Truly enjoyed this romance! I don't normally read in this genre and so was pleasantly surprised. Perfect Christmas story.

Not many books could keep me up until almost two in the morning but this one hung on tight and would not let me put it down. A lovely slow-burning romance, packed with joyous moments, humour, fun in the snow and the magic of making a happy family Christmas. Not even the fact that Viola was getting involved with a married man ever felt wrong because... well, meet his wife and you will understand. Characters I really liked, especially little Grace, and the backdrop of a school nativity helped to seal the very definite five star rating.

A very sweet and fun Christmas romance, perfect for a cozy night in. Viola and Nate are charming characters, and the settings are perfect for a beautiful Christmas scene. Sweet and fun!

What a gorgeous romantic read! This was the perfect book to snuggle down with on a wet and gloomy day. I didn’t leave the house because I became so wrapped up in Viola, Nate and Grace’s lives.

I loved Viola and Nate, oh and Grace, Nate’s daughter was lovely too! The Notting Hill setting was wonderful, especially when the snow fell and there was an opportunity to build a snowman in the shared garden.

The electricity between Viola and Nate was amazing and felt so real, I couldn’t wait to see what developed between them.

I loved the storyline involving the nativity production at Grace’s school, especially when the children were practising their parts. I loved how Viola helped out with Grace after school when Nate had childcare issues and the way the storyline went.

Of course having enjoyed the author’s other books under the name of Julie Caplin, I knew something or someone was going to cause a lot of grief to Viola and Nate’s blossoming relationship. When it happened it was very sad and quite angry towards one a particular character!

I’m not saying any more as I don’t want to spoil it, except that this really is a wonderfully romantic read that I highly recommend to lovers of contemporary fiction.

A very sweet story about Viola, who always responds to everyone's pleas for help and how she learns to put her needs first. Not my normal genre of book, and it was strange to be reading about snow while living in the Australian sunshine. It did make me want to experience a white Christmas again though. The story was engaging and well-written and kept me interested until the end. A recommended read.

When a selfless and dependable young woman falls for an overwhelmed and reticent single dad, their relationship becomes complicated when the man’s sweet and confused daughter prefers that her dad not have a girlfriend.

I was reluctant to start reading Christmas stories this early, but I am happy to say Notting Hill in the Snow is a fun and cozy read by the fire.

Set in Notting Hill during Christmastime, this sweet, feel-good story is filled with dysfunctional family relationships, a children’s Christmas pageant, and, of course, a complicated romance.

The characters are believable with their insecurities and their overwhelming responsibilities. Viola has a bit of a sad life in that her family depends too heavily on her good nature and dependability. It’s hard for her to say no to her family, but when she begins to put her own needs ahead of her family, she finds her voice and oh, so justly puts her family in their place. Nate is overwhelmed as a single parent when his nanny quits. When Viola is thrust unexpectedly into Nate’s life, his and Grace’s world is changed for the better.

Overall, I loved this delightful and magical romance and hope to read more from this author.

Thank you to Ms. Wake for giving me the opportunity to review this book with no expectation of a positive review.

This is a real festive treat! I loved the way that Christmas is very present in the story but does not dominate. Up front and central are the characters and how treatment in the past has led to how they behave today. Viola's parents were older and more distant from her as she was growing up. They were preoccupied with their own academic careers and this led to her striving to lose herself in her music. She can totally relate to Nate's daughter, Grace, whose mother has not been emotionally present for her and who put work before her needs. Viola completely understands how Grace needs security and consistency from adults.

I also appreciated the humour when Viola was rehearsing the school Nativity Show and the little asides about the over- enthusiastic parents who she met there. This is a heart-warming read and one of those which you don't want to put down. The writing is descriptive and vivid and you can totally visualise her characters and Viola's reactions to them.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

After reading Covent Garden in the Snow, I knew this was going to be another great read. It is a beautiful story with love, warmth, sadness and a fun time for all. It is well worth a read and I give this 5 well earned stars and a great recommendation

4.5 stars
What could be best for Christmas than spending it in London? I love the setting of this book, I loved the characters and everything that comes with them, and I cannot recommend this book enough for the lovers of the romance genre and more so it’s a great book for a Hallmark movie.
Romance at its best in winter.

First off, this book made me cry...there, I've said it. Have tissues ready and you're fully prepared for when your emotions are toiled with!

Viola playing Viola Smith is commuting to her job at The London Metropolitan Opera Company when a stranger asks if she is okay, after an incident on the Tube. Coincidentally this rather good looking guy is also heading in the same direction. After going their separate ways, they meet again, triggering an attraction neither can ignore despite his complicated personal circumstances.

I liked both Viola and Nate. Viola has an abundance of enthusiasm and a general love of life. Additionally, she empathetic to those she's close to. Nate is an estranged husband trying his best to juggle a demanding career and care for his daughter. With familial pressure, he's pulled into voluntary work he has little time for. He's not perfect and he knows it, which made him more attractive and relatable. Together, they complement each other but it's arguable whether the pair should have got involved romantically. However, I believe Viola's presence in Grace's life helped Nate to face up to his marital crisis and finally put his and his daughter's well-being back on track, even though it's heartbreaking for everyone involved.

I've mentioned before about not liking children in romance novels but I admit, the little people really stole the show, not only in the nativity play they performed in but throughout the narrative. Grace is the stand-out child as Nate's daughter but some of her school friends equally tugged at my heartstrings even though their contribution is small.

This is a Christmas story which will stay long beyond the festive season. Wonderful warm fuzzy moments within the story are interlaced with difficulties many are living with daily. Such as dealing with family disputes and finding solutions as a compromise. Viola and Nate's story highlights how this time of year accentuates issues and problems in the same way kind gestures and seasonal activities are amplified. Yet the overall effect is one of hope, compassion and sacrifice.

Snuggle up with cocoa and a warm blanket and be prepared to sample a charming insight into a Notting Hill Christmas in the snow. You won't regret it.

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

A heartwarming Christmas novel complete with snow, tree trimming, and a school nativity play. Viola finds herself getting involved with the not quite single Nate and his sweet daughter Grace. Will putting Grace's needs first mean the end to their relationship?

I loved this novel. It is Christmas bound in words, pages and a cover. It drew me in from the beginning with the introduction of Viola on her way to the Opera House and my love for it was cemented with the arrival of an armadillo in the nativity play. The chemistry between Viola and Nate sizzles and the relationship between him and his daughter, Grace pulls at the heart strings. Some children seem to be placed in a book as an afterthought or a way of directing the plot, but she is a fully formed character who I fell in love with.

I loved Jules Wakes style and ability to bring the festive cheer of London into my own home. It is humorous, emotional and entertaining.

WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Grab your duvet and hot beverage and read it. It is a beautiful and entertaining novel which ticks all the boxes for a festive read and more. It will be on my forever shelf for rereads in the run up to Christmas. I am thrilled to discover other books written by Jules Wake to enjoy including another Christmas one

This book is a follow up to Covent Garden in the Snow insofar as it has some of the same characters, but it is a whole new story with the focus on a new set of main characters and is easily read as a standalone book. However, you should definitely use this new book to catch up on the previous one which is a great book and one of my favourite Christmas reads of the past few years.

Did this sequel live up to the previous book? Did it ever, and then some. This is an absolutely perfect Christmas story with a cast of warm and wonderful characters, a gorgeous wintry setting and an enticing story line to hold it all together.

Oddly, following on from yesterday’s review, this book also centres around the staging of a school nativity play. This time we are following the story of Viola, a musician at the London Metropolitan Opera Company who is tasked with helping out a a school as a favour to a patron. Viola could do without the added stress at a busy time of year when she has work and the demands of her own, rather inconsiderate family, to deal with. However, working alongside handsome and charming lawyer Nate takes some of the sting out of it and when you throw in some cute kiddies, Viola finds herself losing her heart in more ways than one.

Jules Wake’s writing is as approachable and engrossing as ever in this book and the story really held my attention all the way through. Jules has created a character in Viola who immediately steals the heart of the reader and draws us to her side and into her story from the first page. The situation she finds herself in with Nate and Grace really moved me, and was such a relevant and contemporary scenario, totally relatable to so many people, I was captivated from start to finish.

