It’s such a pleasure today to be joining the blog tour and sharing my review of A Winter Wedding at Primrose Hall by Jill Steeples. This is the sixth (and final – sob!) book in her lovely Primrose Woods series, published by Boldwood Books on 20th October, and now available as an e-book (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. As always, many thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading e-copy (provided via netgalley).
OK, I might have only engaged from the second book – the first, Starting Over at Primrose Woods, entirely passed me by – but this is a series that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve loved the location and the people – I got to know the community through the really lovely multi-generational story that was Snowflakes Over Primrose Woods (you’ll find my review here), and I’ve been so invested in Pia and Jackson’s life together since we were introduced to them in Dreams Come True at Primrose Hall (you’ll find my review here) and have really enjoyed their calendar of events at Primrose Hall. And when Jackson’s recently found brother Tom and his relationship with the lovely Sophie became the main focus of Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall, I enjoyed their relationship story every bit as much (you’ll find my review here). But all good things must come to an end – and the main event in the latest book is something I’ve been very much looking forward to…
As the year draws to an end at Primrose Hall, Pia and her Lord of the Manor fiancé Jackson are putting the finishing touches to their annual Carols by Candlelight evening.
The past twelve months have not all been plain sailing – Jackson’s father Rex had a serious health scare, his long-lost brother Tom appeared unannounced, and Jackson himself had his own disaster. So the family are thrilled to finally be able to look forward to Christmas together and the event of the year – Jackson and Pia’s long-awaited wedding.
With the idyllic backdrop of Primrose Woods, the dream venue, and a community ready to celebrate with them, Pia and Jackson are counting the days until they are husband and wife. Now they just need to cross their fingers that the dramas of the previous year are all behind them…
Welcome back to Primrose Hall for the wedding of the year and guaranteed laughter, friendship and romance. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Julie Houston.
I wouldn’t usually recommend only picking up the final book in a series – but although you might not be quite as engaged with some of the individuals as you would be if you’d been with them through their more difficult times, there plenty of catching up in this book, and you’ll soon feel as at home as I always do at Primrose Hall.
Pia and Jackson always have a busy time around Christmas, with all the events they put on at the Hall – but this year there’s a particularly important event to plan for, as they’re finally getting married. But the book dips into other people’s lives too – Jackson’s brother (and best man) Tom thinking about a change of direction, to the consternation of new partner Sophie, and his mother Ronnie’s concerns that philandering ex-husband Rex is moving on from his recent health shock by putting himself about a bit again, just when they seemed to be growing closer. And other long-standing friendships feature in the story too – nicely drawing their parts in the ongoing story to a close (with a few really special treats) as they all gather for the Christmas events and the wedding celebrations.
Jackson though – always thinking about developing his business, and hoping to keep Tom around – has plans to expand into property management, perhaps being just a little underhand in securing the last in a row of dilapidated cottages. But there’s no real skullduggery involved – and one of the pay-offs is in some welcome additions to Pia’s menagerie of animals at the Hall.
This book is really all about the love and romance – although maybe that should be in the plural, with some of the loveliest unexpected moments to bring a tear – and it’s all so beautifully done. But alongside all that, there’s the same focus on community, friends and family that has made this whole series such a joy, along with the perfectly drawn location. And it’s the best possible conclusion to such an enjoyable series – no loose ends, and every one of the individuals moving forward into a happy future.
I’m so sorry to see this delightful series ending – I’ll really miss those times when everyone gathers around the table in Primrose Hall’s kitchen – but I’m also very much looking forward to finding out where the author will take us next.
About the author
Jill Steeples is the author of many successful women’s fiction titles – notably the Primrose Woods and Dog & Duck series – all set in the close communities of picturesque English villages. Her novels are heart-warming, feel-good stories of new beginnings, friendship and love.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter Sign Up | Bookbub
