Portobello Book Blog

I’m sneaking in one last festive recommendation today. Suzanne Snow took part in my #AuthorInTheFestiveSpotlight back in early November – you can read that here. Thanks to publicist Katrina Power for sending me an e-copy for review.

About the book

Welcome to Halesmere House, where romance might be just around the corner…

After years of living in the past, Ella is ready to start building a future. The perfect opportunity presents itself when she is offered a short-term role at Halesmere House in the Lake District, and tasked with kick-starting its artists’ residence. She can’t wait to start and explore a new career in an inspiring location.

But when Ella arrives at Halesmere, she wonders if she’s made a huge mistake after she clashes with Max, the new owner. Max has his own reasons to be unsettled by her presence, but despite his misgivings it seems everyone else loves having Ella around. As a single dad, it’s his children’s attachment to her that bothers him most. Who will pick up the pieces when Ella leaves?

What Max doesn’t know is that Ella is falling for more than just the Lake District and the community around her. Can her temporary job lead to a permanent happy ending?

My Thoughts

Snowfall Over Halesmere House is one of these books where you take the characters to heart very quickly. Although, to be fair, Max was rather grumpy and rude when he first met Ella but you soon come to realise why. Both Ella and Max have experienced sadness in their past which had a lasting effect. I thought that Suzanne Snow wrote about their experiences very sensitively and in a way that gave me a real understanding of these characters. I have to mention Max’s children Lily and Arlo as well who were a real joy to read about. Handyman Stan and his wife Pearl brought many smiles. Max’s mother Noelle brought some delightful eccentricity, although she could be somewhat crafty at times, albeit with the best of intentions.

The Lakes setting and the house itself was just wonderful. There was a real sense of community building up and coming together as Ella started to bring her ideas for the artists’ retreat at the house to fruition.

The relationship between Max and Ella was beautifully done. You can see the attraction between them growing but can also sense their hesitancy because of the complications a relationship might bring. I was most definitely hoping that they could overcome the barriers and find the happiness they deserved.

Snowfall Over Halesmere House is a really lovely story with just the perfect emotional touch. Although there is a wintry theme to it, it could certainly be enjoyed at any time of the year. I’m really pleased this is the first in a planned series – the second is due out in February. I can’t wait to return to Halesmere House!

About the Author

Suzanne writes contemporary and uplifting fiction with a vibrant sense of setting and community connecting the lives of her characters. A horticulturist who lives with her family in Lancashire, her books are inspired by a love of landscape, romance and rural life.

Her first novel in the Thorndale series, The Cottage of New Beginnings, was a contender for the 2021 RNA Joan Hessayon Award and she is currently writing the Love in the Lakes series for Canelo. Suzanne is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors.