Member Reviews

Archived prior to download. I would like to read this book still, will most likely purchase! Unfortunately, I was unable to read it as I began a new job. Therefore, I no longer have access to this book for reviewing purposes.

Was this review helpful?

I've not read a book from Kiley before but I have to say that I really enjoyed this story.

This is the kind of book that you read on a cold day curled up on the sofa with a throw and candles lit.

I thought the cover was so pretty and once I read the blurb I was wanting to read this book.

I loved the characters and the storyline alot. It might've been the second book but it doesn't matter if you haven't read the first book as it's ok to read them as a standalone.

Was this review helpful?

What a really lovely book. This had me gripped throughout a couple of chilly autumn nights all tucked up in bed.

I really liked the character of Kelsey and loved the gentle warmth of her friendship with Mirren and Blythe.
I liked the plot twist about Blythe too.

I loved that the women in this book had the love of their men but they weren’t defined by that.

This arc copy was provided but netgalley for an honest review.

5* book... must read the 1st one now!

Was this review helpful?

I chose this because of the gorgeous cover and also the blurb which said it was a perfect read for "fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin" - which I am.

It was also "100% my type on paper" because I love an easy, light-hearted story and particularly one with:

* Friendship as well as romance - this was a two-for-one with dual story lines of best friends Kelsey and Mirren
* A small fledgling business - in this case Kelsey is trying to get her photography business of the ground.
* New beginnings - Mirren is reeling from a bad break up and losing her job.
* A picturesque setting - the author vivid descriptions of rivers and barges, theatres and actors really brought Stratford-Upon-Avon to life
* A strong support cast - from eccentric Blythe to kindly Kenneth or dreamy Adrian

This was actually the second book featuring Kelsey and I thought the authors letter at the start which introduced the characters and their back story was a lovely touch for people like me who hadn't read 'One Summer's Night'. But, the book works really well as a stand-alone so it really doesn't matter anyway.

Sadly though despite all this I just didn't connect with this for some reason. Perhaps it was all the Shakespeare references and quotes (not really my thing - sorry), or the fact Kelsey was so love struck (unrealistically so after just four days), or maybe just because it was a bit slow-moving - I'm not really sure.

Was this review helpful?

First of all i did not know this book was second book in the duology. But the author Said you could read this book As a standalone. I guess you can, but for me i felt like I just joined in a book too late. Did i read this book? Yes i did. A enjoyed the characters very miuch. I liked the romance in the book . But for me the story was too light,of you know what I mean. But thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Was this review helpful?

One winters night by Kiley Dunbar

One winters night is set in autumn in Stratford-upon-Avon. We follow Kelsey Anderson who has opened her own photography studio and her friendMirren who comes to stay with her. Mirren ends up discovering a long buried secret about Kelsey’s long distance boyfriend.

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected too! I wasn’t sure Id enjoy the odd Shakespeare reference but there wasn’t much and what there was I didn’t mind. One of my favourite things was the way autumn is described through the book, I felt like I was reading my own thoughts sometimes!

All the characters in this book were really likeable, the story was enjoyable. It was a really light hearted seasonal read and I loved it ❤️

Thankyou Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The first thing I have to say about this book is that I haven´t read the previous one, "One Summer's Night", and I wish I had. But like the author said at the beginning of the story, you can read this one as a standalone.
Kelsey Anderson is enjoying her new life in Stratford-Upon-Avon. And her new life as owner of a photography studio. She has a long distance relationship with her boyfriend Jonathan.
When her best friend Mirren Imrie moves down from Scotland, Kelsey is delighted to have her friend at her side. When Mirren starts dating, she finds herself growing closer to sexy journalist, Adrian Armadale. But things get heated when Mirren uncovers a long-buried scandal while working at the local newspaper, her big scoop might throw Kelsey’s – and Jonathan’s – life upside down. And when Jonathan returns from America and discovers the secrets Mirren has uncovered about his family, it throws his relationship with Kelsey onto shaky ground. Can they find their way back to love, before it becomes the winter of their discontent?
I like this book, is sweet and easy to read. Maybe a bit too long, but mostly enjoyable and romantic. I love the dynamics between the two friends and their partners. This is one of those books to read near a Christmas tree with a cup of hot chocolate next to you. Enjoy! I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

Fantastic read, absolutely adored this, perfect Christmas read, made me want to sit indoors , snuggle with a hot chocolate and ignore the world for a few hours.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Was this review helpful?

