In Tuppenny Bridge, fresh snowfall carpets every cottage roof, turning the village into a shimmering wonderland of white. Snatches of carols swirl in the frosty air and, beside a roaring fire in The White Hart Inn, rosy-cheeked families gather over mugs of hot chocolate. But despite the holiday cheer all around her, Clementine Grant can barely manage a smile…
Clemmie has always been a romantic at heart, even going so far as to write her own regency romance novels… not that she’d EVER let anyone read them. This year, she’s dreaming of a white Christmas, but any chance of a merry holiday is dashed when she spots her ex-boyfriend, Ross Lavender, across the village green at a carol concert.
Even worse, Clemmie is mortified when, in the village Christmas raffle, she picks the winning ticket. The prize? A portrait painted by Ross himself, who is a talented local artist. Burning with shame, Clemmie tries unsuccessfully to give it back. She’d rather forget the portrait and the man behind it – no way does she want to spend hours alone together this holiday season.
But then an unexpected snowstorm traps Clemmie and Ross in close quarters, and old emotions and secrets emerge from beneath the ice. With Clemmie’s sweet Aunt Dolly clearly keeping something from her, and a potential new suitor – the charming Reuben Walker – stirring the pot, Clemmie’s future is at a terrifying crossroads. Will the spirit of Christmas, with its promise of new beginnings, help bridge the distance between two people who thought it was over for good? Or will the weight of the secret Clemmie’s been carrying ever since they split up prove too heavy for her to bear?
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My Review
This book is a heartwarming tale of love and forgiveness set in a close-knit community. Clemmie, a romantic with a penchant for Jane Austen novels, carries a secret that affects her self-esteem and relationships. When she wins a portrait prize, tensions arise as she reconnects with her estranged artist ex-boyfriend, Ross, during a snowstorm. The story explores the complexities of relationships, including those between friends, parents, and grown children. Surprises unfold, including the arrival of newcomer Reuben, whose secrets challenge perceptions. Through Austen-inspired references and Ross’s romantic gestures, the novel celebrates the enduring power of love and the importance of remaining a dreamer in a sometimes cynical world.
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