Member Reviews
Loved reading this book, the story was very good and very well written. The characters were interesting and this made the novel come alive. Good to curl up with during this cold weather of late autumn in preparation for Christmas. I recommend this and give it 5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this e ARC
Christmas at Honeyford was the perfect way to kick off my holiday reading list! The main characters, Tess and Sam, both have struggles and issues they must overcome in order to have a second chance at love and happiness. The character development was good and the progression of their story was just right. I could really see this being turned into a Hallmark Christmas movie! It was a very sweet romance and a great pick for readers who love happy endings.
This was a sweet, cozy, holiday romance. If you enjoy small town romances with a grump and sunshine, this may be for you! Though this is a companion to two other novels, it is completely unnecessary to have read them (I didn't, but I will be now!).
The book is set in the quaint town of Honeyford in England and Tanya Jean Russell did an excellent job of painting the picture of this small town. So well that I found myself being transported and wanted to pop into the bakery to try the tasty treats she wrote about.
I loved Tess and Sam's story and that they were both coming with their own histories of relationships and were both so patient with each other. I also loved Sam's relationship with Finn and that he took him into consideration through everything.
This is my first Tanya Jean Russell novel, but it will not be my last! She put a smile on my face and made me feel a great connection with the characters! Thank you to NetGalley and Sapere Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review. All opinions are 100% mine.
This has absolutely everything I love in a Christmas romance: great cast of characters, lots of cheer, a cute kid (kids always make Christmas time more fun!), and a sweet romance. This ticked all the boxes! Loved Tess’s independent spirit, loved Sam’s personality, the tension and how organically their relationship bloomed. The conflict is pretty predictable but it didn’t take away from the story for me! Really enjoyed reading this and it’s exactly what I need this time of the year.
Tis 'the season for Christmas books and romance!
Imagining waking up one morning to find out that your new neighbor is a celebrity , I can't . This is what happens to single mum Tess who is recently widowed and avoiding romance (if I may say so) . Sam is hiding from the press in this tiny village and avoiding everyone but Tess won't allow him, It was so heartwarming following two seemingly heartbroken people find their way to healing. Does love give you a second chance at love ? I recommend this book and look forward to reading more books by Tanya . The author did a wonderful job of character development, plot development and she painted this village like a place I want to escape too
I received a complimentary copy from Sapere Books and opinions expressed are my own
Tess lost her husband 6 years ago. He was a soldier. She is raising her 10 year old Finn, and runs a bakery in the small English village. Sam flees London after his model girlfriend is video taped bragging about using him. Licking his wounds he meets Tess and Finn and gets swept up in the ready made family. Good story, although a bit rushed at the end. Still though, fun Christmas read and would recommend.
I really enjoyed this book. Tess is still grieving for her husband but while finding life tough herself she goes out of her way to help others. Her young son Finn is delightful and adds a lot to the story as does the slipper munching dog, Biscuit. Sam is a well known TV artist and has moved into the village temporarily after being publicly humiliated by his girlfriend. The characters were likeable and the story well written. A great Christmas book to curl up with.
Wonderful book. Tess runs her own bakery and is always helping other. Since losing her husband Mike she hasn't let anyone else into her and her son Finn's life. Sam has come to escape publicity from his art tv show.
this was pretty cute, a nice Christmas read with lovable characters! I’m interested to read more by the author!
I really enjoyed this book, i didn't realise it was part of a series. Though it can be reqd as a standalong. Read in a few days.
I’ve never heard from sulphur before so I was a little bit sceptical going into a bar I think that this was a really great Christmas book are usually I’m not a big fan of Christmas box because I think they’re overrated and the same tropes to use over and over again. But I think overall this did make a difference was different and I very much enjoyed it I thought it was very intriguing the characters with likeable and pacing was really great
A great festive read.
Tess is a widow, bringing up her son and running her bakery. Sam has just been publicly humiliated, finding his girlfriend was only with him for her career. He is an artist without any inspiration, until he meets Tess.
I loved Tess & Sams story. Sam is a special name to me so I was already invested. It was beautiful watching them come together in this novel.
Do Tess and Sam have a second chance at love this Christmas…?
Since being widowed, Tess Adamson has steadfastly avoided romance. And with a young son and a village bakery to run, she has little time for herself.
As the Christmas period approaches, Tess unexpectedly gains a temporary neighbour — celebrity artist Sam Harrison. Having suffered a public heartbreak, he has retreated to the village to hide from the press and lick his wounds.
Despite Sam’s wish for total seclusion, Tess is determined to make him feel welcome. Moved by her kindness, Sam soon steps in to make her busy life a little easier.
With their past pain and disappointments, both Tess and Sam are wary of pursuing relationships. But as they grow closer and the festive season starts to work its magic, the lonely pair begin to wonder whether they are ready to move forward…
Can Tess and Sam help each other heal? Can they leave the shadows of the past behind?
Christmas at honeyford by Tanya Jean Russell.
Honeyford Romantic Holiday Reads book 1.
Since being widowed, Tess Adamson has steadfastly avoided romance. And with a young son and a village bakery to run, she has little time for herself.
As the Christmas period approaches, Tess unexpectedly gains a temporary neighbour — celebrity artist Sam Harrison. Having suffered a public heartbreak, he has retreated to the village to hide from the press and lick his wounds.
Despite Sam’s wish for total seclusion, Tess is determined to make him feel welcome. Moved by her kindness, Sam soon steps in to make her busy life a little easier.
With their past pain and disappointments, both Tess and Sam are wary of pursuing relationships. But as they grow closer and the festive season starts to work its magic, the lonely pair begin to wonder whether they are ready to move forward…
A really feel good read. I loved Tess and Finn.Sam grew on me.i didn't like Marina. I loved the ending. 5*.
This is my third book I’ve read in this series. They just keep getting better and better. It was a nice sweet romance set in a wonderful location. I enjoyed this book and look forward to her next one
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
I just wanted to start off by saying thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. Christmas at Honeyford was a wonderful, sweet story. The characters of Tess and Sam were delightful. Just a heartwarming Christmas romance.
Tess is a widow with a young son, running the village bakery. she has a new neighbor, named Sam, who wants to remain in seclusion. Tess is determined to help Sam and Sam ends up helping Tess. sweet story.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
Widowed Tess,is not looking for someone else. She has a young son and her bakery in the village which keeps her occupied, meaning she doesn’t have much time to herself.
With Christmas around the corner, someone moves into the house nearby, it’s Sam Harrison, the celebrity artist. He has been publicly let down by the lady he was seeing. So he’s there to get over the humiliation and try and get his life back on track.
Sam doesn’t want to be distributed or want any stalking by fans, but Tess wants to welcome him to the village. As he starts to settle in, he begins to help Tess so that she’s less stressed and busy, to give back for her being kind to him.
Both have pasts that they are not happy about and therefore are a bit wary of starting a relationship. Growing closer with help from Sam, the season works it’s magic, making both think about if they’re ready to move on with their lives…
Will Tess and Sam be able to help each other overcome the past and be together?
What a lovely gentle story. I have just finished this book, having spent a most relaxing few hours. Love, friendship, family and the build up to Christmas. Perfect for this time of year.
This was a really sweet and cosy holiday romance. Small village setting, main character is a baker (of course), love interest is an artist, etc. same old same old formula but with a lot of charm. An easy and delightful read.