If you visit Linda’s Book Bag regularly, you’ll know how much I love Heidi Swain’s writing. You’ll find ten other posts featuring Heidi’s books here! Consequently I couldn’t be happier than to help celebrate her latest book, A Christmas Celebration by sharing my review today. My enormous thanks to Sara-Jade Virtue for sending me a copy of A Christmas Celebration.

Published by Simon and Schuster on 13th October 2022, A Christmas Celebration is available for purchase through the links here.

A Christmas Celebration

*** The sparkling new Christmas novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Heidi Swain! ***

‘Grab a hot chocolate and lose yourself in this heart-warming story of romance, community and secrets. The perfect story to read by the fire!’ PHILLIPPA ASHLEY

‘Brimming with warmth and Christmas cheer’ SARAH MORGAN

When Paige turns up unannounced at Wynthorpe Hall, she discovers the place she knew when she was growing up has changed beyond all recognition. She’s only planning to stay for a short time, but is quickly pulled into local life.

One night while driving home after delivering library books and shopping to residents she stumbles across an isolated cottage and meets Albert, its elderly and rather grumpy owner. She quickly realises there’s more to Albert than meets the eye and the same can be said for the other man she can’t seem to help running into, handsome but brooding Brodie.

All three of them have a secret and a desire to hide away from the world, but with Christmas on the horizon, is that really the best way to celebrate the season?

My Review of A Christmas Celebration

It was so lovely to be back at Wynthorpe Hall with Heidi Swain. A Christmas Celebration felt like a total treat in book form. I do think, however, that Heidi Swain’s books should come with a warning. I’ve read so many that I ought to be used to it by now, but I swear I put on half a stone just reading her glorious descriptions of food. She has the ability to make me ravenous as I read.

There’s a smashing plot in A Christmas Celebration with all the Heidi Swain hallmarks I’ve come to expect, including a warm and uplifting sense of community, a fizzing romance and a totally engaging and entertaining story that transports the reader away from the cares of the real world for a while.

I love the way in which Heidi Swain blends romantic fiction with just a touch of mystery – in why Paige has left Jordan – and illustrates that the most wonderful sense of self worth and satisfaction in life can be achieved not through material riches, but through being kind and helping others. A Christmas Celebration is the most gorgeous antidote to the depressing negativity that pervades much of the real world. It leaves the reader feeling as if they’ve found real human connection again.

Alongside Paige who is a convincing amalgam of strength and vulnerability, and the attractive, enigmatic Brodie, the character who is most wonderful is Albert Price. He lends the story such a depth, reality and genuine morality that is utterly convincing. What I found most affecting was the way Heidi Swain explored how we so often have to live within the bounds set by others and how difficult it is to be true to ourselves. A Christmas Celebration might be a light, festive read, but that doesn’t mean it lacks emotion, gravitas and profound themes.

If you want your own festive joy, you really need Heidi Swain’s A Christmas Celebration. It is pure Christmas essence in book form and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

About Heidi Swain

Heidi lives in beautiful Norfolk with her family and a mischievous cat called Storm. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside, collecting vintage paraphernalia and reading. Her TBR pile is always out of control!

You can follow Heidi on Twitter @Heidi_Swain and visit her blog or website. You’ll also find Heidi on Facebook and Instagram.

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