goodreads | Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland

Title: Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland
Author: Heidi Swain
Genre: Christmas, Chick-lit
Rating: 4/5
# pages: 400
Date read: December, 2018

After calling off her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course . . .

Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl.

As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.

Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself?

Honestly? I bought this because I couldn't resist the title :-D

A really sweet Christmas story. At times it was perhaps just a tad too twee, but for Christmas stories, that's allowed (even if I might roll my eyes at it at other times of the year). I liked that the story was all Christmas instead of just having a few chapters focus on it, and would have loved to visit the Winter Wonderland they set up.

I did feel like hitting Anna and Molly from time to time... for best friends, they were awfully pushy! I probably would have responded much like Hayley did, but still - as an outside reader, it bugged me. On the other hand, I'm really glad Hayley didn't allow Gabe's assumptions to fester. That could have been REALLY frustrating, but was nipped in the bud, which I appreciated.

All in all, a charming read, and I'll definitely check out more of Heidi Swain's books.... especially as many of them seem to revolve around the same characters :-D