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zeemonodee's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed this one for the 'easy' read feel of it. It did drag in places (especially the middle!), but I wanted to know what Sophia was running away from, and the reason we're given was actually really fresh and novel and it was a nice surprise, even if it didn't carry as much drama throughout. On the whole, this is a cute feel-good read and I did spend a nice moment with it. Oh, and Bryan totally stole the show for me - he was just so adorable and lovely!
chicksroguesandscandals's review against another edition
5.0
Winter at Wishington Bay is wonderful escapism from the weirdness of the world, it’s a book you can completely dive into, you can fall into the sugar-coated, twinkly starred world that Maxine Morrey has gifted to us – and if the opportunity presents itself read in one go, it’s just perfect comfort reading!
This isn’t only my first trip to the wonderful Wishington Bay, but my first outing with Maxine Morrey. How on earth have I allowed Maxine’s beautiful books go march past me without reading one? Ah, well it’s another case of me walking around with my eyes shut, but I will definitely be stocking my kindle up with more of Maxine’s books.
This is all about second chances, about regaining trust is other, rebuilding your life and finding true happiness which is exactly what our two leads are looking for – even if they won’t admit it, we all know that Sophie and Nate are secretly wanting love. Both have come out the other side after difficult divorces, both have been burned and lost some of that much-needed care and when they are both given the opportunity to escape their own sadness and escape to the picturesque village of Wishington Bay, they can’t say no.
Sophie needs to escape her old life, while at the same time earn some money – as her divorce has sapped her of funds, plus I think it has stolen away from her trust and happiness in life, she needs a complete break so when offered a housekeepers job she grabs it both hands. Just what she needs breathing space, what she doesn’t count on is to meet a drop-dead gorgeous author – I mean, seriously this guy is so swoon-worthy, I may fall to my knee’s at his very feet…sigh!!
But, can they find new happiness, or will secrets from the past get in the way?
I thoroughly enjoyed this, it’s a really tender and heart-warming romance, but with secret’s lurking in the background this is much more than your stereotypical sweet love story, it captures the reader’s heart and keeps you transfixed to the page. I loved the character’s, from the residents of Wishington Bay to our love, lost couple, you will be backing Sophie and Nate right from page one, they are such an adorable couple. I love how everyone work so well together to create a realistic and charming little village, one I would love to visit – honestly, I have my bags and the dog packed ready to go
This isn’t only my first trip to the wonderful Wishington Bay, but my first outing with Maxine Morrey. How on earth have I allowed Maxine’s beautiful books go march past me without reading one? Ah, well it’s another case of me walking around with my eyes shut, but I will definitely be stocking my kindle up with more of Maxine’s books.
This is all about second chances, about regaining trust is other, rebuilding your life and finding true happiness which is exactly what our two leads are looking for – even if they won’t admit it, we all know that Sophie and Nate are secretly wanting love. Both have come out the other side after difficult divorces, both have been burned and lost some of that much-needed care and when they are both given the opportunity to escape their own sadness and escape to the picturesque village of Wishington Bay, they can’t say no.
Sophie needs to escape her old life, while at the same time earn some money – as her divorce has sapped her of funds, plus I think it has stolen away from her trust and happiness in life, she needs a complete break so when offered a housekeepers job she grabs it both hands. Just what she needs breathing space, what she doesn’t count on is to meet a drop-dead gorgeous author – I mean, seriously this guy is so swoon-worthy, I may fall to my knee’s at his very feet…sigh!!
But, can they find new happiness, or will secrets from the past get in the way?
I thoroughly enjoyed this, it’s a really tender and heart-warming romance, but with secret’s lurking in the background this is much more than your stereotypical sweet love story, it captures the reader’s heart and keeps you transfixed to the page. I loved the character’s, from the residents of Wishington Bay to our love, lost couple, you will be backing Sophie and Nate right from page one, they are such an adorable couple. I love how everyone work so well together to create a realistic and charming little village, one I would love to visit – honestly, I have my bags and the dog packed ready to go
theeclecticreview's review
5.0
Wishington Bay is a magical place. The scenery is beautiful and the locals are welcoming and neighborly. A perfect place for people to fall in love.
