Santa was never really a thing when I was little, but I've got to admit: sometimes it's kind of nice to imagine he might actually exist. And if anything, The Winter We Met made me realise that, maybe, in some ways, he kind of does? Nik certainly seems to be well on the way to embodying many of his most important characteristics - and it's been a while since I got to enjoy a male character being so unapologetically good.
It's Oliver, though, Jesus's best friend, who grabbed my attention from the get-go. What can I say, I'm just a sucker fir strong male-female friendships. Especially the ones that maybe have just a bit of an undercurrent to them - or, well, a lot of that. If nothing else, The Winter We Met certainly served me with a better love triangle than I've read in a while - and it never even really was one!
Now, I have to admit that I'm not generally that big of a fan of a first person narration - but for once, this story actually managed to make me ignore that. Must be the holiday atmosphere just dripping off the pages!

I liked this book, but I can't honestly say that I loved it. It was good and heartwarming, but there wasn't nothing about it that would set it apart from all the other books in this genre. But, given that, it was still an enjoyable enough way to pay the time!

This book felt really long. It was an okay read. I loved Alf's conspiracy theory, because I had the same one! And I loved how Nik brought out the best in each of the residents at the care home. I didn't really love the ending, it just felt rushed and a little out of no where.

A fun, lighthearted Christmas read! I adored the residents of Willow Court, especially Alf. What a hoot! Settle in for some laughs, some love and some festive cheer.

There are strange ways or strange turns of events which have led people to find love. But can a meeting on an aeroplane lead two people to find love???

I absolutely loved this book!!! What do I say more about it? With Christmas approaching, a perfect read to boost your Christmas spirit. The author has created such a beautiful community of elder people. You get immediately invested in their lives. I felt a pang in my heart when I learned that Willow Court is shutting down. I could feel the confusion, distress of the elders. It’s heart-breaking. I was eager to get to know whether they would find a similar friendly home with amazing residents

I loved the bond between Jess and her Grandmother Alice. It was Grandmother-Granddaughter cum friends more type of bond. And along with that I also loved the bond between Jess and Oliver. Their banter and friendship really felt good. They were always there for each other and they made a very strong and good team. In fact, for me what made this story beautiful was the team-work. The characters worked together as a team for arranging the party. I loved how the story proceeded

The theories Oliver had about Nik were fascinating to read and I have to admit I did agree with Oliver a few times. Though I loved Nik and his relationship with each character in the book, but he seemed too perfect to be true. The friendship portrayed between the resident of the willow court is a delight to read. They were so committed to making the best out of this Christmas knowing that next year they might not be celebrating Christmas together.

It is always fascinating to read stories entwined between different generations. And this book has it!! I adored everything about this book. The characters were amazing, so were the toys, the dessert shop, the bond between Jess -Alice and Jess – Oliver, Jess’s ideas about the new shop window designs, Nik and Buddy off course!!! How can I forget him? Buddy was like a character in himself!!

Christmas is all about family, friends, love, right?? And this heart-warming book “The Winter We Met” has all these elements. Certainly, a book to be cherished.

Read my full review at - https://damselinthebookland.wordpress.com/2020/10/08/the-winter-we-met/

Heartwarming and thoroughly enjoyable story. Really likeable characters with a beautifully portrayed relationship between Gran and Grand daughter. Really touching tale. The intrigue involved just adds to the charm of the book. Certainly gets you in the mood for Christmas!

Thank you Netgalley.

I really like a story with an authentic meet-cute. This story shows the characters meeting on a plane. Not entirely original, but a great start and engaging.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I liked the character descriptions, but found some of the scene descriptions a bit too detailed.

The side story regarding the care home was touching and quite thought provoking, particularly during lockdown and in the run up to Christmas.

Overall, a nice story, ideal for settling down with a warm drink and a couple of biscuits!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 📚

Written in the first person, which I don't normally like, and still don't, this was really strange too, not much conversation but answering (a non written question), lots of whats she's doing with plenty of detail, not my cup of tea, but nevertheless an interesting  story.  Still a good read and the story and characters were lovely.

Thanks to Netgalley for an early review ebook copy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Aria books for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute book. It was like reading a Hallmark movie.

It was fun and easy going. It is a great book for getting in the Christmas spirit.

I feel like it is perfect for those who want something that is light-hearted and sweet. I will recommend it to others.

This is an enjoyable and festive story, that’s more than just a seasonal romcom. There’s almost two stories with the toyshop element, and the Willow Court care home element. They tie together cleverly with very touching and inspiring consequences.

The characters are all larger than life and fascinating. Nik is gorgeous, Jess is strong and genuine, Gran is sweet and courageous, to name just a few of the lovely people we meet.

It’s an original Christmassy story that uses toys, a staple part of Christmas fare, and a more serious issue of senior care that can be rather fragile.

Great fun, moving, absorbing.

