It’s a pleasure today to be joining the blog tour and sharing my review of Winter Wishes at Roseford Reloved by Fay Keenan: this is the fourth in her Roseford series, published by Boldwood Books on 24th October, and it’s now available as an ebook (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. Thank you, as always, to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading copy (provided via netgalley).
Yes, yet another series that I only discovered with its second book – but Winter Kisses at Roseford Café really was one of those perfect Christmas reads with its chocolate-box village setting, the loveliest romance, fantastic characters, and as much tinsel and sparkling lights and festive feeling I could possibly have wanted (you’ll find my review here). But Roseford is far more than just a gorgeous Christmas setting – the third book in the series, Finding Love at Roseford Blooms, was every bit as lovely, with a moving and believable romance at its centre, and an opportunity to meet again the individuals who carried the stories in the earlier books and to see the developments in their lives (you can read my review again here). The author writes quite beautifully, and is a natural storyteller, her books filled with warmth and real affection for her characters – and I was particularly looking forward to the next book in the series….
When the ceiling of preloved clothing shop Roseford Reloved falls in at the height of Christmas season, owner Polly Parrott is in despair. She can see her fortunes draining away as quickly as the water is pouring through her roof. What makes it worse is that standing right underneath the deluge is Will Sutherland, sporting hero and new owner of Parson’s Grange, the new modern mansion in Roseford.
Polly and Will’s first meeting is about as far from a success as it can be, but over a festive season of Christmas markets, a Yuletide Ball and inconvenient snowfalls, can they forge a friendship or even more, despite their unpromising beginning? Or will the complications in both of their lives end their romance before it even begins?
From the very beginning of this lovely book, I really took poor Polly to my heart – her boutique selling re-loved dresses is barely ticking over, surviving only through additional on-line sales, and the current problem with the roof might just be the end of her dream. And when the leak soaks Will, a celebrity who’s just moved to the area – a former football manager, living in the modern mansion that’s just a bit out of place in the traditional village of Roseford – it looks as if she might just be facing a court case too.
But one of his two daughters, Maeve, convinces him that he’s rather over-reacted – although the other, Harriet, remains distinctly hostile, even as an unexpected friendship begins to develop between Will and Polly. And Will certainly has more than his share of life’s baggage, searching for purpose after the premature end of his career, but made lighter by the sunshine Polly brings into his life – there’s a really strong chemistry between them (once his initial grumpiness passes – but he does have a lot on his plate…!) and their developing romance was one I entirely believed in.
There’s a nice focus on family – Harriet’s continuing bad behaviour, post-divorce complications – and on friendship too as much-loved characters from the earlier books make welcome cameo appearances. And it’s almost Christmas – and that’s the season Roseford was made for, with all the festive occasions and snowfall and emotional touches that you could possibly hope for. There’s a perfect balance between light and dark too – a few serious issues sensitively handled, but plenty to make you smile.
Heartwarming, hopeful, uplifting, romantic – and just a thoroughly lovely read. This is a series I’m very much enjoying – and I hope there will be many more books to come.
About the author
Fay Keenan is the author of the bestselling Little Willowbury series of novels. She has led writing workshops with Bristol University and has been a visiting speaker in schools. She is a full-time teacher and lives in Somerset.
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