Let the Bells Ring Out by Milly Johnson

About the Book

Seven people, four days and a snowy Christmas on board a luxury sleeper train. This festive season getting away from it all takes on a new meaning…

‘Escaping into Milly’s world is always a joy and Let The Bells Ring Out is Christmas perfection!’ JILL MANSELL

The Yorkshire Belle is a glamorous steam train all decked out for an escapist festive getaway. It is not supposed to be where a group of people, all trying to get to their destinations for the holidays, will spend their Christmas. 

Seven people, each with their own hopes and dreams, secrets and sorrows, board the train as strangers, but as the snow keeps falling and they realise they are going nowhere fast, they are forced to slow down and embrace the present.

This Christmas on board the Yorkshire Belle, will the friendships they make change their lives forever?

Title:  Let the Bells Ring Out

Author:  Milly Johnson

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Publication Day:  23rd October 2025

Links:  UK:   Amazon    

Waterstones

Our Review

If ever seven people were destined to meet it was these seven characters from Let the Bells Ring Out. All strangers apart from one couple, they were all thrown together and snowed in on the most amazing luxury train called the Yorkshire Belle. I don't think that the characters expected to get to know each other so well but then they did end up spending the whole of christmas together with a kitchen and bar stocked up full of festive goodies and luxurious rooms. I can think of much worse places to get snowed in and I think we could all do with switchng off from the outside world every now and then and give ourselves a bit of a reset which is exactly what these characters were able to do. I honestly didn't want this book to end. I'm contemplating taking a journey on the Northern Belle which this train was based on because the author made everything sound so tempting and I felt like I was there in the thick of it with these amazing characters.

I've said it before because Milly is my favourite author but she doesn't just write a story she creates a wonderful world jam packed with so much going on while expertly weaving the character's storylines and intertwining them in parts and always with a bit of Milly magic sprinkled on top. 

This story was filled with the joys of Christmas along with secrets, heartache, heartbreak, love and friendships made for life. This was the sister book of I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day and features radio DJ Brian Cosgrove who added to the atmosphere on board the train. I dread to think what some of these characters lives would have been like had they not met. It was a wonderful whirlwind from beginning to end. I loved every Christmassy page of it. 

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Milly Johnson was born, raised and still lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. She is the author of 22 novels, 4 short story ebooks, a book of poetry and a Quick Reads Novella ('The Little Dreams of Lara Cliffe') and was an erstwhile leading copywriter for the greetings card industry. She is also a poet, a professional joke-writer, a newspaper columnist and a seasoned after dinner speaker.

She won the RoNA for Best Romantic Comedy Novel of 2014 and 2016, the Yorkshire Society award for Arts and Culture 2015, the Romantic Novelist Association Outstanding Achievement award in 2020, the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2021 and the Richard Whiteley Award for Inspiration to the County of Yorkshire in 2022.

She writes about love, life, friendships and the importance of community spirit. Her books champion women, their strength and resilience and celebrate her beloved Yorkshire.

Her 22nd novel 'Same Time Next Week' out 27th Feb 2025 is about five women all negotiating big changes in their lives. Will coming together in a friendship group at the new Ray's Diner help them overcome what fate throws at them? Full of blueberry pie and cookies (don't blame me if you start craving them)

Underneath the Christmas Tree by Heidi Swain

 ***The sparkling new Christmas novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Heidi Swain!***

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.

Title: Underneath the Christmas Tree

Author:   Heidi Swain

Published By: Simon and Schuster UK

Publication Day: 28th October 2021

Links:   UK:   Amazon       US:   Amazon

WHSmith

Waterstones

Our Review

Underneath the Christmas Tree is a wonderful slice of Christmassy heaven from beginning to end and I think has quickly become my favourite of all of Heidi’s fabulous Christmas books. 

First of all just look at that dreamy cover, I fell in love with that immediately and when I opened the book and found it was based on a Christmas tree plantation I thought 'eat your heart out hallmark Christmas movies.' 

Underneath the Christmas Tree ticks every box you would hope to find in a Christmas book and is just absolutely gorgeous. I could see Wynter’s lodge so clearly in my mind and really wanted to curl up in there with one of those delicious sounding hot chocolates. 

The book touches on every emotion such as grief, regret and guilt and it was interesting watching Liza work through all of those feelings. I loved the memories she had of her parents and how close she was to her dad’s best friend and especially how close she got with his son Ned, (who sounds absolutely gorgeous by the way.) It was also wonderful to see Liza being able to make such a positive difference to other people's lives which involved a fair amount of forgiveness.

This story is joyful with a real sense of community at its heart. I loved every word. A fabulously festive five star read that will really get you in the mood for Christmas.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

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. 

Snowflakes & Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland

After calling off her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course . . .

Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl.

As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.

Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself? ~*~

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

Title: Snowflakes & Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland

Author: Heidi Swain

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 1st November 2018

Links: UK:  Amazon       US: Amazon

WHSmith    Waterstones

Our Review

This has to be Heidi’s best book yet. A beautiful setting in Wynthorpe Hall, an array of lovely warm friendly characters and two main characters Hayley and Gabe both wounded by their pasts and in Hayley’s case wonderfully flawed.
I also loved the visits to the cherry tree cafe and mentions of skylark farm and cuckoo cottage.

Hayley is tossed through every emotion imaginable in this book as she has family problems and a bit of a dark past. She lived her life as she thought she deserved it, pretty much settling for second best but when she has a rude awakening it gives her a chance to expect more for herself. It was lovely accompanying her on her journey to a better life.

Gabe is very sexy and hunky but he has problems moving forward with his life after events that have happened in his past. 

I really enjoyed being totally absorbed in this story, It was filled with hope and a sense of being able to become the person you want to be and not the person you were and that the past is in the past and shouldn't hinder a wonderful future. Hayley had made mistakes but was able to move forward into such a lovely direction, supported by people who loved her.

Heidi has created a wonderful village in Wynbridge and it is such a pleasure to visit there again with each new book. The winter wonderland sounded amazing and I loved reading about the planning stages and especially the craft that Gabe came up with. It all sounded so perfect.

All in all this book filled me with joy and hit me in the feels with the twists and turns of Gabe and Hayley’s lives. I loved it.

I really hope that the Gavin mug becomes a reality as I really want one. 

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Heidi Swain is the Sunday Times bestselling author of five novels. She lives in Norfolk with her husband, two allegedly grown-up children and a mischievous black cat called Storm. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside and collects vintage paraphernalia. To find out more, follow Heidi on twitter @Heidi_Swain or visit her website: heidiswain.co.uk.


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