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Love in the Lakes Book #1
Snowfall Over Halesmere House
Welcome to Halesmere House, where romance might be just around the corner…
After years of living in the past, Ella is ready to start building a future. The perfect opportunity presents itself when she is offered a short-term role at Halesmere House in the Lake District, and tasked with kick-starting its artists' residence. She can't wait to start and explore a new career in an inspiring location.
But when Ella arrives at Halesmere, she wonders if she’s made a huge mistake after she clashes with Max, the new owner. Max has his own reasons to be unsettled by her presence, but despite his misgivings it seems everyone else loves having Ella around. As a single dad, it’s his children’s attachment to her that bothers him most. Who will pick up the pieces when Ella leaves?
What Max doesn’t know is that Ella is falling for more than just the Lake District and the community around her. Can her temporary job lead to a permanent happy ending?
A tender and uplifting Christmas romance for fans of Heidi Swain, Karen Swan and Sue Moorcroft.
After years of living in the past, Ella is ready to start building a future. The perfect opportunity presents itself when she is offered a short-term role at Halesmere House in the Lake District, and tasked with kick-starting its artists' residence. She can't wait to start and explore a new career in an inspiring location.
But when Ella arrives at Halesmere, she wonders if she’s made a huge mistake after she clashes with Max, the new owner. Max has his own reasons to be unsettled by her presence, but despite his misgivings it seems everyone else loves having Ella around. As a single dad, it’s his children’s attachment to her that bothers him most. Who will pick up the pieces when Ella leaves?
What Max doesn’t know is that Ella is falling for more than just the Lake District and the community around her. Can her temporary job lead to a permanent happy ending?
A tender and uplifting Christmas romance for fans of Heidi Swain, Karen Swan and Sue Moorcroft.
292 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2022
73 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Snow
12 books78 followersSuzanne writes uplifting fiction inspired by romance and rural life. Subscribe to Suzanne's newsletter to download a bonus chapter and read on after 'The End.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
January 12, 2023
This is the first book in the Love in the Lakes series.
Halesmere sounds like such a beautiful place to visit, with its scenic gardens, lovely walking trails and the best climbing areas.
I know I'd love to walk there and relax in its floral gardens.
The author's books are so heartwarming, they really draw you in.
Main character Ella Grant arrives to Halesmere House in Cumbria to take charge of re-opening the house.
Ella and Max are both suffering from losses which adds some emotional parts to the story.
Max's children fall hard and fast for Ella. The children are both very young and impressionable and the author gets it right in her portrayal of the children. They are fun to be around and really enjoy their time with Ella; I think they miss a mother figure.
Having lost his wife Max is hesitant to allow his children to get too attached to Ella as she's only going to be there for her job for a limited amount of time and then where would that leave the children after she leaves?
Max is borderline rude to Ella when we first meet them, but I think he's scared to let himself relax and love again. It's such a gradual change we see in Max's behavior its almost not even noticeable, slow and steady we see a warming. He trusts Ella with his children and Max and Ella's relationship takes a warming turn.
Warm welcoming story with the characters moving on from grief and once again finding happiness.
Pub Date: 18 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Halesmere sounds like such a beautiful place to visit, with its scenic gardens, lovely walking trails and the best climbing areas.
I know I'd love to walk there and relax in its floral gardens.
The author's books are so heartwarming, they really draw you in.
Main character Ella Grant arrives to Halesmere House in Cumbria to take charge of re-opening the house.
Ella and Max are both suffering from losses which adds some emotional parts to the story.
Max's children fall hard and fast for Ella. The children are both very young and impressionable and the author gets it right in her portrayal of the children. They are fun to be around and really enjoy their time with Ella; I think they miss a mother figure.
Having lost his wife Max is hesitant to allow his children to get too attached to Ella as she's only going to be there for her job for a limited amount of time and then where would that leave the children after she leaves?
Max is borderline rude to Ella when we first meet them, but I think he's scared to let himself relax and love again. It's such a gradual change we see in Max's behavior its almost not even noticeable, slow and steady we see a warming. He trusts Ella with his children and Max and Ella's relationship takes a warming turn.
Warm welcoming story with the characters moving on from grief and once again finding happiness.
Pub Date: 18 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
August 18, 2022
Ella has been living in the past, so when she gets a job at Halesmere house she has the perfect opportunity to start living her new life, but when she first arrives she wonders if she's made a mistake. As time goes by she's not only falling in love with the majestic Lake District...
At first Max comes across as very prickly, abrupt and rude but when he discovers that Ella and himself share something in common he softens up. His gruff facade fades and their heartbreaking pasts bring them closer together. They are so good for each other, healing each other and Ella' s relationship with Lily and Arlo is precious and exactly what the children needed. I was on edge hoping they'd get together from the start of the book.
The chef/foodie theme is always a win with me and I loved this sweet story and all the characters I 'met'. Except one character annoyed me with her constant trying to worm her way in and trying to put Ella off and scare her away.
Marta and her candles were so inspiring, I could almost smell the descriptive scents.
The emotionally charged ending was perfect!
I read this in almost one sitting and when I took a break from reading to make lunch I couldn't wait to get back to Halesmere house!
If you love Grumpy and sunshine, second chance romance, small town vibes and Christmas themed books you'll love this.
Thank you to @netgalley and @canelo for the arc copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
At first Max comes across as very prickly, abrupt and rude but when he discovers that Ella and himself share something in common he softens up. His gruff facade fades and their heartbreaking pasts bring them closer together. They are so good for each other, healing each other and Ella' s relationship with Lily and Arlo is precious and exactly what the children needed. I was on edge hoping they'd get together from the start of the book.
The chef/foodie theme is always a win with me and I loved this sweet story and all the characters I 'met'. Except one character annoyed me with her constant trying to worm her way in and trying to put Ella off and scare her away.
Marta and her candles were so inspiring, I could almost smell the descriptive scents.
The emotionally charged ending was perfect!
I read this in almost one sitting and when I took a break from reading to make lunch I couldn't wait to get back to Halesmere house!
If you love Grumpy and sunshine, second chance romance, small town vibes and Christmas themed books you'll love this.
Thank you to @netgalley and @canelo for the arc copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
October 9, 2022
I was lucky enough to be sent an ARC of Snowfall at Halesmere House to participate in a blog tour.
A lovely story about our main character, Ella, who has spent her whole life chasing a dream that wasn't hers. She's ready for a chance to think about what she wants in life.
A spot of a post on Instagram brings her to an idyllic but small village a fair distance from her home, where she encounters some interesting characters and plenty of challenges of her own.
I loved it.
Noelle, the woman who brought Elle to the Lake District, is a hoot, and her son, Max, and his children get under the skin of our MC pretty quickly.
There is an excellent cast of supporting characters and a certain woman who is the thorn in Ella's side, but I don't think she realises until quite far along in the story!
And the slow-burn romance that builds among the Christmas cheer is as welcome as a log fire on a cold winter's night!
A great read!
A lovely story about our main character, Ella, who has spent her whole life chasing a dream that wasn't hers. She's ready for a chance to think about what she wants in life.
A spot of a post on Instagram brings her to an idyllic but small village a fair distance from her home, where she encounters some interesting characters and plenty of challenges of her own.
I loved it.
Noelle, the woman who brought Elle to the Lake District, is a hoot, and her son, Max, and his children get under the skin of our MC pretty quickly.
There is an excellent cast of supporting characters and a certain woman who is the thorn in Ella's side, but I don't think she realises until quite far along in the story!
