Jess works in a toy shop, and on a return trip from a Christmas Toy Fair she gets into the wrong seat on the airplane, meeting Nik. Nik’s family is in toy manufacturing in Australia, and he’s heading on a scouting trip to discover what toys are hot in Europe and England, to see if he can’t find some way to prop up lagging sales. Instantly the two strike up a conversation, and the chemistry is palpable between them. Because she’s not ready to let this chance encounter end, she invites Nik to visit “her” store – and their story continues. Not everything is smooth though, because Jess gets a call from Willow Court, the care home where her grandmother lives. Unfortunately, the care home is slated to close by the holiday, leaving Jess with two problems: finding another wonderful place for her grandmother to get the care she needs, and how to say goodbye to residents that have become friends and family, and send them off in different directions before the home closes.

Coming home to her flat and her best friend Oliver, Jess decides that the plans need to be made for the BEST Christmas / goodbye party ever, and finding time to organize that and find a new place for her grandmother, and she’s surprised when Nik is willing to help and digs in. Perhaps Oliver is a bit thrown by Jess's interest in Nik, and his own feelings never quite being voiced, but the conversations with Oliver and Alf – a resident at the care home – are truly delightful as they both have different theories about Nik, his intentions and his past.

Throughout the story we meet the residents of the care home as they get involved and excited about the plans for their ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ themed Christmas party, the decorations, the toys (which many are old-school traditional bringing up many ‘I remember this” moments) and the genuine affection that the residents have for one another and their families in this trying time. Full of holiday spirit, heart, love and that je nais se quoi that just makes everything feel like Christmas, this is a feel-good story that has plenty of smiles to go around.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aOr /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Jess has her ideal job running a toy shop, her ideal flatmate in Oliver, and her gran living close by, life is good. When she finds herself sitting next to the handsome, charismatic Nik on a flight home from a Christmas trade fair it seems it might get even better.

Having discovered her new friend also works in the toy industry, Jess invites Nik to come and see the shop she is so proud of and maybe work on their friendship a little before he returns to Australia. Taking a phone call just as their shop tour is over Jess is horrified to hear her Gran's care home, Willow Court, is closing and everyone has to find another place to live before Christmas.

What follows is a whirlwind of organisation, not only to find Gran a new home but also arrange the final Christmas party for all the residents before they are forced apart. With Nik and Oliver on hand to help Jess begins to hope she can sort everything and keep everyone happy and if she has a little romance along the way well, she's certainly not going to discourage it!

This is a lovely, feel good, work of fiction which in a lot of ways slots into real life perfectly. Jess, Nik, Oliver and her work colleague, Seb, are so well drawn they step off the page as their stories unfold along with Buddy the dog.

What lifts this book to a five star read however, are the residents and staff of Willow Court. Ms Tongue has been spot on in describing the differing personalities needed here; those who rely on the goodness and kindness of others in their final years as well as the changes caused by illness or circumstance which goes hand in hand with the inevitability of growing older.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and recommend it unreservedly. If you only read one Christmas novel this year make sure this is it.

The warmth of the story leaps out of the pages. Filled with community and Christmas spirit.

Jess meets hunky Australian Nik on a flight back from a trade show for children's toys. He embeds himself in her life and and that of those around her, helping where he can. As Jess and Nik get closer, could romance be on the cards?

Will leave you wanting to visit the shop where Jess works 'Under the tree'. Will also make you want to step right in and enter 'the corner desert shop' for the tempting treats of cakes, waffles and pancakes.

Not only that but at the centre of this story is Willow Court an old people's home where Jess's grandmother lives. You learn of the life of the residents there as they try to pull off a last Christmas party before it closes.


A lovely take on a truly British winter! Refreshing read centred around the elderly of Willow Court.

I received and Advanced Readers Copy of The Winter We Met by Samantha Tonge for my fair and honest opinion. The book will be released October 8, 2020.

From the publisher: When charming, mysterious Nik sits next to Jess on a plane home from a Christmas toy trade fair, she never could have imagined the impact he’d have on her life. As they touch down in London, Jess is hesitant to let Nik walk away, and before she knows it, she’s invited him to visit.

