Portobello Book Blog

I do enjoy Heidi Swain’s romantic fiction and she is quite the queen of festive fiction. This latest book is set on a Christmas tree farm in Wynmouth, the same location as The Secret Seaside Escape which I enjoyed so much last year. The book features Liza who is the majority shareholder in the business although a bit of a sleeping partner as she’s never been very interested in the business. Following her dad’s death, she decides to sell up and returns to discuss this with the co-owner David and his son Ned. She is determined to wash her hands of the business but will the magic of the Christmas season change her mind?

I really enjoyed my winter visit to Wynmouth and getting to know Liza and Ned. The Christmas tree farm, Wynter’s Trees, brought back happy memories of going to pick a tree from a local forestry commission site when my daughters were younger. Similar to Wynter’s Trees there was a workshop where you could do crafts, mulled wine, Santa doing rides in a cart for the children and so on. It really was magical. Now, although you can still buy trees there, the site has been developed as a mountain biking centre. It really was a magical experience and a great way to get in the festive spirit. Reading about Wynter’s Trees and the beach hut craft stalls really made me feel that same festive spirit.

I enjoyed the idea of people having their own family trees, nurtured throughout the year on the farm and then taken to houses in their pots each year. It was just one of the ways that environmental issues were explored in the book. I liked the emphasis on supporting small businesses such as those working out of the beach huts on the farm.

I also really loved the idea of giving people a chance no matter their background and that forgiveness and putting things behind you could benefit both sides so positively. There was a theme of giving people a second chance and offering opportunities to those who might not otherwise get them which seems to me to be what the spirit of Christmas should be about.

There’s a happy ending. Of course, there’s a happy ending – it’s a Heidi Swain book! The romance builds up slowly throughout the book and does look uncertain at times but I always know I can rely on Heidi Swain for some gorgeous romantic scenes and she didn’t let me down.

If you want a book filled with Christmas magic, lots of Christmas trees, snow and plenty romance to warm your heart, get yourself a copy of Underneath the Christmas Tree and see if you are charmed by this story just as much as I was.

My thanks to Harriet Collins for the opportunity to take part in the blogtour and for a review copy of the book. Underneath The Christmas Tree is published by Simon & Schuster and
is available to buy now from all good book retailers.

From the back of the book

Wynter’s Trees is the home of Christmas. For the people of Wynmouth it’s where they get their family Christmas tree, and where Christmas truly comes to life.

But for Liza Wynter, it’s a millstone around her neck. It was her father’s pride and joy but now he’s gone, she can’t have anything to do with it. Until her father’s business partner decides to retire and she must go back to handle the transition to his son Ned.

When Liza arrives, she discovers a much-loved business that’s flourishing under Ned’s stewardship. And she’s happy to stay and help for the Christmas season, but then she has other plans. But will the place where she grew up make her change her mind? And can it weave its Christmas cheer around her heart…?

Underneath the Christmas Tree is the perfect festive read, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

About the Author

Heidi Swain is a Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling author who writes feel good fiction with heart for Simon and Schuster. She releases two books a year (early summer and winter) and the stories all have a strong sense of community, family and friendship. She is currently writing books set in three different locations – the Fenland town of Wynbridge, Nightingale Square in Norwich and Wynmouth on the Norfolk coast.

Heidi lives in beautiful south Norfolk with her family and a mischievous cat called Storm. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside, collecting vintage paraphernalia and reading. Her TBR pile is always out of control! To find out more, follow Heidi on twitter @Heidi_Swain or visit her website: heidiswain.co.uk