And the slow-burn romance that builds among the Christmas cheer is as welcome as a log fire on a cold winter's night!
A great read!
December 15, 2023
took me a while to finish this because of many a reason BUT it was good🥹🥹🥹 a bit of trauma, found family & the cutest ending that genuinely made me cry ask hannah😭😭🥹
Read
December 16, 2024Got to page 92 & DNF
September 26, 2022
Ella is excited to be starting a new temporary job at Halesmere House in the Lake District, she is a trained chef but is having doubts about continuing her career.
Max is a widower with two small children and will be Ella’s new boss.
Fabulous characters and a lovely storyline with a beautiful romantic thread running throughout. Can’t wait to revisit this gorgeous location.
Max is a widower with two small children and will be Ella’s new boss.
Fabulous characters and a lovely storyline with a beautiful romantic thread running throughout. Can’t wait to revisit this gorgeous location.
December 12, 2022
Always loved Suzanne's books and this didn't let me down at all. It's full of romance and starting over again and looking to the future. It's worth more than 5 stars as such an easy read with great characters.
Ella has lived in the past and wants to now move forward with her life and she is offered a short term job at a place call Halesmere house and it gives her the chance to start avnew career. She arrives and thinks she's made a mistake max who owns the house clashes with her and claims he doesn't want anyone to work there but he decides to give her a chance and see if she can do the job. He's a single dad as his wife passed away but his children really attach themselves to her and he's worried how they will cope when she leaves. Problem is Ella is falling for him so much and will he fall for her and be a happy ending or not.
Ella has lived in the past and wants to now move forward with her life and she is offered a short term job at a place call Halesmere house and it gives her the chance to start avnew career. She arrives and thinks she's made a mistake max who owns the house clashes with her and claims he doesn't want anyone to work there but he decides to give her a chance and see if she can do the job. He's a single dad as his wife passed away but his children really attach themselves to her and he's worried how they will cope when she leaves. Problem is Ella is falling for him so much and will he fall for her and be a happy ending or not.
December 19, 2022
Okay let’s start positive. I enjoyed the plot of this story and the relationship that were constructed throughout the course of this book. Those alone were enough for me to get through the book. Sadly that is where my positive thoughts end. The story had a lot of pacing issues and I found myself skimming or only reading dialogue during parts of the story and I feel I still completely got the entire story of the book. The author also did a lot more telling then showing. I found the repetitive retelling of Ella and Max’s trauma to be over done. I found a good chunk of the dialogue to be unbelievable. It felt as though I was reading a poorly written script and it took me out of the story I was already struggling to stay in. There were times in the book where things felt very drawn out for no reason at all and then things that I felt needed more description or effort to develop seemed rushed and lackluster. Overall this is not a Christmas book that will be staying in my collection and I sadly cannot recommend anyone read this.
November 13, 2022
Do you know, just sometimes everything – the setting, the characters, the emotional touches, the romance, the loveliest writing – just comes together to make one of those perfect reads. And I have to agree with the other reviews that made it clear that this book was really something rather special – I absolutely loved it.
Ella’s time at Halesmere House is almost over before it starts – arriving for her new job, as manager to help bring new life to the house that Max just hasn’t been able to focus on, it’s clear that not everyone is pleased to see her there. Max’s artist mother Noelle has brought her in without anyone’s agreement – and although she’s greeted enthusiastically by Noelle and Max’s two young children, the man himself is distinctly hostile. Faced with the prospect of an interview the next morning to decide her fate, the accommodation she’s been allocated really makes her want to leave as soon as she can.
But she stays – and sets about creating her vision of a community of artists, drawing on the skills of local artisans and producers, her energy and professionalism winning everyone over. Except, perhaps for a while, Max himself – his entire focus is on his young family, and he’s concerned that she’s becoming too central to their lives, when her tenure is planned to be for a short time and they’ve already lost so much. And then there are their growing feelings for each other as they find they really enjoy each others’ company – and they try to fight it, both damaged individuals who perhaps don’t need the complications a relationship would bring.
One of the things I really loved about this book was the extraordinary chemistry that developed between Max and Ella – the author slowly reveals their separate heartbreaking back stories with particular sensitivity, they’re both entirely real, and you can really feel the pain in their pasts and the unexpected joy they experience when they’re together. Their relationship has more barriers than many, but I was entirely invested in both of them as they negotiated their way to what I so hoped would be a happy ending – emotionally, this whole book is just perfect.
The author’s characterisation is quite wonderful too – and it’s certainly not just Max and Ella. I adored the children – you don’t see me saying that very often! – who are both such distinctive little people, bringing a lot of the story’s gentle and well-judged humour (and the odd moment of drama too). Max’s mother Noelle is just fantastic – a touch eccentric at times maybe, more than a little manipulative, all so beautifully handled, and very real – and there’s a whole host of supporting characters (Stan and Pearl have a particular place in my heart) who add so much texture and interest to the story. The Christmas touches are really lovely, although this really is a book you could really enjoy at any time of year – and I also thoroughly enjoyed the whole story around Ella’s project, her ideas and ambitious plans, and the way the warmth of her personality wins everyone over and brings people on board.
The book’s main theme is around allowing yourself to live your own life, and understanding that it’s something everyone deserves – and it’s a particularly powerful one. And as well as the developing romance at its core, this whole book is entirely infused with warmth and love – there were certainly tears at times, but plenty of smiles too, and it’s a book you really read with your heart. And have I mentioned how beautifully it’s written? And the setting is just perfect, and so vivid – the house itself, gloriously transformed for Christmas, and the wildness of the surrounding countryside that provides such balm for the soul. I’ll be looking forward very much to reading more from Suzanne Snow – and couldn’t be more delighted that this is the first in a planned series. Very much recommended, and perhaps one of my books of the year.
Ella’s time at Halesmere House is almost over before it starts – arriving for her new job, as manager to help bring new life to the house that Max just hasn’t been able to focus on, it’s clear that not everyone is pleased to see her there. Max’s artist mother Noelle has brought her in without anyone’s agreement – and although she’s greeted enthusiastically by Noelle and Max’s two young children, the man himself is distinctly hostile. Faced with the prospect of an interview the next morning to decide her fate, the accommodation she’s been allocated really makes her want to leave as soon as she can.
But she stays – and sets about creating her vision of a community of artists, drawing on the skills of local artisans and producers, her energy and professionalism winning everyone over. Except, perhaps for a while, Max himself – his entire focus is on his young family, and he’s concerned that she’s becoming too central to their lives, when her tenure is planned to be for a short time and they’ve already lost so much. And then there are their growing feelings for each other as they find they really enjoy each others’ company – and they try to fight it, both damaged individuals who perhaps don’t need the complications a relationship would bring.
One of the things I really loved about this book was the extraordinary chemistry that developed between Max and Ella – the author slowly reveals their separate heartbreaking back stories with particular sensitivity, they’re both entirely real, and you can really feel the pain in their pasts and the unexpected joy they experience when they’re together. Their relationship has more barriers than many, but I was entirely invested in both of them as they negotiated their way to what I so hoped would be a happy ending – emotionally, this whole book is just perfect.
The author’s characterisation is quite wonderful too – and it’s certainly not just Max and Ella. I adored the children – you don’t see me saying that very often! – who are both such distinctive little people, bringing a lot of the story’s gentle and well-judged humour (and the odd moment of drama too). Max’s mother Noelle is just fantastic – a touch eccentric at times maybe, more than a little manipulative, all so beautifully handled, and very real – and there’s a whole host of supporting characters (Stan and Pearl have a particular place in my heart) who add so much texture and interest to the story. The Christmas touches are really lovely, although this really is a book you could really enjoy at any time of year – and I also thoroughly enjoyed the whole story around Ella’s project, her ideas and ambitious plans, and the way the warmth of her personality wins everyone over and brings people on board.
The book’s main theme is around allowing yourself to live your own life, and understanding that it’s something everyone deserves – and it’s a particularly powerful one. And as well as the developing romance at its core, this whole book is entirely infused with warmth and love – there were certainly tears at times, but plenty of smiles too, and it’s a book you really read with your heart. And have I mentioned how beautifully it’s written? And the setting is just perfect, and so vivid – the house itself, gloriously transformed for Christmas, and the wildness of the surrounding countryside that provides such balm for the soul. I’ll be looking forward very much to reading more from Suzanne Snow – and couldn’t be more delighted that this is the first in a planned series. Very much recommended, and perhaps one of my books of the year.
November 8, 2022
Since I finished this book, I have been trying to put my finger on exactly what it is that has made it a standout book this year for me, and why I have been falling more and more in love with it since I finished it but I’m not sure if I have been successful, which is going to make it tricky to write this review! I’ll do my best to try and pinpoint why I think you should read it.
When it first started, it seemed to be a fairly standard festive romance novel. Girl arrives at country house after a series of life disasters, looking for a new start. Meets a man, they get off to a rocky start… so far so good but there are lots of very similar storylines out there (not that this is a bad thing, I love this kind of book!) However, gradually and almost imperceptibly, this book morphed for me into something really special to such an extent that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since and, each time I do, I get a lovely warm feeling in my tummy.
It’s an odd thing to be a book reviewer because you have to try and analyse what it is about a book that makes you love or hate it, when you may not really know. It can be a complex combination of factors that just miraculously blend together to deliver just what you need at any given time, but saying that isn’t very helpful to the people who are reading your review and hoping for some searing insight into why they should pick it up! So, in the interests of trying to give you some idea why you might love this book as much as I did, I will say, I think it was a combination of fantastic, relatable characters and a insightful and tender exploration on how to move on after profound loss.
Ella is immediately likeable as a character, and her introduction to the family at Halesmere House sets sparks flying from the very beginning. It’s hard to describe the relationships without giving too much away but when Ella first meets Max and his family, it sets the scene perfectly for what is to come. Both Ella and Max have pasts that inform their behaviour, and Suzanne explores these in a sensitive, thoughtful and truthful manner that totally convinced me these were real people who would naturally act in the way they do. Max’s relationships with his children and his mother are wonderful to read, and Ella’s integration into the community in Cumbria is charming. Stan and Pearl are just marvellous people to read, I really loved everything she has created here, including the fabulous setting.
It’s the emotional connections that really did it for me, though. The central relationship in this book, what the characters have been through, how they react to that and how it informs how they relate to each other was just beautiful and emotional and heart-warming. I can’t praise the author’s character and relationship development enough, it made the book and made them people I will remember with great fondness for a long time. If you love books that really make you invested in the love story, this is the one for you.
So, I’m not sure I’ve done the best job of explaining my love for this book but you really should read it. Just trust me, it’s fantastic.
When it first started, it seemed to be a fairly standard festive romance novel. Girl arrives at country house after a series of life disasters, looking for a new start. Meets a man, they get off to a rocky start… so far so good but there are lots of very similar storylines out there (not that this is a bad thing, I love this kind of book!) However, gradually and almost imperceptibly, this book morphed for me into something really special to such an extent that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since and, each time I do, I get a lovely warm feeling in my tummy.
It’s an odd thing to be a book reviewer because you have to try and analyse what it is about a book that makes you love or hate it, when you may not really know. It can be a complex combination of factors that just miraculously blend together to deliver just what you need at any given time, but saying that isn’t very helpful to the people who are reading your review and hoping for some searing insight into why they should pick it up! So, in the interests of trying to give you some idea why you might love this book as much as I did, I will say, I think it was a combination of fantastic, relatable characters and a insightful and tender exploration on how to move on after profound loss.
Ella is immediately likeable as a character, and her introduction to the family at Halesmere House sets sparks flying from the very beginning. It’s hard to describe the relationships without giving too much away but when Ella first meets Max and his family, it sets the scene perfectly for what is to come. Both Ella and Max have pasts that inform their behaviour, and Suzanne explores these in a sensitive, thoughtful and truthful manner that totally convinced me these were real people who would naturally act in the way they do. Max’s relationships with his children and his mother are wonderful to read, and Ella’s integration into the community in Cumbria is charming. Stan and Pearl are just marvellous people to read, I really loved everything she has created here, including the fabulous setting.
It’s the emotional connections that really did it for me, though. The central relationship in this book, what the characters have been through, how they react to that and how it informs how they relate to each other was just beautiful and emotional and heart-warming. I can’t praise the author’s character and relationship development enough, it made the book and made them people I will remember with great fondness for a long time. If you love books that really make you invested in the love story, this is the one for you.
So, I’m not sure I’ve done the best job of explaining my love for this book but you really should read it. Just trust me, it’s fantastic.
January 22, 2024
I wanted to read something Christmas-y and I remembered I picked up this at a local book fair few months prior. I started reading this just before Christmas thinking it would take me couple of days to read it and I still would be able to complete my challenge in time. I did not anticipate that it would take as long as it did.
This book just didn't grip me. It was a bit dull and boring and so incredibly slow-burn. The two main characters have spent most of the book tip-toeing around each other and all we got was couple of kisses. I thought it would give me a warm feeling, like the burn you feel after a whiskey. But it never came.
The descriptions were lovely and Halesmere sounds like a great place to spend Christmas. I loved the kids, Lily and Arlo, and their dad Max was not a bad hero. It took me a while to warm up to Ella and even then I didn't fully warm up to her.
Ashley, the single mother who could not make it more obvious that she was interested in Max, was a nice addition and she definitely caused some tension between the two. She came across quite desperate and I could not believe that Max did not pick up on the fact that she has the hots of him.
I am glad I finished the book but I will not read it again and it will be one of the first ones to go when I need more shelf space.
This book just didn't grip me. It was a bit dull and boring and so incredibly slow-burn. The two main characters have spent most of the book tip-toeing around each other and all we got was couple of kisses. I thought it would give me a warm feeling, like the burn you feel after a whiskey. But it never came.
The descriptions were lovely and Halesmere sounds like a great place to spend Christmas. I loved the kids, Lily and Arlo, and their dad Max was not a bad hero. It took me a while to warm up to Ella and even then I didn't fully warm up to her.
Ashley, the single mother who could not make it more obvious that she was interested in Max, was a nice addition and she definitely caused some tension between the two. She came across quite desperate and I could not believe that Max did not pick up on the fact that she has the hots of him.
I am glad I finished the book but I will not read it again and it will be one of the first ones to go when I need more shelf space.
January 15, 2023
A very nice read, I don't have much else to say other than it was nice, everything was very pleasant, easy Christmas read
December 22, 2024
A nice story, liked the characters.
January 25, 2025
a cute cozy winter romance perfect to read with a blanket and cup of tea 🤍🤍
August 6, 2023
Such a lovely gorgeous and gentle read Such great characters , especially Ella ! It's one that i'm
taking for my mum to read as i know she'll love it!
taking for my mum to read as i know she'll love it!