As the two take in the delights of the toy store where she works, Jess gets an upsetting phone call. Willow Court, her Grandmother’s care home, is to close before Christmas. Jess is determined to find the perfect new home for her Gran – and throw the best Christmas party Willow Court has ever seen!

But time is running out with the closure looming and Jess becomes increasingly drawn to enigmatic Nik who joins forces with her and best friend Oliver to realise those plans.

Will a chance encounter on an aeroplane bring love to Jess’s life or is this Christmas miracle too good to be true?”


I feel like I’m an Anglophile at heart. I don’t drink coffee, I drink tea, I adore the royal family and read everything I can about them, some of my favorite romance films are set in Britain like Love Actually, Notting Hill, and one I just got to see a couple of weeks ago, Last Christmas. So reading a British romance was a no-brainer.

The Winter We Met just about met all my expectations of British lifestyle, especially from the food standpoint. Jess brings Nik to various eateries to enjoy stuff like bread pudding and kidney pie, stuff he does not get living in Australia. And let me tell you, there’s a lot of eating out, and descriptions of breakfasts, teas and dinners. And mixed drinks, too, lots of going out and drinking. I really want to try a Snowflake Martini after the description of it, and I’m a teetotaler! The Bargain Sleuth in my wants to know how these young single people can afford to eat out and go out for drinks so much and then I remember: they don’t have kids to drain the pocketbook. And maybe it’s cheaper to eat out in England than here in the United States.

What I really liked in this book was the amount of time spent talking about and doing things with Buddy the dog. I know it might seem trivial, but I don’t often read books where it is repeatedly mentioned that the characters took their dog for a walk. Sometimes a character might stroke the fur of a cat on a lap, but that’s it. Buddy is a character himself in this book.

I also like the face that The Winter When We Met spends a good deal of the book is spent at Willow Court, the assisted living facility where Jess’s grandmother lives. Willow Court’s owners are closing the facility, and all the residents need to find a place to live in a short amount of time. And they have to be out by Christmas. The residents are supporting characters in this love story, and they are delightful. Putting on a Christmas/goodbye party with the theme of It’s a Wonderful Life, just like the movie, is a stroke of genius on the part of the author.

I also liked the fact that when Jess and Nik are talking toys, they’re not always talking about technological gadgets. They focus on classics, educational toys, books, innovative toys, etc., just the things I try to focus on with my kids at Christmas.

From a romance standpoint, Nik seems to good to be true. He is too good to be true, rather like a Ken doll come-to-life. He’s tall, handsome, always says the right thing, he’s bright, witty, charitable, everything a sane woman would look for in a man. And Jess definitely is a sane woman. But I have to agree with Oliver, Jess’s flat mate. Something about the perfect Nik bugged me, the way it bugged Oliver. Nik has to be hiding something. Why is he 34 and still unmarried if he’s that great of a guy? That’s why I was happy with the romantic resolution in the book; it was what I was what I hoped for, and not unexpected, but still heartwarming.

If you need a book to kickstart your holiday season (and believe me, in 2020, the holiday season can’t come soon enough), The Winter We Met is a charming novel. Four out of five stars.

This book is a fun Christmas read. It centers along the main character, toy shops, and a nursing home. I did think the book was somewhat montanous but overall it was a good Christmas read if you want something to get you into the holiday spirit.

Thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for a copy to honestly review.

Can meeting on a airplane lead to romance? Stranger ways have led people to find romance! Nik & Jess find that they also have toys in common. Jess is in management at a toy shop and Nik is in a family business of manufacturing toys, but in another country.
But, Love travels! However, Jess has family issues, her grandmother is in a nursing home and it’s going to close-up and she has to find another place!