One Winter's Night follows best friends Kelsey and Mirren. Kelsey has just finished a life-changing summer as a tour-guide in Stratford-on-Avon where she met the love of her life, an actor. After a short time together, Kelsey and Jonathan are navigating a long-distance relationship while Kelsey tries to get her photography business off the ground. Mirren is a reporter, fighting against the old boys' club and finds herself needing a new direction, so joins Kelsey in Stratford for the winter trying to find her next step.

The character development in this book is really well done and the writing is pleasant and enjoyable. It was a pleasant romantic book, dealing with real-world issues in a relatable way. The setting in Stratford-on-Avon is picturesque and will be enjoyed by any Shakespeare fan. This book is minimal on the steam and heat, with a minimal close-door romantic interlude. I did feel like the book possibly tried to do too much by continuing Kelsey and Jonathan's story from the previous book (which did not necessarily need to be read first) and introducing Mirren and her storyline as well. I also felt at times that the point-of-view shifted without much warning and it was at times hard to tell who was narrating at that point.

Was this review helpful?

This is the follow up to One Summer's Night. There is a summary at the start of this book to recap what happened in the previous book. This means that it can be read as a standalone novel.
There is a lot of this book that is much more enjoyable and understandable if you have read the first book, especially around Kelsey and Jonathan's relationship.
There are a lot of new characters in this book, and Blythe is absolutely wonderful and fascinating. It's also great to catch up with some of the previous characters.
I love the settings in this book, as well as the references to William Shakespeare. The locations sound magical in the Winter. I would say that this book is more of a cosy Winter read than a Festive read.
I liked reading this book it was fun, enjoyable and heartwarming. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book! It is my first Kiley Dunbar book, but will not be my last! I love wintery plots and the romance was a nice bonus!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy of this book!

Was this review helpful?

This book was all over the place.

First, it was pitched as a holiday romance. This is a chick-lit and a woman’s fiction that tackles Christmas by the very end.

And second, I had no idea this was a series. I don’t think it was specific in the description. Even though it could have been read as a standalone, I felt no connection to the story cause I feel like I arrived in the middle of something; part of Kelsey’s life was already settled.

And the writing was, unfortunately, very boring. There were too many storylines, I got confused by so many plots. The secrets adverted in the description were very random and not explored the way they should’ve been, given they’re in the description. I’m disappointed, I was really expecting to like this.

The mansplaining and sexism Mirren has to endure while being a reporter is a strong storyline, even though misplaced cause I didn’t know she’d be a main character. And the main story about Kelsey becoming a photographer takes most of the book and it was so slow.

And, at last, the romances were poorly developed and I felt no connection to the relationships.

I wouldn’t recommend this, except if you’re looking for an autumn/winter chick-lit placed in Stratford Upon-Avon,

Was this review helpful?

Kelsey has started a new life in Stratford Upon Avon. She has a new career, new friends and a new boyfriend, whom is halfway across the world making his name on the stage. Kelsey is given an opportunity to make a career out of what she loves most, Photography. With a studio and a narrow boat will Kelsey find her way. Mirren, Kelsey's long term friend comes to stay with Kelsey in Stratford following resigning from her Job in Scotland as a journalist, Mirren and kelsey stumble upon one of Stratford's biggest scandals, something that may well just hurt others around them.Can they keep the secret or do they spill the beans?

Absolutely LOVED it, was hooked from the first page!

Beautifully written but gripping. Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars. This is a heartwarming Christmas story about friendship and love.