This is a rewarding and charming festive story that repaid the time that I invested in reading it. It left me feeling moved and warmed and satisfied. Fans of this author will not be disappointed and anyone new to her books will have the delightful prospect of catching up on her back catalogue. Lucky things

This book is a delicious slice of festive feels that really could be a movie. From the first page i could picture everything as clear as day and it was delightful. We meet Viola on her way to work when someone barges her, gives her a black eye and is generally horrid but a chance meeting with a mr nine to five brightens it up. When he rocks up at her work - she literally chases after him. Viola is asked as part of her work outreach program to organise the local nativity play and with the help of mr nine to five (Nate) they seem to end up spending more and more time together.



As the pair spend more and more time together we get to see their relationship grow but not only between them but it also includes Nates daughter Grace. This book was just wonderful with brilliant leading characters that were flawed, had their own issues and just felt real. They showed it is okay to not be perfect and set out a brilliant example to Grace. Not only did it have brilliant main characters - it had sizzling well built chemistry between the pair, it was a slow burner that paid off. Lastly - it had all the festive feels - im talking Christmas tree shopping, snowman building, the most prefect sounding hot chocolate and fantastic roast dinners.



This is a read to pick up this winter to get you in the festive spirit.

Genuinely, I am not sure anything I could write would do this beauty justice. I read it days ago (and have read a couple of books since) and I just can’t shake this book from my mind and my feelings. I haven’t THE biggest book handover from Notting Hill in the Snow.
I am such a huge fan of Jules Wake in every guise, I know that any time I open her books I will be transported to an amazing place with gorgeous characters who will imprint on my heart. This book is not an exception, it will be one of my annual festive reads for sure, there is no way I can forget Viola, Nate and the adorable Grace.
Grace is the lynch pin that completely ties this story together; older than her years and so vulnerable, the relationship that develops between her and Viola is heart-warming to say the least. I enjoyed how that was the most prominent and important relationship – leaving the relationship with Nate as a complete slow burn. I wanted that to happen, don’t get me wrong but for me, what won my weary heart round was that lovely little girl finding someone she could truly rely on.
Jules writes such warm, cosy stories that are both full of emotion and amusing wit, with a patchwork of characters who will charm, some who will annoy and some who mean well but often miss the mark. Viola is a gorgeous leading lady; she’s a bit of a doormat at first and her family take advantage of her massively but as the book progressed and she got herself sorted I was cheering her on to stand up to them and say something. She is smart, funny and has an incredible heart.
Even though I had a sneaky feeling what may happen, I found it to be far more emotional that I anticipated, and I admit it nearly got me a little teary and that NEVER happens.
With a lot of really laugh out loud funny moments, gorgeous festive shenanigans and wonderfully developed relationships Jules Wake has given us something very special.
I couldn’t recommend this more if I tried. Absolutely wonderful.

Last year I read my first Jules Wake’s novel, Covent Garden In The Snow, and I loved it so I was thrilled to see some of the characters make a few appearances in her new fantastic Christmas novel. The protagonist, Viola Smith, plays the Viola for the London Metropolitan Opera Company and following a chance encounter with a handsome man on the tube she finds herself helping organising the nativity at a local school. She was supposed to help just for a few hours a week, but soon Viola finds herself involved not only in the school’s nativity, but with the Williams family, the young adorable Grace and her attractive father Nate.

I ADORED this novel. First of all, I loved the characters. The author made them very realistic and relatable. Viola is altruistic and so authentic. She can’t never say “no” to her family and she is always helping others. I enjoyed her festive mood and her love for Notting Hill and her talks with Grace were my favourite part of the story. Nate is a wonderful prince charming, but my favourite character is Grace. She is smart, wise for her age, and sensible, and, like Viola, I just wanted to hug her and make her happy.

Another thing I loved about this novel is the setting. Notting Hill is one of my favourite areas in London. I used to go there often and just walk around looking at the streets and the shops. I never had the pleasure to see it covered in snow, but I bet it’s magical.

The plot is romantic and addictive. A young woman falls in love with a single father and his daughter and, of course, it won’t be easy. I enjoyed every moment of the story and the ending was fantastic.

Notting Hill in the Snow is an amazing and refreshing story that will keep you captivated from the first to the last page, a perfect read to enjoy this winter season!

I’m just going to come right out and say it – ‘Notting Hill In The Snow’ is by far, THE best festive book I have ever read. Not only did the storyline contain snow, Christmas presents, the magic of Christmas, and of course the unforgettable Christmas armadillo (obvs!), it also had enough warmth to light a mansion and a plot which brought tears to my eyes.

Whenever someone says that they NEED Viola, she goes and helps them. Whenever Viola says she needs someone, what do they do? They try to ignore the fact that she even spoke. She is such a selfless character, and it was evident that a lot of people around her took that for granted. Yes, she could have said ‘no’ to them, but the fact that her family could be disappointed with her was enough to make her say yes to whatever they needed help with. God, I so badly wanted her to tell her family, especially her mother, to go and fornicate themselves!!

Naturally, like many of Jules Wake’s novels, a gentleman was involved in a large portion of this book. A gentleman who shared Viola’s love of mince pies (my dream man!), but also a man who was afraid. Viola ends up supporting Nate’s daughter, Grace, and oh my goodness, that was when the tears pricked at my eyes. I wont give anything away by telling you too much, but Grace was a child who was losing her way. She was afraid to be a child in fear of getting told off and, in all honesty, her reaction to Christmas broke my heart. In many ways she reminded me of my little girl due to the similar ages and interests, so my maternal instinct was on high alert whenever Grace was mentioned. I just wanted to take her under my wing and show her that it was okay to be a child, that it was okay to make a mess. Thankfully she had Viola in her corner though.

‘Notting Hill in the Snow’ has the type of storyline that you want to devour, yet it also has a storyline that you dont want to devour because you know that when you do, the feelings of elation, beautiful emotional, and cosiness will go because the book would have ended. I was absolutely gutted saying goodbye to Nate, Viola and Grace – I would love it if they came back again in another story, but who knows.

There is more than just warmth at the heart of the storyline, there is also hope, passion, magic, selflessness. Most importantly though, the storyline reminded me about the importance of being true to yourself and live life for you, and not by the way anyone else wishes you to.

I really couldnt have wished for anything more where this book was concerned – I absolutely loved everything about it, especially the way that Jules Wake made her characters come alive from her heart, to ours.

An undeniably beautiful, hilarious, and magical novel – this is the definition of perfection in my eyes.

*stands up*

‘Umm, hi everyone...’

*clears throat*

‘I’ll try that again.’ *blushes*

‘Hi everyone, welcome to the Christmas-themed reads support group. My name is Laura, and like you, I regret nothing. *giggles*’

Now, you may well laugh, but the struggle is real, peeps! At this point, I’m sure my heartbeat is playing ‘Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town’ *snorts*.

Sorry! I’m veering off on Tangents again. Let me tell you all about my current obsession...’

NHITS is an utterly delightful and enchanting read full of festive feels. My heart felt full to bursting, my ovaries didn’t know what end was up (TMI?), I shed copious amounts of tears (I blame the hormones, I really do!), I lol’d (kids + nativity = chuckles galore), but most importantly, I fell in love. I lost my heart to the most adorable seven-year-old (*coughs* and her dad wasn’t too bad either *winks).

All little Grace wants to be is loved. Isn’t that what any child deserves above all else – for their needs to be put first? *shakes head* If only life was that simple?

Then we have Viola the viola player. Always putting others needs before her own. I found myself shouting at her family to please stop taking advantage of her and her huge heart. Okay, okay, I was shouting at my kindle (quelle surprise!) *shrugs* but you catch my drift. Viola will go and above and beyond when the occasion calls for it. We all need a Viola in our life.