Can love create a miracle for Jess & her grandmother because it’s the Christmas season or is she going to be disappointed?
This is a lighthearted Christmas read. The only thing I was disappointed about was the ending. I won’t give a spoiler, but I was shocked with the ending! I wish the author would have given us more insight about what happens with one of the characters!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

The Winter we Met is a delicious slow burn. It gently leads into a wonderfully romantic tale but, it takes its time getting there. Despite this, I felt that the pace was just right.
Our heroine Jess works at a traditional toy-shop, Under the Tree. Her flatmate and best friend, Oliver works at a local cocktail bar, even though his family is wealthy. Her Gran is a resident of Willow Court, a wonderful care home facing closure. On a business trip to a toy fair in Germany, Jess finds herself in the wrong airline seat and next to the very handsome Nik. Could Jess be about to find love and romance and what will it mean for the rest of her friends and family?
This book explores modern, common misconceptions of our elderly. It’s easy to overlook how much of their zest for life remains and it’s wonderful to be reminded of their capacity for fun. Jess is damaged by her mother’s rejection and needs the wise observations of her friends to point out what is happening under her nose.
I found the idea of the painted stones and of the ‘Wonderful Life’ Christmas party to be enchanting; just the heart-warming prescription required as we head towards the festive season.
Jess’ discovery of her own happy ever after was perfectly unpredictable and made for a wonderful conclusion to this festive read.
I do hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

Coming home from a Toy Fair in Germany toy shop manager Jess is joined by Nik, who works for his family business, a toy factory in Australia. Their conversation starts a series of events in the lead up to Christmas. The care home that Jess's grandmother, Alice, lives in is suddenly due to close just before Christmas and they decide to have one last Christmas party. Jess is helped by Nik, her flat mate Oliver and colleague Seb to make this one to remember.
This book deals very sensitively with the subject of old age, especially dementia, and how we deal with it. There is the question around Nik, a man with no background that can be found and is very helpful to all that he meets, who Jess starts falling for. He is tall, greying, of Nordic heritage and has a penchant for wearing red and Oliver is very suspicious on his intentions. The residents of the home are brought to life, the frustration of starting to suffer from the effects of dementia upon someone and their family, counterbalanced by the joy that the party could bring. A book to sit and read on an autumnal evening, in front of a warm fire, and lose yourself in the story.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

A wonderful book about how an unexpected meeting brings joy, hope and the meaning of Christmas back to Willow court. Mixed in with love, friendship and a huge hug in a book

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Although it is autumn and early (for me) to read books about winter I really enjoyed this nice easy cosy read. Great storyline and nice characters.

A feel good wintery book to warm your core!

I loved the angles of this book: toy shops, Christmas, care homes and also the joy of inter-generational respect and friendship.
It gives you a warm hug in the pages as you learn about the residents and staff of Willow Court and also an insight in to what truly matters as you look back on life and have the wisdom of years' experience.

I loved this storyv

This was such a sweet, feel-good read. I fell completely in love with the residents of Willow Court. Every character in this book is just so fun and likable. Highly recommended read, especially if you're needing a pick me up.

Thank you to Aria Fiction, Netgalley, and Samantha Tonge for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this title.

I have felt like a bit of a big kid reading this, as within the main characters we have a toy maker and a toy shop manager. And I loved hearing about various toys especially with the focus more on the traditional sorts.

And although the toys are a focus, the main story is about Willow Court, which is the care home where Jess's gran, Alice is currently living, until they are given barely any notice of its upcoming closure.

This close to Christmas it throws their plans for a Christmas party into disarray, as well as having to look for new homes. It is down to Jess, flat mate and best friend Oliver and new handsome stranger Nik to save the day and put on a fabulous party.

We get to know all the residents of Willow Court really well, and they really are a lovely group of people.

Jess and Nik first meet when Jess sits in the wrong seat on a plane, and they get chatting and hit it off big time. Nik is a gorgeous Aussie hunk, who seems to good to be true. During the book, Oliver has his own theories about Nik, but Alf, one of the Willow Court residents with a penchant for conspiracy theories, also has a theory. And let's just say I really really Alf's theory to be true, it gave me such a stupidly big grin, it made sense, left me feeling so good for the remainder of the story.

I really enjoyed seeing the plans for the party come together, and just learning more about all the characters in this. I could really imagine Willow Court, and given my mum is currently in such a home, gives me some sort of comfort that there are places out there that will treat their residents well.

I loved everything about this book, from Buddy, to the dessert shop, everything about Nik, the craft activities, the new shop window designs Jess was coming up with and the real sense of well being and friendship amongst everyone at Willow Court.