December 1, 2025
A predictable ending but a lovely easy read in the busy run-up to Christmas 🎄
January 27, 2023
This is the perfect read to curl up with in front of a fire with a cup of hot chocolate. The story is delightful and the characters adorable, what more can one ask from a book?
It’s been a little while since I have read a romance novel I used to read two or three a day at one stage. But once my children had grown up and my marriage over. For some reason I stopped reading them as much. So this was a lovely treat. If you are getting ready for the festive season, busy sorting out presents, then this is a perfect read that will help you to get into that mood.
Ella has spent years going from job to job, but not simple jobs she has achieved success as a chef in Michelin star restaurants but after a while she needs to move. After seeing a job advertised for a short term job to get an artists residence up and running in the Lake District she can’t resist applying. However, once she arrives and meets Noelle who had employed her, to help out Noelle’s two adorable grand children a boy and a girl, Ella hadn’t realised the person who should have really been consulted is Noelle’s son Max the owner of Halesmere House. Who is shocked to find her in his house with his children who he is very protective over. The problem is he sees straight away that his children and even the dog like Ella. So she is employed on a trial basis.
Both Ella and Max have suffered loss of different kinds and both struggle to sleep. Ella normally goes for a run or a walk but being out in the middle of nowhere in the winter it’s not really wise to wander too far. As Ella proves her skills at organisation and comes up with ideas for the holiday home, engaging all the local businesses Max is impressed. But will Ella leave after her short term contract is up? With some slight interference from Ashley who clearly has her sights set on Max. How will things end?
I really enjoyed reading this, it’s warm, charming, great characters that you felt like they could be your friends. This is a perfect read that will suit young and old. Grab yourself a copy to read during the festive season.
I would like to thank @Canelo_co for an advance copy of the book, all opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
It’s been a little while since I have read a romance novel I used to read two or three a day at one stage. But once my children had grown up and my marriage over. For some reason I stopped reading them as much. So this was a lovely treat. If you are getting ready for the festive season, busy sorting out presents, then this is a perfect read that will help you to get into that mood.
Ella has spent years going from job to job, but not simple jobs she has achieved success as a chef in Michelin star restaurants but after a while she needs to move. After seeing a job advertised for a short term job to get an artists residence up and running in the Lake District she can’t resist applying. However, once she arrives and meets Noelle who had employed her, to help out Noelle’s two adorable grand children a boy and a girl, Ella hadn’t realised the person who should have really been consulted is Noelle’s son Max the owner of Halesmere House. Who is shocked to find her in his house with his children who he is very protective over. The problem is he sees straight away that his children and even the dog like Ella. So she is employed on a trial basis.
Both Ella and Max have suffered loss of different kinds and both struggle to sleep. Ella normally goes for a run or a walk but being out in the middle of nowhere in the winter it’s not really wise to wander too far. As Ella proves her skills at organisation and comes up with ideas for the holiday home, engaging all the local businesses Max is impressed. But will Ella leave after her short term contract is up? With some slight interference from Ashley who clearly has her sights set on Max. How will things end?
I really enjoyed reading this, it’s warm, charming, great characters that you felt like they could be your friends. This is a perfect read that will suit young and old. Grab yourself a copy to read during the festive season.
I would like to thank @Canelo_co for an advance copy of the book, all opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
November 20, 2022
Snowfall Over Halesmere House by Suzanne Snow
Suzanne Snow is one of the friendliest authors I know online and her Facebook group – Snowed In – is one of my favourite groups. I especially enjoy the Facebook Live interviews she does with fellow authors. I own three of her books, but hadn’t got round to reading them – then I got Snowfall Over Halesmere House and read it in a couple of days!
For starters, the book looks amazing! The cover is beautiful - a house, Christmas trees, a cute dog and lots of glitter! Yes, I know!!! Stunning! But what’s the story like? Well, they say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can with this one because the story is also beautiful, festive, glittery, based in a big house – and with a dog called Primrose in it!
The star of the novel is Ella Grant and we meet her in November, when she has just arrived at the impressive Halesmere House in Cumbria to begin her new job there. Her task is to relaunch the house as a holiday home from January. Straight away, she meets Noelle Bourdon (the French owner of the house) and her grandchildren Lily (6) and Arlo (4), who Ella will be helping look after. She then meets Max Bentley, Noelle’s son, who seems rather obnoxious. After that meeting, Ella isn’t even sure there’s a job for her anymore!
I was interested in the story straight away. Ella is a character I wanted to get to know and I was looking forward to finding out more about her throughout the book. All the characters just jump out of the page, they’re so authentic. Lily and Arlo are adorable, it’s often hard to get kids right in fiction, but these are perfectly done. Lily is often hilarious, with the things she says! I also loved Primrose the naughty, but adorable, dog! The relationships between Max and his mother, and Max and his children, are also interesting and he is trying so hard at being a single dad and juggling his work with his family commitments.
As with all good romance books, there are plenty of other topics covered. Both Ella and Max are dealing with grief and trying to move on with their lives following a tragedy. There are some brilliantly funny moments (especially with the children) and many serious moments too. Suzanne Snow has a great writing style that immediately draws you into the story and wanting to keep reading, to find out what the pages have in store for the cast of characters within them. Odd job man Stan was another of my favourites.
I liked the community setting of the book. Although a lot of the story is based at Halesmere House itself, we find out about the village, its community shop, pub, pretty cottages and those that live and work there. It’s a really idyllic setting and the Lake District is a beautiful part of the country. I loved getting to know the other characters there including Rowan and Marta. I do enjoy these kinds of books where the reader feels they are living there too and making friends with all the characters.
I enjoy a good Christmas book and reading this novel in November was great, as it really got me excited about the approaching festive season. I loved the way that Halesmere House was decorated for Christmas and all the events going on, like the Artisan Christmas Open Day.
I find in some romance novels that the developing relationship can seem slightly formulaic, as if the author thinks “Ooh this is going too well, I need to put in an obstacle here” and I understand why this is done, but I occasionally find it annoying. Suzanne Snow, however, lets the romance develop in a way that feels very natural. We know the obstacles are there, but they’re present from the start, not thrown in partway through. I loved how the characters form a friendship which develops slowly, as they realise how much they have in common. This is very believable and beautifully done.
As you can probably tell from my review, I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it.
Suzanne Snow is one of the friendliest authors I know online and her Facebook group – Snowed In – is one of my favourite groups. I especially enjoy the Facebook Live interviews she does with fellow authors. I own three of her books, but hadn’t got round to reading them – then I got Snowfall Over Halesmere House and read it in a couple of days!
For starters, the book looks amazing! The cover is beautiful - a house, Christmas trees, a cute dog and lots of glitter! Yes, I know!!! Stunning! But what’s the story like? Well, they say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can with this one because the story is also beautiful, festive, glittery, based in a big house – and with a dog called Primrose in it!
The star of the novel is Ella Grant and we meet her in November, when she has just arrived at the impressive Halesmere House in Cumbria to begin her new job there. Her task is to relaunch the house as a holiday home from January. Straight away, she meets Noelle Bourdon (the French owner of the house) and her grandchildren Lily (6) and Arlo (4), who Ella will be helping look after. She then meets Max Bentley, Noelle’s son, who seems rather obnoxious. After that meeting, Ella isn’t even sure there’s a job for her anymore!
