Reviews

Coming Home to Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters

littlemissbooklover's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is as gorgeous on the inside as it is on the outside. There are so many things going on in this story- decline of Glendale, family relationships and secrets.
This was a book which was really lovely to read and difficult to put down. The style of writing was engaging and the plot is easy to follow.
The characters in the book are easily relatable and the book has an extremely picturesque setting which makes this a stunning read.
This is the first book I've read by Walters, but it definitely won't be the last. This is a story which has left me smiling.

emmascr's review against another edition

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5.0

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Rachel for letting me take part in this tour and to Hera for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I read part 1 of Vicky's A Random Acts of Kindness last year and I loved her style so when I saw Vicky had written a Christmas book I was so excited!

Before you start this book I would check your hot chocolate stocks because this book really gave me the winter cravings. I was snuggled up on my sofa with a hot chocolate and my blanket and it was heaven.

Beth hasn't been home to Glendale Hall for 10 years. Her family turned their backs on her and she felt she had no option but to leave. Now she's returning with her daughter Izzy for what might be her Nan's last Christmas. Beth Williams was very easy to like. She is strong, independent and a wonderful mum. Izzy and Beth have a very strong and close relationship.

Also back in Glendale is Drew. Drew and Beth dated before she left Glendale but she left suddenly and broke his heart. I fell a little bit in love with Drew I won't lie. I mean he's a Dr, he's sweet, kind, caring and I've always had a secret love of redheads.

This book is more than just a Christmas romance though. This book is about family, community spirit and forgiveness. It's about following your dreams and letting go of the hurt and pain of the past.

This is my first Christmas book of the season and let me tell you it was a great one to start with. I can't wait to see what Vicky brings us next.

norwayellesea's review against another edition

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4.0

Reluctantly driving up to her family home in Northern Scotland, Beth Williams journey is a reluctant one. Along with her daughter, they are spending Christmas with her family because her grandmother is ill and her father pleaded with her to come. However, once she's back at the place she ran away from, it triggers memories and awakes passions she's long forgotten. So when fate steps in to shake up her life, she has to decide whether she can fall in love again with the place she called home and the man she ran away from. 

There's plenty within the narrative I guessed would happen but still, the author manages to inject surprise elements which warmed my heart. As a mum with such a child, I particularly appreciated the references to red hair and the prejudices often faced by those lucky to have such a striking physical feature. I admire the inclusion, highlighting both the negatives and the positives of which I'm a firm admirer of the latter. 

The message of this poignant narrative is righting the wrongs, to make peace with the past so to clear the way for the future. This sentiment is true for Beth's family as well as her relationship with Drew. It's a reminder of how damaging words can be and how they can shape peoples beliefs. Sadness aside, there's plenty of wonderful Christmassy references with a strong emphasis on community spirit. The characters are all loveable and with the beautiful Scottish backdrop, you'll be wanting to pack your bags to spend Christmas there, within this beautiful part of the world. 

Plenty of Christmas themed novels are around now and if you're interested in a story filled with hope, second chances and a happy ending, this one is definitely worth a read. 

***arc generously provided by the publisher Hera via NetGalley***

miaev's review against another edition

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5.0

It took me a little bit to get into this one but once I did, I couldn't put it down. It is a lovely Christmas story about second chances. Worth a read curled up with some knitting and a warm cuppa tea.

miaev's review against another edition

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5.0

It took me a little bit to get into this one but once I did, I couldn't put it down. It is a lovely Christmas story about second chances. Worth a read curled up with some knitting and a warm cuppa tea.

modernwysewoman's review against another edition

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4.0

This was an absolutely delightful Christmas read, full of the festive spirit. The characters are great and I especially loved the wisdom of Sally the housekeeper, and the main character Beth's daughter Izzy. Having lost my own Nanna this year it did bring a tear or two to my eye, Overall a well rounded romance that touched on the importance of family and forgiveness.

kirstyreviewsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

Coming Home to Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters

No matter how far you go, home is where the heart is...
Beth Williams hasn’t been home for ten years. After falling pregnant at sixteen, she ran away from the imposing Scottish estate where she grew up rather than risk her family’s disapproval, working hard to build a life for herself and daughter Isabelle - but now she’s finally returning to Glendale Hall.

As Beth tries to mend her broken family ties, and fights to bring the community of Glendale back together, she realises that the story she has told herself for a decade might well be a very different one from the truth. Even though she ran from Glendale it has never left her heart. And, she soon realises, neither has Drew – Beth’s first love.

I was drawn to this book by the lovely cover, however I was not expecting the contents. This is so much more than a Christmas book, it is about family, forgiveness and community spirit - it will tug on your emotions. A lovely festive tale and fabulous introduction to the series.

Rating 4/5

laurenrebeccao's review

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emotional inspiring slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

hannahlou93's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I really enjoyed this romance. It was mostly predictable in the best way and I just enjoyed being along for the seasonable ride. I just wish the audiobook at appropriate accents aha.

trish91's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0