Kelsey is trying to get her photography business off the ground in Stratford-Upon-Avon. She's missing her boyfriend, who is in North America on tour with his theater company. Mirren is getting sick of her terrible job in Edinburgh and needs a change. She moves to Stratford-Upon-Avon to join Kelsey and get away from everything. And she's sworn off men. We follow their struggles and friendship throughout the fall and winter.

This is a really cute story. However, I didn't really feel a huge attachment to either Kelsey or Mirren, which made it harder to really get sucked into the story. Maybe if I had read the first book? I also struggle with communication problems being the root of conflict, which is definitely a big trope in this book, so proceed with caution if that bothers you.

For someone really wanting to experience a slice of life in Stratford-Upon-Avon through the winter, this is a great book for that!

Was this review helpful?

One Winter's Night by Kiley Dunbar is the first of the author's work that I've read. Although this book is the second in a series, the author provided ample background at the start of the book for me to understand the characters and their relationships to each other. The pacing of the book was a little slow for me, though the overall story was a pleasant and fairly light read. I enjoyed reading about Mirren's struggles and relationships, and I appreciated when the focus of the story was on Mirren rather than on Kelsey and Jonathan. I loved Blythe's character and the vivid setting of the story. This story was warm, cozy, and inviting - perfect for a winter's night.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A gorgeously uplifting, romantic read that will warm your heart – take a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where magic happens…

It’s autumn in beautiful Stratford-Upon-Avon and Kelsey Anderson is enjoying her new life in her adopted town. Her Shakespearean tour guide days behind her, she’s now opened her own photography studio and loved up with boyfriend Jonathan – even if a long-distance relationship is sometimes lonely.

When best friend Mirren Imrie moves down from Scotland, Kelsey is delighted to have her friend at her side – and as the nights turn colder, Mirren throws herself into dating, until she finds herself growing closer to sexy journalist, Adrian Armadale. But when Mirren uncovers a long-buried scandal while working at the local newspaper, her big scoop might throw Kelsey’s – and Jonathan’s – life upside down. Will she choose her career over her friends’ happiness?

And when Jonathan returns from America and discovers the secrets Mirren has uncovered about his family, it throws his relationship with Kelsey onto shaky ground. Can they find their way back to love, before it becomes the winter of their discontent?

A romantic, funny and feelgood read that will make you smile from ear to ear. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will fall in love with this cosy winter read!

I love holiday books. But this one was a little slow for me. It pick up at the end, but ths one didn't wow me. Just 3 stars. I just hoped for more ...

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I have read by Kiley, The characters really come alive through the story telling, I love going on the journey with each one. I would really recommend this book, a really lovely read.

Was this review helpful?

This is the sequel to Kiley's One Summer's Night, which I am glad I read before reading this latest one. I felt I knew the characters and what had happened previously, which made this book a more enjoyable read. It deserves 5 stars in my view

Was this review helpful?

A lovely, enjoyable book set in the beautiful sounding Stratford~upon~Avon. Full of great characters and each one we meet unfolds another story, which become woven together beautifully. I certainly recommend reading this one.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a cute, uplifting story that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face!

If you’re feeling blue and in need of an escape, then do yourself a favor and lose yourself in this book for a little while. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or tea, wrap yourself in a big warm blanket, and escape into this story that will lift your spirits and transport you into a cozy autumn wonderland filled with magic and hope.


One Winter’s Night showcases a little
bit of everything from romance and drama to lovely locations in both England and Scotland. The main character was lovely and the love story was adorable, so all aspects of this story had just the right amount of charm and appeal to make it whimsical and sweep you away.

This is also a festive read of sorts, as it features a few different holidays, spanning from Christmas to Valentine’s Day. This just further added to the feel good and cheery mood of the novel. After all, holidays are all
about feeling happy!

This is a feel good novel filled with characters and moments to be cherished. It’s about finding hope when you are unsure, as characters are pulled apart only to come together again. It’s a story about friends, love, family, and relationships.

Brew a pot of coffee and settle in for this cozy, heartwarming read. You won’t regret it!

Was this review helpful?