I was interested in the story straight away. Ella is a character I wanted to get to know and I was looking forward to finding out more about her throughout the book. All the characters just jump out of the page, they’re so authentic. Lily and Arlo are adorable, it’s often hard to get kids right in fiction, but these are perfectly done. Lily is often hilarious, with the things she says! I also loved Primrose the naughty, but adorable, dog! The relationships between Max and his mother, and Max and his children, are also interesting and he is trying so hard at being a single dad and juggling his work with his family commitments.
As with all good romance books, there are plenty of other topics covered. Both Ella and Max are dealing with grief and trying to move on with their lives following a tragedy. There are some brilliantly funny moments (especially with the children) and many serious moments too. Suzanne Snow has a great writing style that immediately draws you into the story and wanting to keep reading, to find out what the pages have in store for the cast of characters within them. Odd job man Stan was another of my favourites.
I liked the community setting of the book. Although a lot of the story is based at Halesmere House itself, we find out about the village, its community shop, pub, pretty cottages and those that live and work there. It’s a really idyllic setting and the Lake District is a beautiful part of the country. I loved getting to know the other characters there including Rowan and Marta. I do enjoy these kinds of books where the reader feels they are living there too and making friends with all the characters.
I enjoy a good Christmas book and reading this novel in November was great, as it really got me excited about the approaching festive season. I loved the way that Halesmere House was decorated for Christmas and all the events going on, like the Artisan Christmas Open Day.
I find in some romance novels that the developing relationship can seem slightly formulaic, as if the author thinks “Ooh this is going too well, I need to put in an obstacle here” and I understand why this is done, but I occasionally find it annoying. Suzanne Snow, however, lets the romance develop in a way that feels very natural. We know the obstacles are there, but they’re present from the start, not thrown in partway through. I loved how the characters form a friendship which develops slowly, as they realise how much they have in common. This is very believable and beautifully done.
As you can probably tell from my review, I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it.
November 13, 2022
Ella is quite surprised when she applies for a job at Halesmere House to relaunch it as a holiday home and finds out she’s got the job. However what she doesn’t realise is that it has been arranged by Noelle, the owner’s mother and the owner Max isn’t aware that Ella is going to be working there. However Max quickly realises that having Ella around isn’t as bad as he thought and that his mother and two children Lily and Arlo become quite attached to her as does Max. However when another opportunity arises could this mean that Ella’s stay at Halesmere House is short term. How willMax and his family react to the possibility of Ella leaving?
The closer it gets to Christmas the more I want to read Christmas books. From the beginning Halesmere House sounds like a dream and so cosy. It’s definitely a place I would want to visit especially at Christmas time. I really enjoyed the storyline because although it’s about Christmas it’s also about relationships and change. I really liked Ella as a character. Initially I thought she was a quiet character who doesn’t like conflict however we see the real side of Ella when she first meets Max and tells him in no uncertain terms that she has signed a contract of employment and is therefore staying whether Max likes it or not. One of my favourite scenes was when Max decides to interview Ella for the role and then at the end Lily and Arlo also decide to conduct their own interview. It’s probably one of the sweetest scenes I’ve read. I have to say that Lily and Arlo definitely made the book for me. Their interactions with Ella were so sweet and adorable.
Both Ella and Max have been through a lot in their past and the one thing they share is losing someone they loved. For Ella it was losing her twin sister Lauren when they were twelve. As Ella and Lauren were identical twins every time she looked in the mirror she would see Lauren looking back reminding her of her grief and loss so Ella started to change her appearance by dyeing her hair. Lauren always wanted to be a chef and after she died Ella decided to become a chef and fulfil the dream that Lauren never would be able to putting her own life on hold and changing her path in life. For the first time since Ella can remember she has put herself first by applying for the role at Halsemere House and trying something different. Max lost his wife two years ago leaving him to raise two small children and running a business. His children are his priority and finding love is the last thing on his mind that is until he meets Ella. Ella and Max’s first meeting is less than ideal but as they spend more time together they both see a kindred spirit in the other. Their meeting also makes them reassess their own lives. It makes Ella make some much needed changes in her life, put herself first for the first time in many years and move forward. For Max, Ella’s presence makes him realise that there is room in his life for love and all he has to do is open his heart to it and the rest will fall into place.
A heart-warming Christmas read about moving on and opening your heart to all possibilities.
The closer it gets to Christmas the more I want to read Christmas books. From the beginning Halesmere House sounds like a dream and so cosy. It’s definitely a place I would want to visit especially at Christmas time. I really enjoyed the storyline because although it’s about Christmas it’s also about relationships and change. I really liked Ella as a character. Initially I thought she was a quiet character who doesn’t like conflict however we see the real side of Ella when she first meets Max and tells him in no uncertain terms that she has signed a contract of employment and is therefore staying whether Max likes it or not. One of my favourite scenes was when Max decides to interview Ella for the role and then at the end Lily and Arlo also decide to conduct their own interview. It’s probably one of the sweetest scenes I’ve read. I have to say that Lily and Arlo definitely made the book for me. Their interactions with Ella were so sweet and adorable.
Both Ella and Max have been through a lot in their past and the one thing they share is losing someone they loved. For Ella it was losing her twin sister Lauren when they were twelve. As Ella and Lauren were identical twins every time she looked in the mirror she would see Lauren looking back reminding her of her grief and loss so Ella started to change her appearance by dyeing her hair. Lauren always wanted to be a chef and after she died Ella decided to become a chef and fulfil the dream that Lauren never would be able to putting her own life on hold and changing her path in life. For the first time since Ella can remember she has put herself first by applying for the role at Halsemere House and trying something different. Max lost his wife two years ago leaving him to raise two small children and running a business. His children are his priority and finding love is the last thing on his mind that is until he meets Ella. Ella and Max’s first meeting is less than ideal but as they spend more time together they both see a kindred spirit in the other. Their meeting also makes them reassess their own lives. It makes Ella make some much needed changes in her life, put herself first for the first time in many years and move forward. For Max, Ella’s presence makes him realise that there is room in his life for love and all he has to do is open his heart to it and the rest will fall into place.
A heart-warming Christmas read about moving on and opening your heart to all possibilities.
November 10, 2022
Ella is starting a new job.
What a lovely, heartwarming story! Snowfall Over Halesmere House is utterly charming, and thoroughly enjoyable because it’s a sensitive exploration of home, family and belonging that seeps into the reader’s consciousness so that they begin to feel part of the local community every bit as much as Ella and Max.
I loved the Lakes setting which acts as a well defined, but not overpowering, backdrop to the plot and the reader discivers it alongside Ella. Suzanne Snow had me wanting to book a stay at Halesmere as soon as possible. There’s a real sense of community in Snowfall Over Halesmere House that is much needed in today’s world. I felt as if I wanted to move to the Lakes too because Susanne Snow made the area feel real and compelling.
Ella is a layered and complex character as she comes to terms with what has happened in her family and learns to trust her instincts and gives herself permission to be herself. There’s an underpinning sadness that makes her vulnerable even whilst she is professionally highly competent. What I found worked so beautifully in the developing relationship between Max and Ella was that there wasn’t an over dependence on their physical attributes in the writing, but rather a subtle uncovering of who they are as people that really brought them alive and made me care about them. Noelle too is a triumph, being a perfect blend of razor sharp manipulation and slight artistic battiness that gave her depth and made her a catalyst for much of the action. Although Max is the lead male, I have to confess to being a little in love with Stan because his rough exterior conceals a man who cares about others, and who is both skilled and hard working.
