide as one of the few sub-characters dotted throughout the book, but she was already set to be one of the most intriguing ones of them all. One scene in particular comes to mind, when Mary and Paige meet for the first time.
From there, I was always curious as to what happened with Paige. Winter Solstice answers a lot of those questions and fills in the gaps we didn't even know where gaps--if that makes sense--, leaving only a few remaining which would usually be annoying because as readers we love when things are tied up in a nice and neat bow, but that isn't the case here. Where Paige and Frank's story is far from over, the ending and the way things were left has only fuelled my desire to want more of them.
Side-note, I absolutely loved Frank. Aka. Frankie. He's the kind of grump-like character we love to see change into the biggest softie, and I have a feeling Paige will soften him up in all the areas that count. Who wouldn't love a man who is all about the animals? I can't resist, that's for sure.
Thank you to Tess for giving us a novella that despite being a shorter read--as is the definition of a novella--, packs a whole lot of content inside which left me feeling very satisfied, sated yet yearning for more.
5/5 stars!
February 6, 2022
After reading Spring Tide, book two in the Dungeness Hollow series, Winter Solstice (a Flynn Brothers Novella) is a must read! Its timeline overlaps the aforementioned novel, and it beautifully reveals the story of Paige Morgan (Hayes’ executive assistant) and Frankie (Mary-Ann’s brother.)
With her son, Max, in tow, Paige travels to Dungeness Hollow to do a little digging into the Mary-Ann’s past on behalf of her boss. What she doesn’t anticipate is how welcoming the Flynn family is and the immediate bond between her son and Mary-Ann’s grumpy older brother, Frankie.
Tess Shepherd is gifted in developing characters that you fall in love with, and intertwining their stories, leaving readers wanting more. I can’t wait to read more about the characters from Dungeness Hollow.🤗
Spring Tide and Winter Solstice will be out this week on February 11th!
#tessshepherd #wintersolstice #romancebooks
With her son, Max, in tow, Paige travels to Dungeness Hollow to do a little digging into the Mary-Ann’s past on behalf of her boss. What she doesn’t anticipate is how welcoming the Flynn family is and the immediate bond between her son and Mary-Ann’s grumpy older brother, Frankie.
Tess Shepherd is gifted in developing characters that you fall in love with, and intertwining their stories, leaving readers wanting more. I can’t wait to read more about the characters from Dungeness Hollow.🤗
Spring Tide and Winter Solstice will be out this week on February 11th!
#tessshepherd #wintersolstice #romancebooks
February 11, 2022
Did I expect a novella? No.
Did I end up wanting more and feeling emotionally vulnerable? YES.
This took me by surprise, how quickly I fell in love with Paige & Frankie. I went in unsure how I could grasp the whirlwind electric romance that these two very attractive & sassy characters produce. Turns out fairly easy.
Two wonderful characters + Max the absolute sweetheart. A connection of mutual understanding and the emotional capacity for more than just lust and equal stubbornness that fuels the fire.
Frankie has so much hurt and shame that clouds his life preventing himself acceptance to be happy. And Paige cares so much for others that she never gives time for herself. On top of that throw in the drama that is your boss’s soon-to-be-family and the broody farmer with a heart of gold this novella just gives 110%.
Be sure to pick it up when you’re having a bad day and need more Tess Shepherd content!
The Flynn Brothers are giving me so much to work with and I’m here for it!
Did I end up wanting more and feeling emotionally vulnerable? YES.
This took me by surprise, how quickly I fell in love with Paige & Frankie. I went in unsure how I could grasp the whirlwind electric romance that these two very attractive & sassy characters produce. Turns out fairly easy.
Two wonderful characters + Max the absolute sweetheart. A connection of mutual understanding and the emotional capacity for more than just lust and equal stubbornness that fuels the fire.
Frankie has so much hurt and shame that clouds his life preventing himself acceptance to be happy. And Paige cares so much for others that she never gives time for herself. On top of that throw in the drama that is your boss’s soon-to-be-family and the broody farmer with a heart of gold this novella just gives 110%.
Be sure to pick it up when you’re having a bad day and need more Tess Shepherd content!
The Flynn Brothers are giving me so much to work with and I’m here for it!
January 29, 2022
Winter Solstice is a great Novella and ties in well with the Dungeness Hollow series. Frankie is steadfast, strong and dependable. He loves his family and would do anything for them. Paige is hard working, independent single mom whose curiosity tends to get her in the hot seat. Their story flows so beautifully that the short times pan of knowing each other seems like forever. Tess shepherd's makes her characters come to life and you can't help but root for them. I cant wait for the next Flynn brothers novella!
January 19, 2022
Winter Solstice is a spin-off about Dungeness Hollow, following Mary-Ann’s brothers! Paige is a BOSS MOM!!! She will do anything for her sweet Max and will always put him first. Frankie is a protecter who will do anything for the ones he loves. While he has the biggest heart he also is very stubborn! Paige and Frankie are so much alike but yet different in their own way. I loved watching their story unfold and grow into something AMAZING!
