This is Amy first book in this series and by this author. It can certainly be read on its own which I am grateful for. Starting on book nine of any series can seem like the dumbest idea. However, this was certainly charming and I will get checking out all the other books.
Christmas at Holly Tree Cottage by Eliza J Scott
Series: Life on the Moors #9
Genres: Christmas, Contemporary Romance

It’s Christmas time in Lytell Stangdale!

When Romy Stainthorpe sees Holly Tree Cottage staring back at her from the pages of a magazine, she’s sure it’s a sign. The quaint property is situated in Lytell Stangdale, a village in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors. Her time there is steeped in happy memories of carefree days with the moorland wind blowing through her hair. And not just that, it’s where she had her first kiss and where she first fell in love.

It was her perfect place, where she felt most at home. Until her family’s hasty departure years twenty-one years earlier. Since that day, Romy has never been back, but the cottage has regularly crept into her thoughts. And now it’s available to rent for the festive season…

Could it be the perfect getaway Romy needs to get her life back on track, not to mention escape her friends’ well-meaning attempts at matchmaking since her divorce from Russ?

Local farmer, Finn Tindall is struggling to navigate the first Christmas since his ex-wife took herself and their sons to live in the US. He’s thrown himself into his work at Castlegate Farm and rarely ventures out, unable to face the pitying glances thrown his way. His only company is his loyal black Labrador Ted.

Convinced that fate is talking to her, Romy heads back to a snowy LytellStangdale. Once there, she’s thrilled to see the village is looking Christmas card-pretty and has embraced the festive period. The only place where there’s no Christmas cheer is Finn’s heart.

It doesn’t take long before Romy and Finn’s paths cross, setting long-hidden emotions stirring once more. Suddenly Christmas doesn’t seem so gloomy after all.

Could this be the exciting fresh start each of them deserves?

Will Finn and Romy decide their second chance at love is worth fighting for? Or will the obstacles put in their way make them think it’s time to say goodbye?

Why not take a trip to festive Lytell Stangdale where a warm welcome awaits and happy-ever-afters are guaranteed?

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This heartwarming story weaves together two timelines, exploring Romy’s past and present as she returns to her childhood village and rents her former family home. It’s immediately clear that she and local farmer Finn Tindall share unfinished business. Despite the twenty-one years since Romy left, their undeniable chemistry lingers.

Romy’s return reveals the struggles she has faced with her family life since leaving the village, while Finn has also endured his share of heartbreak. Divorced and longing to see his young sons more often, Finn still feels the sting of betrayal from his ex-wife, who crushed his dreams when she moved away with their children. Despite these challenges, Finn’s family holds no grudges against Romy, welcoming her back with open arms.

This delightful Christmas tale is brimming with hope and second chances. The flashbacks to Romy and Finn’s youthful romance are beautifully rendered, capturing the sweetness and innocence of first love with a touch of nostalgia. Their journey toward rediscovery is both tender and captivating.

The story also introduces—or reintroduces—readers to the village’s charming residents, adding warmth and depth to the narrative. It’s a festive, feel-good read that will leave you smiling and eager to turn the pages.