What I enjoyed so much, however, was how the themes were presented. In Snowfall over Halesmere House Suzanne Snow gently teaches her reader not to live in the past and not to live a half life. Instead she illustrates how fulfilling grasping opportunities can be and shows us how we can be happy if only we allow ourselves to be so. I found this element of the story very affecting. The explorations of grief, trust, self-belief, family and friendship feel mature, sensitive and striking. Equally entrancing is Suzanne Snow’s consideration of love. Whilst there is conventional romance at the heart of the story, there are other forms of love from enjoying what a person does for a living to the unconditional love between a parent and child as well as the preservation of love for those who are no longer with us. I found this element of the narrative very emotional.
As the plot moves towards the festive season, Snowfall over Halesmere House is the perfect book to enjoy on a dark, winter’s afternoon when it will give the reader a warm internal glow. I thought it was lovely.
What a lovely, heartwarming story! Snowfall Over Halesmere House is utterly charming, and thoroughly enjoyable because it’s a sensitive exploration of home, family and belonging that seeps into the reader’s consciousness so that they begin to feel part of the local community every bit as much as Ella and Max.
I loved the Lakes setting which acts as a well defined, but not overpowering, backdrop to the plot and the reader discivers it alongside Ella. Suzanne Snow had me wanting to book a stay at Halesmere as soon as possible. There’s a real sense of community in Snowfall Over Halesmere House that is much needed in today’s world. I felt as if I wanted to move to the Lakes too because Susanne Snow made the area feel real and compelling.
Ella is a layered and complex character as she comes to terms with what has happened in her family and learns to trust her instincts and gives herself permission to be herself. There’s an underpinning sadness that makes her vulnerable even whilst she is professionally highly competent. What I found worked so beautifully in the developing relationship between Max and Ella was that there wasn’t an over dependence on their physical attributes in the writing, but rather a subtle uncovering of who they are as people that really brought them alive and made me care about them. Noelle too is a triumph, being a perfect blend of razor sharp manipulation and slight artistic battiness that gave her depth and made her a catalyst for much of the action. Although Max is the lead male, I have to confess to being a little in love with Stan because his rough exterior conceals a man who cares about others, and who is both skilled and hard working.
What I enjoyed so much, however, was how the themes were presented. In Snowfall over Halesmere House Suzanne Snow gently teaches her reader not to live in the past and not to live a half life. Instead she illustrates how fulfilling grasping opportunities can be and shows us how we can be happy if only we allow ourselves to be so. I found this element of the story very affecting. The explorations of grief, trust, self-belief, family and friendship feel mature, sensitive and striking. Equally entrancing is Suzanne Snow’s consideration of love. Whilst there is conventional romance at the heart of the story, there are other forms of love from enjoying what a person does for a living to the unconditional love between a parent and child as well as the preservation of love for those who are no longer with us. I found this element of the narrative very emotional.
As the plot moves towards the festive season, Snowfall over Halesmere House is the perfect book to enjoy on a dark, winter’s afternoon when it will give the reader a warm internal glow. I thought it was lovely.
July 22, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
The only Suzanne Snow book I had read previously was also a festive one (no surprise there), so I know I like her Christmas stories so I had high hopes for this.
I really didn’t like Max at first. It’s rare I instantly take a dislike to someone but within the first few pages of his arrival, he really rubbed me up the wrong way and I started to feel embarrassed for Ella. I know he’s meant to be the handsome, swashbuckling, misunderstood hero and I so didn’t want him to become that because I didn’t like him, but of course he talked me round. Very quickly in fact, and he soon became one of my favourite characters. I definitely want a Max now. I mean, I do have a Max, but he’s ten years old, so not quite the same setup.
If I’m honest, my favourite characters were his children Lily and Arlo, I thought they were fantastic, especially Lily. I also liked the addition of Prim, the dog. There’s this naivety, innocence and magic about them that you only see in children, and it’s a shame more adults don’t take a leaf out of their book.
I do wish more was made of Max’s friend Ashley. I had my own opinions on her but they were never proved right or wrong, but that’s my only qualm. I really liked the handyman Stan and Max’s mum Noelle. I thought they were great and a fabulous backdrop to the Max/Ella friendship. The rest of the characters were background to me; perfectly fine in their own way but nothing could tear me from Max, Ella, Arlo and Lily.
I have always wanted to love in the Lake District, in a little cottage near a lake, and this gave me everything I wanted. The way the house was described when it was all decorated for Christmas…it all sounds simply stunning and I want to know when I can move in.
The description of the festivities and the community spirit felt absolutely gorgeous and I’m quite jealous that these fictional people got to live my dream.
It’s very much a happily-ever-after, warm, cosy, joyful book but it doesn’t shy away from difficult topics such as illness, death, grief and loneliness, but in a very real, not over-the-top way.
It really does give you that fizzy feeling that you experience when you witness the things and the people you love. I read this in the week we experienced the ridiculous heatwave and yet it still managed to warm me up.
This is the first in a new series and I am very excited about future instalments.
Snow by name and Snow by nature; Suzanne has managed to portray the magic that Christmas brings to children and reminds us as adults to find it again and learn to see the love and the magic in everything.
The only Suzanne Snow book I had read previously was also a festive one (no surprise there), so I know I like her Christmas stories so I had high hopes for this.
I really didn’t like Max at first. It’s rare I instantly take a dislike to someone but within the first few pages of his arrival, he really rubbed me up the wrong way and I started to feel embarrassed for Ella. I know he’s meant to be the handsome, swashbuckling, misunderstood hero and I so didn’t want him to become that because I didn’t like him, but of course he talked me round. Very quickly in fact, and he soon became one of my favourite characters. I definitely want a Max now. I mean, I do have a Max, but he’s ten years old, so not quite the same setup.
If I’m honest, my favourite characters were his children Lily and Arlo, I thought they were fantastic, especially Lily. I also liked the addition of Prim, the dog. There’s this naivety, innocence and magic about them that you only see in children, and it’s a shame more adults don’t take a leaf out of their book.
I do wish more was made of Max’s friend Ashley. I had my own opinions on her but they were never proved right or wrong, but that’s my only qualm. I really liked the handyman Stan and Max’s mum Noelle. I thought they were great and a fabulous backdrop to the Max/Ella friendship. The rest of the characters were background to me; perfectly fine in their own way but nothing could tear me from Max, Ella, Arlo and Lily.
I have always wanted to love in the Lake District, in a little cottage near a lake, and this gave me everything I wanted. The way the house was described when it was all decorated for Christmas…it all sounds simply stunning and I want to know when I can move in.
The description of the festivities and the community spirit felt absolutely gorgeous and I’m quite jealous that these fictional people got to live my dream.
It’s very much a happily-ever-after, warm, cosy, joyful book but it doesn’t shy away from difficult topics such as illness, death, grief and loneliness, but in a very real, not over-the-top way.
It really does give you that fizzy feeling that you experience when you witness the things and the people you love. I read this in the week we experienced the ridiculous heatwave and yet it still managed to warm me up.
This is the first in a new series and I am very excited about future instalments.
Snow by name and Snow by nature; Suzanne has managed to portray the magic that Christmas brings to children and reminds us as adults to find it again and learn to see the love and the magic in everything.
November 9, 2022
Ella Grant’s arrival at Halesmere House in the Lake District is initially met with a bleak welcome from home owner, Max who resents Ella’s arrival to help with his new business venture and look after his children. For Ella it’s a chance to make a new start, and by leaving behind the sadness of her past she hopes to make a new start but first she has to win Max’s approval.
The charm of the Lake District helps to create a perfect setting for this lovely warm-hearted story which gives us the most delightful characters. I loved getting to know Ella, she’s such a strong person and determined to make the best of everything. Meanwhile, Max’s frosty nature is slowly thawed by this lovely young woman who brings such a breath of fresh air to the occupants of Halesmere House. There’s a lovely will they, won’t they feeling which runs like a thread throughout the story but with one or two hiccups along the way which makes getting to know Max and Ella all the more delightful.
The author writes with a light and easy touch and infuses a real sense of warmth into the story so that you can’t help but fall in love with both the place and the people. I especially enjoyed getting to know the peripheral characters who add such charm especially Max’s artist mother Noelle, Stan, the handyman, and of course Max’s delightful children, Lily and Arlo. And it was good to see Halesmere House with its own moment in the spotlight especially when the house comes gloriously alive when it’s decorated for Christmas. Setting the story in the Lake District adds a nice touch and Cumbria with it’s beautiful scenery, amazing food and enterprising artisans comes so wonderfully to life that I was especially sorry to say goodbye to everyone when the story ended.
Snowfall Over Halesmere House is a gentle, festive read and a perfect stress buster for the weeks leading up to Christmas when you just need to escape the world for a few hours.
The charm of the Lake District helps to create a perfect setting for this lovely warm-hearted story which gives us the most delightful characters. I loved getting to know Ella, she’s such a strong person and determined to make the best of everything. Meanwhile, Max’s frosty nature is slowly thawed by this lovely young woman who brings such a breath of fresh air to the occupants of Halesmere House. There’s a lovely will they, won’t they feeling which runs like a thread throughout the story but with one or two hiccups along the way which makes getting to know Max and Ella all the more delightful.
The author writes with a light and easy touch and infuses a real sense of warmth into the story so that you can’t help but fall in love with both the place and the people. I especially enjoyed getting to know the peripheral characters who add such charm especially Max’s artist mother Noelle, Stan, the handyman, and of course Max’s delightful children, Lily and Arlo. And it was good to see Halesmere House with its own moment in the spotlight especially when the house comes gloriously alive when it’s decorated for Christmas. Setting the story in the Lake District adds a nice touch and Cumbria with it’s beautiful scenery, amazing food and enterprising artisans comes so wonderfully to life that I was especially sorry to say goodbye to everyone when the story ended.
Snowfall Over Halesmere House is a gentle, festive read and a perfect stress buster for the weeks leading up to Christmas when you just need to escape the world for a few hours.
December 24, 2022
Snowfall Over Halesmere House is one of these books where you take the characters to heart very quickly. Although, to be fair, Max was rather grumpy and rude when he first met Ella but you soon come to realise why. Both Ella and Max have experienced sadness in their past which had a lasting effect. I thought that Suzanne Snow wrote about their experiences very sensitively and in a way that gave me a real understanding of these characters. I have to mention Max’s children Lily and Arlo as well who were a real joy to read about. Handyman Stan and his wife Pearl brought many smiles. Max’s mother Noelle brought some delightful eccentricity, although she could be somewhat crafty at times, albeit with the best of intentions.
The Lakes setting and the house itself was just wonderful. There was a real sense of community building up and coming together as Ella started to bring her ideas for the artists’ retreat at the house to fruition.
The relationship between Max and Ella was beautifully done. You can see the attraction between them growing but can also sense their hesitancy because of the complications a relationship might bring. I was most definitely hoping that they could overcome the barriers and find the happiness they deserved.
Snowfall Over Halesmere House is a really lovely story with just the perfect emotional touch. Although there is a wintry theme to it, it could certainly be enjoyed at any time of the year. I’m really pleased this is the first in a planned series – the second is due out in February. I can’t wait to return to Halesmere House!
The Lakes setting and the house itself was just wonderful. There was a real sense of community building up and coming together as Ella started to bring her ideas for the artists’ retreat at the house to fruition.
The relationship between Max and Ella was beautifully done. You can see the attraction between them growing but can also sense their hesitancy because of the complications a relationship might bring. I was most definitely hoping that they could overcome the barriers and find the happiness they deserved.
Snowfall Over Halesmere House is a really lovely story with just the perfect emotional touch. Although there is a wintry theme to it, it could certainly be enjoyed at any time of the year. I’m really pleased this is the first in a planned series – the second is due out in February. I can’t wait to return to Halesmere House!
August 25, 2022
Snowfall Over Halesmere House by Suzanne Snow
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Canelo and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Welcome to Halesmere House, where romance might be just around the corner…
After years of living in the past, Ella is ready to start building a future. The perfect opportunity presents itself when she is offered a short-term role at Halesmere House in the Lake District, and tasked with kick-starting its artists' residence. She can't wait to start and explore a new career in an inspiring location.
But when Ella arrives at Halesmere, she wonders if she’s made a huge mistake after she clashes with Max, the new owner. Max has his own reasons to be unsettled by her presence, but despite his misgivings it seems everyone else loves having Ella around. As a single dad, it’s his children’s attachment to her that bothers him most. Who will pick up the pieces when Ella leaves?
My Opinion
I was with Ella wondering if she had made a mistake on arrival at Halesmere House, with the reception she receives from Max. This book has both grumpy characters and second-chance romance with a nice festive setting. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the house decorated for Christmas.
Overall this book is warm and cosy. An added benefit is that this is the first book in a new series by Suzanne Snow.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Canelo and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Welcome to Halesmere House, where romance might be just around the corner…
After years of living in the past, Ella is ready to start building a future. The perfect opportunity presents itself when she is offered a short-term role at Halesmere House in the Lake District, and tasked with kick-starting its artists' residence. She can't wait to start and explore a new career in an inspiring location.
But when Ella arrives at Halesmere, she wonders if she’s made a huge mistake after she clashes with Max, the new owner. Max has his own reasons to be unsettled by her presence, but despite his misgivings it seems everyone else loves having Ella around. As a single dad, it’s his children’s attachment to her that bothers him most. Who will pick up the pieces when Ella leaves?
My Opinion
I was with Ella wondering if she had made a mistake on arrival at Halesmere House, with the reception she receives from Max. This book has both grumpy characters and second-chance romance with a nice festive setting. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the house decorated for Christmas.
Overall this book is warm and cosy. An added benefit is that this is the first book in a new series by Suzanne Snow.
Rating 4/5
September 10, 2022
This book put me right into the Christmas mood, even though it was still August when I read it and about 30°C outside. And yet I was convinced I was right there with Ella and Max, in some tiny village hidden away in Cumbria, counting down the days to Christmas.
Ella is in need of a change, so she decides to quit her career as a chef and apply for a job at Halesmere House, working to make the slightly shabby estate the place to be and occasionally looking after two adorable children. What she wasn't counting on was Max, the owner and father of said children, not even knowing she had been given the job. Eventually, after a lot of begging from pretty much everyone in his life, he decides to give Ella a chance to prove herself. But as Ella and Max get to know each other better, they find themselves growing closer. But will they risk losing themselves to another heartbreak?
I adored pretty much everyone in and everything about this story. Kids in books can be hit or miss, but Lily and Arlo were pretty much perfect and I loved the relationship they built with Ella, independent of whatever was going on between her and Max. I also very much appreciated that Max didn't spend too long being a grumpy ogre trying to scare off Ella.
