I enjoyed Christmas at Wynter House so much that I decided I’d like to return for the second book in Emily Harvale’s Wyntersleap series – is there any better recommendation?! New Beginnings at Wynter House was published last month, and is now available for kindle and in paperback from Amazon in the UK and US. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the author for my advance reading copy.
The New Year brings unexpected revelations at Wynter House.
Neva Grey’s Christmas brought several surprises. Now a shocking secret has life-changing consequences for the Wynters, as the New Year brings revelations … and relatives to Wynter House. It also brings Hazel Smart and Amelia Goodbody. And it’s not just Adam and Rafe Wynter who are pleased Hazel and Amelia have come to stay. Olivia Wynter will enjoy bossing nurse Hazel around and she also makes it clear Amelia – who is handling the marketing for Rafe’s new business venture – is far more suited to be her grandson’s girlfriend than Neva will ever be.
Whilst Amelia is ensconced at Wynter House, Neva is busy with her new hair and beauty salon in Merriment Bay. Perhaps she should enlist her niece, Sasha’s help because just when she thought she had found the love of her life, old secrets, ghosts from the past, and new arrivals might shatter all her dreams. At least she has her best friend, Jo Duncan to lean on. But newly single, Jo is determined to have some fun, both at Wynter House and in Merriment Bay. And so is Adam Wynter.
This is book two in the Wyntersleap series but it can be read as a standalone. The Wyntersleap series is interlinked with the Merriment Bay series and several characters appear in both series.
How lovely to be back at Wynter House – just after Christmas, with the flood waters still receding and Neva’s family getting ready to return home to their everyday lives. Her parents need to get ready for their move to that lovely house in Merriment Bay, after all – and Neva herself needs to think about her own fresh start, to find out if best friend Jo will be joining her, and to work out whether to move into the flat above the salon or to travel daily from Wynter House and Rafe. (You can tell I’m really into this series, can’t you – these people are totally real to me!)
The key characters from the first book are all here – Carruthers and his eyebrows, snooty Olivia none too pleased about Rafe’s relationship with a common hairdresser, Adam sowing his wild oats – but there are some excellent new ones too. When the family make a rather surprising discovery, a bit of drama ensues for Olivia, and a nurse is brought in to manage things – Hazel does rather have her work cut out with her difficult patient, but then finds she needs to be fending off an overenthusiastic Adam too.
And then there’s Amelia – a PR whizz who can make a real difference to the launch of Rafe’s new enterprise, but might she have designs on him too? She’s a great character, thoroughly obnoxious behind her smile – and a particular threat to the new relationship when it becomes clear that Olivia would far prefer her to be the object of Rafe’s affections. And yes, we finally get to meet Jo, rather than having her on the other end of the telephone line. At first, I’ll admit I found her a bit difficult to take to – a bit too fun-loving for my liking – but her supportive friendship with a rather vulnerable Neve soon won me over.
The author creates such great characters – and her writing has such warmth, ease and gentleness that it’s a real pleasure to read. This is a cracking story too – that discovery I mentioned works its way through nicely, there are a few more dramatic touches along the way and some perfect touches of humour, the different characters take their turns to step into the forefront, and the continuing development of the relationship between Neva and Rafe underpins everything so very well.
When I read the first in the series, I mentioned escaping into the book for an afternoon and allowing the world to disappear – that happened with this one too, and I enjoyed the experience every bit as much. Oh, and lest you might worry about jumping into the second in a series, I don’t think it’d really matter – but as both books are just a tad shorter than many (something I’m growing to rather like) why not try both, and double the pleasure? I’m so delighted to have discovered the author’s books, and her excellent story-telling – this was another winner for me!
About the author
Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn’t always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers’ group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA and the RWA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star.
When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
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