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.

Until I came to review this book, I hadn’t realised that it was part of a series and that Wynthorpe Hall is a central location filled with characters that come and go. Nevertheless I didn’t feel any less informed about the reoccurring characters and should you read this book prior to reading the one before it, no harm shall occur!

There are a lot of characters – and I don’t think I really grasped who is who. For example I’m not really sure of the ages and the background, and I don’t think reading the other books will have enlightened me that much. The two main characters, Hayley and Gabe, stand out well though and their personalities are built up quickly.

It’s a light hearted, festive read with a beautifully painted backdrop (Wynthorpe Hall) and a cosy ‘village’ life.