February 26, 2022
I was so excited when I realized who this book was about after finishing Spring Tide. I loved getting to know the Flynn family, and this was the perfect novella to tie in with Spring Tide. I cannot wait to read the other Flynn brother novellas!
January 20, 2022
Synopsis: When Paige’s boss requests that she tries to help his soon to be fiancé overcome her fears of flying and leaving town she's not quite sure what she will learn. When she learns some unexpected news she learns much more about the family of the fiancé than she expects.
Thought: I am so excited to get to know the Flynn brothers better and definitely enjoyed how this one was connected to Dungeness Hollow. This romance once again doesn't just happen but has the characters facing difficult choices and taking chances. I think that Tess’s writing does a great job at not only connecting characters but also about discussing how all love stories don't just happen but they go through difficult times. I think this Novella had so much story and love in it especially for only 157 pages.
Once again Tess leaves me wanting to know more about the additional characters and what is in store for this family. If you haven't read one of Tess Shepherds books yet you need to do so immediately. They are truly about so much more than romance but the struggles that real people face but still leave you hopeful for what life has in store.
Thought: I am so excited to get to know the Flynn brothers better and definitely enjoyed how this one was connected to Dungeness Hollow. This romance once again doesn't just happen but has the characters facing difficult choices and taking chances. I think that Tess’s writing does a great job at not only connecting characters but also about discussing how all love stories don't just happen but they go through difficult times. I think this Novella had so much story and love in it especially for only 157 pages.
Once again Tess leaves me wanting to know more about the additional characters and what is in store for this family. If you haven't read one of Tess Shepherds books yet you need to do so immediately. They are truly about so much more than romance but the struggles that real people face but still leave you hopeful for what life has in store.
February 11, 2022
Paige is Hayes' executive assistant and she always makes things happen. However when she can't find out much information on Mary's past she decides to travel to Dungeness Hollow to visit her family. Her son Max is the perfect cover, a farm is the perfect place for him to run around.
She wasn't expecting Frankie, Mary's older brother. He is gruff, rude and suspicious. He wasn't expecting Paige to show up and he has secrets to hide.
I loved how Frankie related to Max and spent time with him on the farm teaching him about the animals. Max was absolutely adorable and the family was no match for resisting his cuteness.
I received a copy from the author for review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
She wasn't expecting Frankie, Mary's older brother. He is gruff, rude and suspicious. He wasn't expecting Paige to show up and he has secrets to hide.
I loved how Frankie related to Max and spent time with him on the farm teaching him about the animals. Max was absolutely adorable and the family was no match for resisting his cuteness.
I received a copy from the author for review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
February 25, 2022
“The smile should have been illegal” too right!!
A situation from a child’s perspective was exactly what made this book so unique - Max is far beyond his years when it comes to reading people and you can tell he’s going to be just like Paige when he’s older (maybe just a bit more street smart). This was the novella I didn’t realize I needed in my life but my goodness it was a great way to get to know the family and to breakdown the character that is Frankie Flynn.
A situation from a child’s perspective was exactly what made this book so unique - Max is far beyond his years when it comes to reading people and you can tell he’s going to be just like Paige when he’s older (maybe just a bit more street smart). This was the novella I didn’t realize I needed in my life but my goodness it was a great way to get to know the family and to breakdown the character that is Frankie Flynn.
February 26, 2022
4.5/5⭐️
**I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review**
This was such a great companion novella to Spring Tide! I loved getting to know Paige and Frankie better. Their connection was so strong, so good! I loved how Frankie was with Max, even before he did anything about his attraction to Paige, and that kid is just too cute!
Steam: 3/5 (one descriptive scene)
**I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review**
This was such a great companion novella to Spring Tide! I loved getting to know Paige and Frankie better. Their connection was so strong, so good! I loved how Frankie was with Max, even before he did anything about his attraction to Paige, and that kid is just too cute!
Steam: 3/5 (one descriptive scene)
February 13, 2022
Paige and Frankie's story is one you don't want to miss after reading Hayes' story. After reading Spring Tide, I definitely was curious as to Paige's story. And though this is just a novella, it's packed like a full-length novel. It's interesting to see how their story kind of overlapped too. I loved the connection these two have, though they're both very stubborn to admit it. I loved that Frankie is a grumpy guy but he's protective of her and Paige's son, Max. I loved what he has with Max, their relationship is too sweet.
April 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this novella addition to the Dungeness Hollow series, with a sweet love-at-first-sight storyline.
This is Frankie and Paige’s story, which can be read as a stand-alone, but was more satisfying read as a companion to the full-length book Spring Tide (it helps fill in some of the gaps for what was happening on the Flynn family farm while Mary-Ann and Hayes are in Seattle).
As with all of Tess Shepherd’s books, I really liked the balance between romance and family. Thank you to the author for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is Frankie and Paige’s story, which can be read as a stand-alone, but was more satisfying read as a companion to the full-length book Spring Tide (it helps fill in some of the gaps for what was happening on the Flynn family farm while Mary-Ann and Hayes are in Seattle).
As with all of Tess Shepherd’s books, I really liked the balance between romance and family. Thank you to the author for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews