Christmas at Willoughby Close

Return to Willoughby Close #3

by Kate Hewitt

MP3 CD Format Welcome back to Willoughby Close, with four new residents and happy endings to deliver Belinda “Lindy"" Jamison has moved to the Cotswolds for a fresh start and to open a dancing school--her lifelong dream. Pushing forty and still looking for Mr. Right, Lindy is determined to no longer wait for happiness but to reach for it with both hands. So she packs up her life and heads south to Wychwood-on-Lea to start up her school. Soon Lindy has a motley crew of would-be dancers. But her most intriguing pupil is Roger Wentworth, a fortysomething bachelor with a shy and awkward manner, but a heart of blazing gold. When Lindy decides to showcase her pupils in a Christmas show, Roger is deeply reluctant but finally agrees. Lindy longs to bring Roger out of his shell--but she didn't expect to fall in love with him in the process. Soon it is Roger teaching her how two lonely hearts might be able to embrace a second chance this Christmas if they can just believe they're both worthy of love.

Genres: Christmas, Audiobook, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Holiday, British Literature

1 pages, Audio CD

First published November 16, 2020

About the author

Kate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.

She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.

Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 61%.

Lindy Jamison has moved from Manchester to Willoughby Chase to pursue her dream of opening a ballroom dancing school. Orphaned at a young age, Lindy has lots of friends and acquaintances in Manchester but no-one really close. She hopes that moving to a small town/village will help her to feel like she belongs.

Roger Wentworth is a stuffy accountant, his mother is dying of cancer and she wants to learn to dance ballroom (Ballroom dance?). Anyway, despite having two left feet Roger agrees to accompany his mother to her dance classes. Lindy and Roger have an instant attraction, but their natural reticence and Roger's formality mean that they are permanently too shy to make a move.

I have read and loved all the previous Willoughby Chase books, but I just couldn't get invested in these characters, also as I noted in my review of the previous book in this series, all the couples in these books have serious issues and I'm just a bit over it, it feels unrealistic and a bit forced. Also, why is it always accountants who are portrayed as being on the spectrum? Honestly, we're pretty normal people.

Overall, I just wasn't engaged by this story of two lonely people struggling to find love.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher Tule in return for an honest review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
An enjoyable read, with several moments of discomfort because of the original way Kate Hewitt wrote the awkwardness of the wounded hero, “Christmas at Willoughby Close” (Tule Publishing), features a mature couple, two lonely people who have given up on dating and romance.
I loved how the author depicted Roger’s isolation, fears, and the feelings of ineptitude, frustration and social incompetence. I cringed lots of times and it even became a bit hard to read how he felt about himself and how he struggled in relationships. I felt for him and became embarrassed and humiliated with him.
I didn’t find the two main leads that relatable, but it was fine with me, because it was the very nature of Roger’s issues that made that difficult, making him a realistic, believable character.
I liked Lindy because she loved Roger and tried to understand this handsome large man with a “deadpan manner” “surprisingly charming if still slightly odd”.
The slow burn chemistry between Roger and Lindy was also interesting and pleasant to read; Kate Hewitt really writes superbly the attraction and awareness process and its inexplicable steps.
Although I found the protagonists’ parents roles were perhaps a bit too developed for my taste, I liked how, in Roger’s case, it brings a caring and very tender dimension to his grumpiness.
Side characters from previous stories and the strong community feeling make this book an undoubtedly entertaining read with some cringe-worthy moments.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt story

I love Christmas stories and this one was very good. The author creates a little town with interesting characters and a engaging storyline to draw the reader in. Roger and Lindy didn't look right but they felt right together.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audible and really struggled with the Narrator’s accent and performance of the book.

I was hoping for a heart warming Christmas story, but I wish that there had been a trigger for warning attached to the book. For anyone who has lost a parent, had to cope with sorting out their family home following the death of a parent then this book should have a trigger warning.
That said I finished the book and am glad I persevered with it, but it was ad an emotional read or rather listen.

[Katherine Kushay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willoughby Close books are feel good fun. They are quick reads that just make me smile. They are everyday characters going through life stresses and yet they find healing in the magic of Willoughby Close. If you are looking for a fun, feel good novel, any of the series is worth a read. And each novel is a stand alone story. So you can pick up any of them and enjoy the read.

[📖Moon Book Eater🍽️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful installment of the wonderful book series. I’m not sure if this author has interest in writing Hallmark movies, but if they do, they would do so wonderfully. I know that it doesn’t say definitively that the love interest is Autistic,but he reminds me so much of my husband, who is, and I loved this character so much.

[Azar Farehi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute feel good romance book

I hadn't noticed this was part of a set, it was free on audible and I felt like a light listen. Some of the characters from the previous books are side characters in this one, but you really don't need to know their stories. It works well as a standalone book

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Hewitt (2020) CHRISTMAS AT WILLOUGHBY CLOSE (AUDIOBOOK)
Audible - Blackstone Publishing

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

Audible writes, "Welcome back to Willoughby Close, with four new residents and happy endings to deliver.... Belinda 'Lindy' Jamison has moved to the Cotswolds for a fresh start and to open a dancing school - her lifelong dream. Pushing 40 and still looking for Mr. Right, Lindy is determined to no longer wait for happiness but to reach for it with both hands. So she packs up her life and heads south to Wychwood-on-Lea to start up her school. Soon Lindy has a motley crew of would-be dancers. But her most intriguing pupil is Roger Wentworth, a 40-something bachelor with a shy and awkward manner, but a heart of blazing gold. When Lindy decides to showcase her pupils in a Christmas show, Roger is deeply reluctant but finally agrees. Lindy longs to bring Roger out of his shell - but she didn’t expect to fall in love with him in the process. Soon it is Roger teaching her how two lonely hearts might be able to embrace a second chance this Christmas...if they can just believe they’re both worthy of love."
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Lovely. Roger is a brilliant character!
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#KateHewitt #ChristmasAtWilloughbyClose #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #Audible

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Willoughby Close by Kate Hewitt
Welcome back to Willoughby Close, with four new residents and happy endings to deliver…
Belinda ‘Lindy’ Jamison has moved to the Cotswolds for a fresh start and to open a dancing school—her lifelong dream. Pushing forty and still looking for Mr. Right, Lindy is determined to no longer wait for happiness but to reach for it with both hands. So she packs up her life and heads south to Wychwood-on-Lea to start up her school.
Soon Lindy has a motley crew of would-be dancers. But her most intriguing pupil is Roger Wentworth, a forty-something bachelor with a shy and awkward manner, but a heart of blazing gold. When Lindy decides to showcase her pupils in a Christmas show, Roger is deeply reluctant but finally agrees. Lindy longs to bring Roger out of his shell—but she didn’t expect to fall in love with him in the process.
Soon it is Roger teaching her how two lonely hearts might be able to embrace a second chance this Christmas…if they can just believe they’re both worthy of love.
This is Belinda ‘Lindy’ Jamison and Roger Wentworth's story.
Belinda Jamison gazed at the gleaming parquet of the floor, newly varnished, and couldn’t keep a swell of pride from practically lifting her off her toes.
Poised to take a few balletic steps into the room, she stopped herself just in time. The varnish needed at least a week before anyone so much as put a toe on it, and she certainly had no intention of scuffing its pristine surface, not before her first class, anyway. After that there would be plenty of scuff marks, and that would be fine. That would be wonderful.
With a grin spreading over her face, she switched off the lights and turned from the room. As she clattered down the stairs, her landlady Monica poked her head around the till of Wychwood Waggy Tails, the shop she ran and that Lindy rented a room above.
“Very well,” the man answered. “My name is Roger Wentworth and I will be attending the class with Ellen Wentworth. I trust there is space in the Monday evening class for adult beginners for two individuals?”
“There is,” Lindy confirmed. Her urge to laugh had, quite suddenly, completely deserted her; she now felt quite flat, although she couldn’t have said why. “The first class is on September seventh,” she added dutifully. “Is that all right?”
“I have already marked down the dates of all the classes in my calendar,” Roger Wentworth replied with some asperity.
I highly recommend reading.
Christmas at Willoughby Close by Kate Hewitt is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kate Hewitt.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Kerry Croucier · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a special magic to Willoughby Close that gives those that move there exactly what they need, even if they don’t know it. CHRISTMAS AT WILLOUGHBY CLOSE, the third book in Kate Hewitt’s Return to Willoughby Close series, brings Lindy to Willoughby Close after her friend, Ellie sings its praises. Lindy has been on her own since the tragic death of her parents just after she started University. She has no family, close friends, or relationships with someone she can rely on. She decides to take a break from her job as an accountant and teach ballroom dancing. When Roger calls to inquire about classes, she finds his demeanor more than a bit stiff. When he arrives for the class with his mother, there is a little zing, but Lindy initially isn’t quite sure what to make of his demeanor. Roger knows social situations do not show him at his best, and he knows he ballroom dancing will not be something he enjoys but he’s willing to attend because it’s something that his mother wants to try, and he will do anything for her. Lindy is amazing to him, but he knows that she’s out of his league.
These two have more in common than they realize, and as they get to know each other, their friendship expands. They are older characters and a bit quirky, but I felt their quirks and their personalities made them all the more loveable. When you add in the past and current inhabitants of Willoughby Close, a diverse group of dancers, and a rescue greyhound named Toby you have a sweet holiday romance. This was a sweet, feel-good story and I enjoyed the way Hewitt wrote the romance between Lindy and Roger. It was nice to have them ease into it, all the while questioning whether they were correctly reading the other’s signals.
This is part of a series, and I have loved Willoughby Close since its beginning and I always love returning. That said, it is not necessary to have read the previous stories to enjoy this one. Hewitt, as usual, has created a story about real people with real emotions and a problem that they struggle with that make you feel that they could be someone you know. Reading her novels always leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling when I reach the last word.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#christmasatwilloughbyclose #returntowilloughbyclose #katehewitt #readztule

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Hewitt’s Willoughby Close series is a very firm favourite of mine. I adore the lovely little Cotswolds village of Wychwood-on-Lea and the sense of community you can’t help but feel as soon as you start reading one of these books. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this new story and having Christmas thrown is was a bonus extra.
The characters in this story were certainly a selling point for me. They felt so real. Belinda Jamison has trained as an accountant but in a bold move she’s left her Manchester job and moved to the Cotswolds to follow a long-held dream, starting up the Take A Twirl School Of Ballroom Dancing. Her adult dance class is filled with quirky characters including lovebirds Simon and Olivia, elderly and arthritic Maureen and Ellen Wentworth and her tall and somewhat awkward son Roger. Belinda, Lindy to her friends, is sunny and filled with life though having lost her parents fifteen years earlier she’s cautious about letting people move from the friend-zone to something closer.
Roger is an accountant and while successful in his work he struggles with conversation. His first phone chat with Lindy had me convinced he was a complete dork but Roger is a dark horse and as the story unfolds we get more and more glimpses of the warm, generous and caring man he hides behind his correct and proper exterior.
Kate Hewitt really has a wonderful way of making readers feel what her characters are feeling. I knew exactly how Lindy felt about her physical draw to Roger, “When Roger smiled ... she felt as if she”d swallowed a firework.”
Throughout the book there is a secondary story unfurling. Roger’s mother Ellen has terminal cancer and her failing health drives a lot of Roger’s actions. Ellen is stoic though and completely resigned to her situation, “I’ve been feeling ... like I’m fading. Every day I feel a little less here than I used to. It’s an extraordinary feeling ... but it’s also a good one. When I die it won’t be a wrench. It will be like slipping away.”
I’ve loved reading this story. It’s made me laugh, it’s made me cry and it’s made me smile as well. It truly has been a joy to read and to be honest I’m rather sad to have finished.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Christmas at Willoughby Close brings us a charming Christmas story with a couple in their 40s, each convinced that love isn’t in the cards for them, and each surprised when together they discover that love comes when it’s right… and now, and each other is that time. Although Roger and Lindy’s romance is the third title in the Return to Willoughby Close series it’s not absolutely necessary to have read the previous stories. I would gently suggest that if you haven’t read them that you give them a try for they are all enjoyable, realistic love stories that will warm your heart and give a chuckle or tear along the way.

Lindy has moved to this small village to open a ballroom dance studio, it’s a dream and one that she’s at the point in life to actually give it all she has to give. Roger is an accountant, a quiet, shy man who is willing to attend ballroom dance lessons with his mother as she faces cancer. He’d do anything to bring a smile to her face, including making a fool of himself on the dance floor. Neither Lindy nor Roger expected to find romance while on the dance floor, but slowly, surely those emotions surfaced and showed them each something… they are worth all the happiness and love possible if only they take that risk.

I enjoyed Christmas at Willoughby Close. Roger and Lindy make a unique couple, one that I completely enjoyed getting to know and watch their journey into love and life together. As always this village shines as a character all its own, and we’ll meet up with a few old friends as well. If you enjoy a good romance with likable characters, a charming setting, and a couple who is no longer in the first bloom of youth – then you’ll want to pick this one up soon.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belinda aka Lindy Jamison has left her boring life as an accountant in the big city behind her and has taken a leap of faith and moved to a small village in the Cotswolds to open a dancing school. Not a ballet school but a ballroom dancing school. Not quite what is expected in this small country town. But Lindy thinks she can make a go at it.

Roger Wentworth is one of the students in Lindy's adult class who has two left feet. Roger is only going to the classes because he wants to appease his mother who is dealing with cancer. Roger is pushing 40 and has always felt like he didn't fit in anywhere. Based on the descriptions of the behaviors, I suspect Roger is somewhere on the upper end of the autism spectrum but has learned how to hide things and to socially cover himself.

Roger and Lindy seem to be intrigued by each other but things only start to happen when Lindy decides that her students should be a part of the village's Christmas show. And that is when Lindy and Roger start to realize they have feelings for each other.

This is a quick, cute holiday romance story. Pour yourself a cuppa and take a scone of your choice from the village bakery and settle in for a few hours of enjoyment.

I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read women’s fiction, historical fiction and romance written by Kate Hewitt but no character of hers has become so endearing from the first page as Belinda ‘Lindy’ Jamison in Christmas at Willoughby Close, third book of the Return to Willoughby Close Series. Then there is Roger Wentworth who is quite the opposite from Lindy. Her cup is always half full as she says, while it seems as if Roger’s is always half empty.

An odd friendship starts up between them as she teaches him ballroom dancing. The author takes two different characters working her magic to bring them together. Yes, Roger is smart but awkward while Lindy is a smart, shy, not afraid to be a dreamer chaser person. Still they work together in this story.

One of the things I like best of these books is that the characters are average people. They are not without issues that any of us could have or know someone who has them. They are not the most perfect heroes and heroines, still ones to be admired for not giving up, trying every day and working out their own happiness. I can thank Kate Hewitt for these book friends in a place she has created that I would love to visit.

An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional Christmas romance.

Reading one of the Willoughby Close books always feels like visiting old friends. The characters really come to life and the picturesque town of Wychwood-on-Lea could almost stand as a character on its own.

In this book, we meet Lindy, who left her job to open a ballroom dance school, and Roger, who’s dying mother wishes for them to take dance classes together. Roger has two left feet and Lindy has quite the challenge teaching him, but they become good friends through the lessons. When a tragedy strikes and Roger insisters on being there for Lindy, their friendship becomes stronger. It took some time as Lindy and Roger to become romantically involved as they both had fears that held them back from it. But when it finally happened, they gave it everything they had.

This was a fun book read even though it had some emotional parts. I like the quirkiness of the characters and the friendships they built. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-a-lone.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we are in Willoughby Close in the town of Wychwood-on-Lea in the Cotswold's and once again it is the character that make the story This one in parts feels a little off putting but that is mainly due to the wonderful writing that depicts the main characters in all their misery

At the age of forty Belinda ‘Lindy’ Jamison has finally been able to live her dream and she has opened a dancing school and one of her clients is Roger Wentworth and bachelor in his forty's also. Lindy has long given up on romance and Roger never thought romance would be for him after all he is shy and socially inept. When a connection happens between them will they at long last find a love that allows them to step out from behind their walls You will have to read to see

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindy has been alone for years, since her parents died. Roger has his mother, who is dying of cancer. That doesn’t explain why he’s so stiff and awkward. He signs up for her dance class even though he has no desire to learn to dance. It’s for his mother. He grows on Lindy as she sees into his heart. But can she get him to unbend?

I relate very easily to Roger. Being awkward and on the outside is no fun. Lindy’s persistence is heartwarming. Adding Toby the greyhound is a nice touch, and it’s interesting to meet up again with the local residents.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the series, Return to Willoughby Close. It can be read as a stand alone. Lindy has moved to Willoughby Close at the urging of her best friend. She is going to open a dance studio for ballroom dancing. Her first class is small and Roger Wentworth is there as partner to his elderly sick mother. He's indulging her wish before her cancer gets to bad. As the classes grow and the holidays approach the classes are going to participate in the local charity ball. This was a story where the hero was hard to like. I admire Lindy for her persistence. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Willoughby Close by Kate Hewitt is book 3 in the "Return to Willoughby Close" series.
I just love this series. It´s such a heartfelt and heart warm series. You really fall in love with the towns people and characters and all their problems an emotions come to life. You hope they will all find love again.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy a tale from Willoughby Close. The characters in this one were a little quirkier than I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised with Roger’s willingness to try dance classes and Belinda’s determination and kindness. As usual, Hewitt brings together an ensemble cast that supports a primary thread of romance - and I love it every time!

[Barb Kelownagurl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've listened to a bunch of the light freebie books on Audible in the past month.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible Audiobook

I’ve read so many of these now, they’re running together. This wasn’t bad, but repetitive. New situation, new characters, but same premise. Two flawed individuals suffering from past trauma find each other, have horrible miscommunication until they don’t.

Lindy seems carefree & happy, but is hiding her past trauma under smiles. Roger is on the spectrum (another repeat) and doesn’t know how to share his feelings.

I’m not saying these stories are bad. In fact, they are very well written & character development is good. Just, maybe don’t binge them all at once like I did.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know who they are trying to convince but I'm not buying this one. Lol. I truly did not like the characters in this story. And the story itself. Sorry. I want to scream to Lindy, it's okay to be alone rather than settle on this guy. Just because you are single and he is single doesn't mean you need to try to force a relationship and try to tell yourself you love him? I don't buy it, even by the end. Nope. Sorry. Stay single Lindy.

[Caitlin Kitchur · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was hoping for a light Christmas read, but this book barely has any Christmas in it and I found it infuriating. Lindy pretty much settles for a man bc she’s 36 and tired of being alone, like there’s nothing worse in the world. And as his mother is dying from cancer, all she can think about is a dance recital at her friends house (perhaps this is why she’s 36 only one relationship). Overall very juvenile and the characters aren’t likable.

[Keri Michaelis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet Christmas story about Lindy and Roger. Roger is a little socially awkward and has struggled with relationships in the past. Lindy adopts a dog and Roger helps. He is caring for his ailing mom, who is in the final stages of cancer. Lindy has moved to the village to teach ballroom dance classes. She soon falls for Roger, and their relationship ends up in the friend zone until they both decide to share their true feelings.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with this story of two people falling in love with each other but both are afraid to declare it. She loves his absolutely quirky nature and he loves her vibrant, loving personality. It is such a sweet novel that will just captivate you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kalina Kalcheva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE HOW SWEET, WARM YET REAL AND RELATABLE, THESE BOOKS ARE!
I AM A Willoughby Close FAN, YET THIS STORY, IN PARTICULAR, WAS SO CHARMING, IT CLIMBS TO THE TOP 3 OF MY LIST, GIVEN THE FACT BALLROOM DANCING HAS HELPED ME THROUGH SOME OF MY DARKEST DAYS, BUT OVERALL I LOVE THE AUTHOR'S MELODIC WRITING STYLE!
A LOVELY READ!

[Lindsay Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy to listen to Christmas tale about a Ballroom dancing teacher who moves to a new area and sets up a dance class for adults. One of her new members is a man who comes with his mum, and they start an unlikely friendship.

I found this book enjoyable until the last chapter which I thought was overly sickly sweet, but I feel overall it's fair to say it was a 3 star read.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute holiday Christmas read. It is about two people that become friends and both begin feeling more but both are too afraid to come forward. Roger and Lindy are just so adorable together. I really enjoyed their story. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable and heartwarming story that will make you both laugh and tear up a bit. The sign of great writing skills. Although this book can be a stand alone read, it is part of a series. Think I’ll read some more of them.