I love the tenacious and genuine Sophia Jones. Her straightforward advice to the serious and quiet Nate McKinley is priceless and their amusing and teasing banter is hilarious.
Nate is a bit withdrawn at first considering his wife left him for another man, but it’s fun to see him come out of his shell with Sophia’s help.
As Sophia’s secrets are slowly revealed and someone outs her in the end, it’s a joy to see her confront her problems with finesse and grace.
As for supporting characters, my favorite is Flora who has Sophia’s back when her past comes back to haunt her. Ned and Eloise and Holly and Gabe are also great friends and employers who give her jobs with no questions asked.
Overall, I loved this feel-good story with charming characters and a lovely location that I would be thrilled to visit.
Thank you to Ms. Morrey for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
I love the tenacious and genuine Sophia Jones. Her straightforward advice to the serious and quiet Nate McKinley is priceless and their amusing and teasing banter is hilarious.
Nate is a bit withdrawn at first considering his wife left him for another man, but it’s fun to see him come out of his shell with Sophia’s help.
As Sophia’s secrets are slowly revealed and someone outs her in the end, it’s a joy to see her confront her problems with finesse and grace.
As for supporting characters, my favorite is Flora who has Sophia’s back when her past comes back to haunt her. Ned and Eloise and Holly and Gabe are also great friends and employers who give her jobs with no questions asked.
Overall, I loved this feel-good story with charming characters and a lovely location that I would be thrilled to visit.
Thank you to Ms. Morrey for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
happylilkt's review against another edition
A bit dull. I read [b:The Christmas Project|32306652|The Christmas Project|Maxine Morrey|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1475065822l/32306652._SY75_.jpg|52934218] by Maxine Morrey and really enjoyed it, so not sure what happened here. Also, I hate it when the main character is "lying" even when it's about something silly. (Maybe especially when it is?) I'm an over-communicator so while I have my own set of problems with that I just don't have a lot of patience with this kind of situation. The dog is cute and the accident-prone nature of the main character is actually pretty funny. But the dialogue is lackluster and the plot pace is tiresome. Moving on, but would probably try this author again. Hopefully this is just a one-off.
valleegurl's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
totallybookeduk's review
4.0
Sophia has been living in Wishington Bay for the past eighteen months. Originally a stopping point turned into a new place to call home having left her previous life behind. Working in the local restaurant as well as a spot if cleaning she makes enough money to get by. With her friends Holly and Gabe in holiday she is tasked with cleaning their home whilst Gabe's brother Nate stays for a while.
Nate has been persuaded to come and stay in Wishington Bay by both his parents and Gabe. Needing to make headway on his new book plus put some distance between his soon to be ex-wife. Their first meeting doesn't go well, with him thinking his brother is attempting to play matchmaker. However, Sophia soon puts him in his place.
Feeling as though they both said things in the heat of the moment they apologise when they next see each other. With a slow burning friendship forming between them. Nate starting to up open about his relationship with his ex. Whilst Nate knows that Sophia is also getting divorced, he doesn't know anything else about her past - something she is looking to keep private.
With an interfering young waitress, a keen gardener and Christmas festivities thrown in the mix - will they take the leap beyond friendship?
Nate has been persuaded to come and stay in Wishington Bay by both his parents and Gabe. Needing to make headway on his new book plus put some distance between his soon to be ex-wife. Their first meeting doesn't go well, with him thinking his brother is attempting to play matchmaker. However, Sophia soon puts him in his place.
Feeling as though they both said things in the heat of the moment they apologise when they next see each other. With a slow burning friendship forming between them. Nate starting to up open about his relationship with his ex. Whilst Nate knows that Sophia is also getting divorced, he doesn't know anything else about her past - something she is looking to keep private.
With an interfering young waitress, a keen gardener and Christmas festivities thrown in the mix - will they take the leap beyond friendship?
kazza27's review
Sophia and Nate do not get off to a good start when she goes to greet him at the house after arriving from Australia. He appears to be the polar opposite of his lovely brother Gabe and Sophia being a kind soul is prepared to forgive and forget and help Nate to recover after his marriage has ended. Sophia is hiding a big secret about her past and I felt really sad for what she had endured.
Sophia is hardworking and kind and I took to her right away and she knows from experience that Wishington Bay can help to heal a broken heart. As she came here to escape herself. She is conflicted with her feelings about Nate and when their pasts catch up them both will they be able to overcome it and move on.
This is the second book I have read by this author and I loved the warmth that she exudes in her writing, and the wreath making workshop made me smile. This is the perfect book to curl up with on a great day like today and escape to the lovely village of Wishington Bay at Christmas time.
Sophia is hardworking and kind and I took to her right away and she knows from experience that Wishington Bay can help to heal a broken heart. As she came here to escape herself. She is conflicted with her feelings about Nate and when their pasts catch up them both will they be able to overcome it and move on.
This is the second book I have read by this author and I loved the warmth that she exudes in her writing, and the wreath making workshop made me smile. This is the perfect book to curl up with on a great day like today and escape to the lovely village of Wishington Bay at Christmas time.
hookedbythatbook's review
3.0
-- Read this review, and others, on my blog at https://hookedbythatbook.com --
Sophie ran away from her life after her divorce and she decided to settle in Wishington Bay. She works two or three jobs, she has a small and cozy apartment, and she has made great friends. She has found her new comfort zone. Then Gabe and Holly ask her to look after Gabe’s brother. Nate is staying at their newly renovated place while they are away on a trip. He is in the midst of his own stormy divorce, and he has serious self-confidence issues. Sophie’s previous life is a huge secret for most of the book, and it was quite a doozy.
Nate and Sophie get to know each other, initially because she came to clean for him and bring him meals. And later on because they wanted to.
I like second-chance romances, but this one was a bit too fresh from the divorce court for me. Sophie and her husband are firmly separated, and the final papers still had to be signed. But Nate’s was a lot more recent. He had just split up with his wife, it was a huge shock to him, and they hadn’t even started divorce proceedings yet. I feel like they should have had some time to discover who they are on their own, before embarking on another serious relationship. And yes, I get that they, like anybody else, are entitled to have some fun, to date people, and be intimate. But Nate wasn’t even into recovery mode yet, he was still mourning the loss of his marriage. And he was very much in love with his wife. Obviously, Sophie helped him a lot to get his head in a better place. A lot of their conversations also revolved around their failed marriages. And when Sophie’s old life collided with her new one, Nate didn’t handle it very well.
Apart from that, it was a lovely read. Not too heavy, and the friendship and romance between Sophie and Nate developed slowly.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sophie ran away from her life after her divorce and she decided to settle in Wishington Bay. She works two or three jobs, she has a small and cozy apartment, and she has made great friends. She has found her new comfort zone. Then Gabe and Holly ask her to look after Gabe’s brother. Nate is staying at their newly renovated place while they are away on a trip. He is in the midst of his own stormy divorce, and he has serious self-confidence issues. Sophie’s previous life is a huge secret for most of the book, and it was quite a doozy.
Nate and Sophie get to know each other, initially because she came to clean for him and bring him meals. And later on because they wanted to.
I like second-chance romances, but this one was a bit too fresh from the divorce court for me. Sophie and her husband are firmly separated, and the final papers still had to be signed. But Nate’s was a lot more recent. He had just split up with his wife, it was a huge shock to him, and they hadn’t even started divorce proceedings yet. I feel like they should have had some time to discover who they are on their own, before embarking on another serious relationship. And yes, I get that they, like anybody else, are entitled to have some fun, to date people, and be intimate. But Nate wasn’t even into recovery mode yet, he was still mourning the loss of his marriage. And he was very much in love with his wife. Obviously, Sophie helped him a lot to get his head in a better place. A lot of their conversations also revolved around their failed marriages. And when Sophie’s old life collided with her new one, Nate didn’t handle it very well.
Apart from that, it was a lovely read. Not too heavy, and the friendship and romance between Sophie and Nate developed slowly.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
meganmatt's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5