Nate’s life could best be described as ‘it’s complicated’. I really felt his inner struggle as he tries to juggle taking care of his beloved daughter alongside a demanding career. Viola entering their lives is like a breath of fresh air.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to guard against it (head says, ‘abort, abort’ but heart says ‘surrender’), you begin the inevitable fall where your heart no longer belongs to you.

*sniffs*

*sighs*

Flipping hormones!

*takes deep breath*

I gobbled this book up and waited with bated breath as to the outcome. I had to give myself a stern talking to, so I didn’t flip to the end. Stressed you will be *huffs*.

I can’t believe I’ve never read anything by Jules Wake before. *nods* I know, right? Cray-cray-crazy! I do wonder about myself sometimes *laughs*.

NHITS is like being enveloped in a great big hug which will pull on your heartstrings and leave you craving a hot chocolate with the works.

One last thought, remember and tell your loved ones you appreciate them. They deserve to hear it once and a while.

A charming, romantic and irresistible read that will make you smile, Jules Wake’s Notting Hill in the Snow is a delightful Christmas tale you will devour in a single sitting.

Viola Smith has always been destined to play the viola in an orchestra – with a name like that, there really wasn’t anything else she could do, was there? Passionate about music and completely and utterly in love with her job, Viola counts her blessings daily that she gets to do something which she loves with all of her heart so much every single day. But that is not to say that the job does not present itself with its challenges on a daily basis – such as travelling on public transport during rush hour with her instrument. Still, when an altercation with a very rude fellow commuter propels her into the path of a gorgeous man who looks like he’s just sauntered off a perfume advert, Viola cannot complain, even if she knows that she will never clap eyes on her gorgeous stranger from the Tube ever again…or will she? Fate does have some funny ideas sometimes…

When Nate’s daughter Grace had asked him to help out at her primary school, he couldn’t exactly say no to her. However, he never imagined that he would end up in charge of the school’s nativity play. With no script, a horde of unruly kids and Christmas fast approaching, Nate is in desperate need of help – and he has a feeling that the pretty musician he had bumped into on the Tube could well be the answer to all his problems. Nate has no idea of what he has let himself in for and judging by the shambolic rehearsals, he is going to need a miracle to pull off this year’s nativity. Luckily for him, he has Viola to help him see the fun side of things and to rely on when things get just a little bit too challenging.

The more time Nate and Viola spend together, the more they find themselves falling for one another. As their feelings for one another intensify, will they find a way to be together not just for Christmas, but forever? Or are there simply too many obstacles standing in their way?

Notting Hill in the Snow is pure gold from start to finish. Funny, heart-warming, charming and a joy from beginning to end, Notting Hill in the Snow tickles the funny bone and will have readers engrossed and completely and utterly enchanted by this entertaining and hugely enjoyable tale.

Viola is a fantastic heroine. Kind, caring and considerate, you will be cheering her on to get her happy ending and Nate is a gorgeous heroine you cannot help but fall for.

A wonderful Christmas romance that will put you in the mood for mulled wine and mince pies, Notting Hill in the Snow is a fabulous tale that should not be missed.

If you enjoyed Covent Garden in the Snow last year, this standalone book featuring some of the lovely characters is worth reading. Viola is a viola player, she is best friends with Tilly, and always willing to help out. Her meeting with Nate is unexpected, and the only high spot in a fraught journey to a morning rehearsal at Covent Garden. The chemistry simmers from their first encounter, but before you get too starry-eyed, be prepared for a very rocky road to true love, which even at the end seems unlikely to have a festive happy ending.

Viola and Nate are easy to like characters, and Grace is heartbreakingly lovely a mini adult, but so vulnerable, you want a happy ending for her, more than the adults.

Full of fun, festive cheer and poignancy, this book is guaranteed to give you a Christmassy feeling. The London setting at Christmas softens its hard edges, as everyone is touched with Christmas spirit, The orchestra, and the nativity play, provide plenty of interest and add to the story's atmosphere.

The romance is sweet but the conflicts are real and demand that Viola and Nate risk their happiness for Grace's. The ending is tender and makes you believe in love. A beautifully written Christmas tale, with a fairytale ending.

I received a copy of this book from 0ne More Chapter via NetGalley in return for an honest review.