Book number 46 in my Goodreads Reading Challenge is Christmas at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn.

‘When Grace Phillips travels to Conwenna Cove to help her parents move there 30 years after their honeymoon in the village, she sees why they fell in love with the place. The festive decorations, carols in the air and constant supply of delicious mince pies certainly make it hard to leave. Grace soon meets local vet Oli Davenport and initially finds him rude, but learning about his passion for animals and how much he cares for his two kids helps Grace to see a softer side to Oli.

It’s been three years since Oli lost his wife to cancer. Though he loves eleven-year-old Amy and five-year-old Tom more than anything it’s hard to be mum and dad. He has no interest in romance until he crosses paths with beautiful and kind-hearted Grace. The sparks fly but both Oli and Grace are holding onto fear about letting someone into their heart.

As the snow falls and Christmas wishes come true can Conwenna Cove work its magic and help Grace and Oli find the happiness they both deserve?’ (Thanks Netgalley!)

Grace Phillips is a successful author, who has a close relationship with her parents and is more than happy being single.  When her parents move to Conwenna Cove, she follows them to help them settle in, always with the intention of returning to her flat in Cardiff.

Oli Davenport has spent the last three years just surviving.  His beloved wife lost her battle with cancer, leaving him alone with his two young children and his veterinary practice.

I must admit that I have not read Summer at Conwenna Cove – so I look forward to picking it up! At no point did I feel like I was missing any vital details in this novel though, so I can confirm that this can be read as a standalone.  This novel is full of festive cheer, which despite it being only October, I loved!  I really enjoyed both Grace and Oli’s characters, and following the journey that they are both on.  Both characters have suffered a great personal loss, and are able to relate to each other in a way that some others cannot.  Grace and Oli both feel guilt at their attraction to each other, something they each have to overcome during their journeys.

As I have said on many book reviews previously, nothing about this novel is a surprise.  You know how it is going to end.  However that is exactly the point.  This novel is a piece of festive escapism, set in a beautiful village with no surprises.  It is a lovely romance, and reading it is the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon with a glass of wine!  So go grab yourself a copy, whilst I go and grab myself a copy of Summer at Conwenna Cove and reacquaint myself with that gorgeous village!

Rating: 📖 📖 📖 📖

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for giving me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.