(I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Ella is in need of a change, so she decides to quit her career as a chef and apply for a job at Halesmere House, working to make the slightly shabby estate the place to be and occasionally looking after two adorable children. What she wasn't counting on was Max, the owner and father of said children, not even knowing she had been given the job. Eventually, after a lot of begging from pretty much everyone in his life, he decides to give Ella a chance to prove herself. But as Ella and Max get to know each other better, they find themselves growing closer. But will they risk losing themselves to another heartbreak?
I adored pretty much everyone in and everything about this story. Kids in books can be hit or miss, but Lily and Arlo were pretty much perfect and I loved the relationship they built with Ella, independent of whatever was going on between her and Max. I also very much appreciated that Max didn't spend too long being a grumpy ogre trying to scare off Ella.
(I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
January 19, 2023
4Snowfall Over Halesmere House is the first book in the new Love in the Lakes series by Suzanne Snow. Another brand new author for me but I challenge you not to fall in love with Ella, Max, Ella and Arlo.
Running away from past and in pursuit of living her late twins dreams, Ella takes an unusual job of becoming the new house manager for Halesmere House, a gorgeous property recently renovated by Max Bentley, a widower.
I feel more in love with the characters as the story unravelled, and to be honest I could have kept on reading. I never wanted the book to end. As Max's mother is French I loved seeing the gorgeous French language being encorperated into it. As the story progress you can see them both falling in love with each other with the help with Max's adorable children.
Then there's Ashley - I hated that woman. It was clear from the start she was in love with Max and wanted him. It did remind me of a scene I've recently read for another book I've read this year.
I promise you, you will want to never put this book down. I actually had book two to read through as a ARC but something told me I had to read Ella's story first. So go and buy this gorgeous book and maybe you'll discover a brand new favourite author just like I did.
Running away from past and in pursuit of living her late twins dreams, Ella takes an unusual job of becoming the new house manager for Halesmere House, a gorgeous property recently renovated by Max Bentley, a widower.
I feel more in love with the characters as the story unravelled, and to be honest I could have kept on reading. I never wanted the book to end. As Max's mother is French I loved seeing the gorgeous French language being encorperated into it. As the story progress you can see them both falling in love with each other with the help with Max's adorable children.
Then there's Ashley - I hated that woman. It was clear from the start she was in love with Max and wanted him. It did remind me of a scene I've recently read for another book I've read this year.
I promise you, you will want to never put this book down. I actually had book two to read through as a ARC but something told me I had to read Ella's story first. So go and buy this gorgeous book and maybe you'll discover a brand new favourite author just like I did.
November 29, 2022
4.5⭐️
Sometimes you just want a nice, cosy, Christmas read and this book definitely ticked all those boxes!
Ella, who has been living in the past, leaves her job as a chef in Brighton for a job in Cumbria that she doesn’t know much about. She’s ready to live her life and jumps at the chance of a change of scenery.
Her new job is based at Halesmere House, a large home purchased by Max, a single Dad, who lives on site in the little cottage with his two young children. Ella is given the job by Maxs Mum to help establish Halesmere as a holiday home and to help out with with family.
Initially Max is a bit hesitant of Ella and isn’t sure why his Mum has employed somebody to help out, but Max and Ella soon discover they have a lot in common and shared heartbreak, she quickly falls into her new role, taking the children to and from school and quickly settling into the countryside life and establishing herself and Halesmere as integral parts of the local community.
Ella’s job was only meant to be temporary but will her new life at Halesmere and being part of Maxs family become permenant?
Sometimes you just want a nice, cosy, Christmas read and this book definitely ticked all those boxes!
Ella, who has been living in the past, leaves her job as a chef in Brighton for a job in Cumbria that she doesn’t know much about. She’s ready to live her life and jumps at the chance of a change of scenery.
Her new job is based at Halesmere House, a large home purchased by Max, a single Dad, who lives on site in the little cottage with his two young children. Ella is given the job by Maxs Mum to help establish Halesmere as a holiday home and to help out with with family.
Initially Max is a bit hesitant of Ella and isn’t sure why his Mum has employed somebody to help out, but Max and Ella soon discover they have a lot in common and shared heartbreak, she quickly falls into her new role, taking the children to and from school and quickly settling into the countryside life and establishing herself and Halesmere as integral parts of the local community.
Ella’s job was only meant to be temporary but will her new life at Halesmere and being part of Maxs family become permenant?
October 27, 2022
Ella has recently been made redundant and is unsure what she really wants to do with her life - for so long she has been following someone else's dream maybe now it is time to start and live a new kind of life and let go of the past. A temporary job opportunity becomes available at Halesmere house in the lake district - here she will help the owners get the house ready for paying guests and try to create something as a unique selling point.
Halesmere house is owned by Max who is trying to raise his two small children, run a landscape gardening business and get the house ready to generate income. His mother feels he has taken too much on so, unbeknown to him hires Ella to help. Help he feels he does not need and has not asked for.
As Ella starts to befriend the whole village, come up with fantastic business ideas for the house, cook for his kids and generally make herself indispensable Max begins to worry how he will cope when she leaves. But, the longer Ella is in the Lakes the more she wants to stay, could she persuade Max to let her stay?
Halesmere house is owned by Max who is trying to raise his two small children, run a landscape gardening business and get the house ready to generate income. His mother feels he has taken too much on so, unbeknown to him hires Ella to help. Help he feels he does not need and has not asked for.
As Ella starts to befriend the whole village, come up with fantastic business ideas for the house, cook for his kids and generally make herself indispensable Max begins to worry how he will cope when she leaves. But, the longer Ella is in the Lakes the more she wants to stay, could she persuade Max to let her stay?
December 12, 2022
2.75⭐️ I wanted to read a short Christmas book and picked this up. I loved how cozy this book was and the location, set in the Lake District, Cumbria. The author does a fantastic job of setting the scene, with mouth watering descriptions of food 🤤🍴 I loved the characters, especially the two children and Max. I found it hard to relate to the protagonist Ella but warmed to her towards the end. The book fell short for me as it read more as a winter book than Christmas, sure there were some Christmassy stuff mentioned but I wanted it to smack me in the face with Christmas. The whole thing with Ashley and her deal, was never really explained?! But I understand there is a sequel to who knows maybe it explains it more there? The pacing was also extremely slow for me with not a great deal going on, just routine stuff for a great chunk of story. Overall an okay easy enough read.
June 14, 2023
Ella wants a new future, she has lived her sisters dream for long enough, it is time for Ella to make her own mark.
She comes to Halesmere House to start the artists' residence programme but her start is not as she would want when she clashes with Max (the owner), who has no idea she was coming or that there was a job. All something his mother dreamt up.
As Ella begins her work, she makes friends and finds herself drawn to the community and to Max and his two adorable children.
I loved reading how Ella bagan to put Halesmere in the map, the people she met and involved. Her realtionship with Max's children was so lovely and it was good to see how her relationship with MAx changed as she drew him out.
I will definitely be reading book 2.
She comes to Halesmere House to start the artists' residence programme but her start is not as she would want when she clashes with Max (the owner), who has no idea she was coming or that there was a job. All something his mother dreamt up.
As Ella begins her work, she makes friends and finds herself drawn to the community and to Max and his two adorable children.
I loved reading how Ella bagan to put Halesmere in the map, the people she met and involved. Her realtionship with Max's children was so lovely and it was good to see how her relationship with MAx changed as she drew him out.
I will definitely be reading book 2.
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