So heart-warming, this is a book that really embodies the spirit of Christmas.

Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.,

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher, Aria, for a copy of this eBook. This is my honest opinion.

This is the story of Jess Jagger, toy shop manager, who sits in the wrong seat when flying back from a toy show – a move which brings Nik into her life. Nik’s family run a toy manufacturing company from Australia but it’s struggling and he’s on a research trip to see what’s new and popular in toy stores around Europe with the hope of injecting some new ideas into the business. Jess invites him to visit Under the Tree – the shop she manages – and they soon become firm friends.

Jess’s flatmate, Oliver, doesn’t seem too enamoured by Jess’s new friendship and is convinced that Nik isn’t the person he claims to be, especially when befriends the residents of the care home where Jess’s gran lives. Oliver becomes even more suspicious when Nik gets involved in a plan to throw a last Christmas party before the care home closes – shock news for everyone and awful timing – and the residents are separated into new homes.

I have a real fondness for intergenerational stories when the elderly characters are conveyed in a non-stereotypical way and Samantha Tonge handles this beautifully with some really interesting personalities. I love the friendships that are painted between the residents and how devastated they are at the news of Willow Court’s closure, and also the friendships with the staff and the families of the residents.

My favourite moment involves pebbles. I won’t say any more than that. I thought it was beautiful and poignant. I also loved the way the community pulled together to give the residents a memorable final Christmas party.

As for whether Oliver is right to be suspicious about Nik, you’ll just have to read The Winter We Met to find out for yourself!

This is a heart-warming story filled with lovely sentiments about what the spirit of Christmas is and the importance of family and friendships. Awww.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another great book from Samantha.

When Jess meets Nik on a plane on her way home she starts to fall for him. Oliver Jess’s flatmate thinks that Nik is not all he seems and tries to talk Jess out of wanting a romantic relationship with Nik. When Jess’s is told her grandma’s care home is closing Nik helps organise a Christmas party they won’t forget. Jess finds out that Nik doesn’t feel the same way about her. Does Oliver have feelings for Jess and if so will they be honest with how they feel about each other.

This is the kind of novel to curl up with Ona. Cold evening. It’s warm, relatable and has a good Helping of festiveness for good measure.
Loved the characters.

Another fabulous heartwarming festive read. Samantha excels at writing adorable and uplifting community based stories. You are quickly absorbed into the lives of all the residents at Willow Court and to Jess and her lovely flat mate and best friend Oliver.
I found this such an enduring and pleasurable book, filled with all the best aspects of Christmas, I adored the theme for the party, It’s A Wonderful Life as it is a favourite movie of mine , especially at Christmas, so it’s inclusion was absolutely perfect!
Nik was so gorgeous! I’d love to have the opportunity to meet him! He was such a wonderful character who really knew how to bring the community together and to embrace the season and to look for the positive in the little things.

2 1/2, elevated to 3.

I had high hopes for this story. It started well and with a strong romance, but later on something happens that I didn't particularly like. I'd say it's more of women's fiction with a romantic subplot than a romance.

There's a fun cast of secondary characters with a lot of quirks and a message of kindness. The It's a Wonderful Life theme for the party at the care home was sweet to read.

The ending felt a bit rushed.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This is a cosy read with a lovely cast of characters including the nursing home residents who were all well represented. Jess was a positive character with a strong bond with her gran and a few very genuine friends, Nik was perfect, almost two perfect to be fair but it was impossible to find anything to dislike about him or any of the characters. This is a very positive book and whilst based around a Christmas party doesn’t overkill the subject which makes it a great read for anytime in the year..

This is a Christmas book that will stay in your heart. It’s not just a Christmas romance it takes us on a journey with the residents of Willow Lodge care Home where the residents are told the home has been sold and they have to move out. While they organise one last Christmas party we are given glimpses into their lives past and present. Samantha Tonge captures old age, dementia and fragility so beautifully. Jess and her gran have been through so much together and Jess together with her flat mate Oliver and Nik, the man she met on a plane are determined to make the last Christmas party the best ever. As the residents face a new future will Jess find her happy ever after?