This was a really great seasonal read.
The writing is great and the characters are too!
But it was a tad bit of a slow burn for me.
Thank you netgalley

What a delightfully magically Christmas read this was, it was filled with the essence of Christmas, good friends and wonderful stories. I was shedding a tear on the last few pages. Jess meets Nik on a plane as they return from a toy fair and strike up an immediate bond of friendship, that journey blossoms into so much more as the Jess helps Nik to explore the place. However just as things are going wonderfully for the pair, Jess gets an upsetting call - her grans care home is closing down before Christmas but she knows she can find her the next best place, and throw the residents a party like they will ever forget and let them bid farewell in style. So joining forces Jess and Nik alongside Oliver - Jess' roommate they set on a mission.

This was lovely, it was festive, it was about friendship, the meaning of Christmas and so much more. Can a chance meeting find Jess the real love of her life? Will the residents of Willow Court find the happiness they deserve?

I loved each and every character in this book, they all had their own unique personalities, and Nik really brought them out to shine. I really think this captured the festive spirit so well. I feel so warmed and happy after reading this delightful read. Really appreciate been able to review this one!

What a delightful read this was! I loved it right from the start.

Jess meets Nik on a flight, and I thought this was going to be a simple love story. But it’s so much more.

With fabulous, authentic characters and a heart-warming plot, it’s impossible not to adore this book. The residents in the care home are just wonderful. There’s such a lovely sense of community with them all, and they all have such fascinating pasts.

This book will leave you feeling completely festive and also so uplifted. It will brighten up anyone’s day. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An absolute dream of a christmas book filled with festive cheer galore.
Jess meets Nik on the plane flying home when she was seated ont he wrong seat but they hit it off. Nik is Australian and is spending some time in London so they spend some time together getrting to know each other a little more, they have great persoanlity together and enjoy books and toys is a passion they share equally however, Jess best frind Oliver isnt too happy with their blossoming new friendship.
Willow court is closing down and the duo go about to make them a christmas party they wont forgetm after all, Aussies have a christmas in jukly so why cant willow court?
A truly magical book, that should be put into a hallmark movie. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this book.

I was so excited to read this book and was looking forward to being filled up with festivities and I wasn’t disappointed,

The blossoming relationship between Jess and Nik was evident from the moment he sat down next to her on the plane, helping to distract her from her fear of flying you could see the sparks in the air. It felt like the two of them had had one of ‘those moments’ and you knew from there that this was going to be a lovely story.

However a few chapters in and I was starting to feel a bit unsure about Nik. He was so nice, loving, caring and would jump to help anyone - be it Jess or one of the residents at Willow Court. His background as well was definitely beginning to have a few similarities to a rather well known St Nick… was he going to turn out to be Santa Claus, or maybe part of the family sent down to find a wife - is there a particular Christmas film springing to mind here?!

I wasn’t the only one with varying thoughts about Nik, while Jess was becoming closer and closer to Nik, her flat mate Oliver starting voicing his concerns. After all they’d only know Nik for a matter of weeks and he was already becoming an integral part of Jess’ life - did he have an alternative motive? Everything just seemed ‘too perfect’ about him.

As the story went on you realised that even though Jess and Nik were the main characters of the book, they weren’t the stars of the book. I think that award falls to the residents and staff (especially Lynn) at Willow Court. These are the characters that you really learn to love and their individual personalities shine through. I loved the positive light that Samantha shone on the home and the help and love from the staff - as evident with the special thanks that she gives to the care workers throughout the current climate.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This week in my English class, I learned how to show and not tell. Therefore, I can now identify places where authors may need to work on this. In this novel, I felt like I was being told what was happening and I wasn’t able to learn for myself how the characters were. I wasn’t able to connect with the characters or feel for them. Otherwise, this was a cute story that had a lot of potentials.

I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.

Such a cute and fun read! Perfect distraction in life right now. Really enjoyable characters and story and hard to put down!

This was definitely a heartwarming winter read, it was perfect for curling up with a blanket and a cup of tea. Definitely a good start to getting me into the Christmas mood. Simply lovely.

This is the first book I’ve read that was written by this author and I have to say it was fantastic. I love how the author pulls you into the story.

Jess meets Nik on the airplane as she’s flying back home from a Christmas Toy Fair. She has no idea the impact that this cute meet will have on her life. Jess invites Nik, who is also in the toy business, to come and tour her toy shop that she owns and is so proud of. She really wants to get to know Nik before he has to return to Australia. At the end of the shop tour, Jess receives a phone call from the care home that her grandmother lives in. She is told that the care home, Willow Court, will be closing before Christmas, so all the residents must find a place to live before Christmas. With the help of Nik and her friend Oliver she sets out to find the perfect place for her Grandmother. The residents of Willow Court care home are so likable and it is such a joy to read about them and their lives. This festive, heartwarming Christmas romance is a must read for anyone who wants to read great book that pulls at your heartstrings.

I loved the flow of the story, it kept moving and it kept me enthralled. I couldn’t wait to find out the ending but I wasn’t ready for it to end. I recommend this book and this author. I will definitely read more from this author.

Unfortunately I just couldn’t get in to this one. The dialogue seemed strained and unnatural and I struggled to like the characters.