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4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
2,257 global ratings
5 star
67%
4 star
21%
3 star
8%
2 star
2%
1 star
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Top reviews from the United States

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Amanda
4.0 out of 5 stars Cozy winter romance
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2020
Verified Purchase
A cute, if a little predictable, love story. It did have a slow start, but after the first few chapters it was an easy read. I enjoyed that nothing was explicit about the romance, only having kisses described in any detail.
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Whispering Stories Book Blog
5.0 out of 5 stars The story is like one big cuddle in a book
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2020
Freya Fuller has been working as the live-in gardener for the last three years at a beautiful estate in Suffolk. Unfortunately the owner, Eloise, recreantly died and her home was taken over by her American nephew who has decided to sell the place, including Freya’s cottage which Eloise allowed her to rent.

When she is offered the job as the gardener at the Victorian mansion in Nightingale Square, including accommodation Freya jumps at the chance, especially as she can bring Nell, Eloise’s dog with her. The residents of Nightingale Square are all lovely and friendly with the exception of local artist Finn who has been brought in to design some structures for the garden. He and Freya seem to clash on everything and have a frosty relationship.

But with Christmas fast approaching can the two work through their differences and create the most amazing Winter Garden?

The Winter Garden is the third book in the Nightingale series. I read book one, ‘Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square‘ back in 2018 and enjoyed it immensely, though I haven’t read book two in the series, even though I own a copy. However, whilst I always think series should be read in order I never felt like I didn’t understand what was happening or that I had missed any backstory, so I would say this works as a standalone too.

Freya is a warm-hearted character who not only has had to deal with issues with her family, the death of her boss and best friend Eloise but also put up with the nastiness of her new boss and his unwanted advances. He was still trying to hurt Freya on her leaving day, such a vile human, and I was thankful Freya had found a better place to live and work, one where she would be appreciated.

I love the idea of a winter garden. I’m not very green-fingered so in winter my garden tends to look bare, I’ve never thought about plants for winter before, but I have picked up a few tips from this book.

The story is like one big cuddle in a book. It is inviting, enthralling, and so beautifully written. It made the dark days feel brighter and gives you a sense that it is never too late to change your life if you don’t like where it is heading or what is happening within it. It is a tale of love, friendship, and doing what is right for you.

This is a must-read for the festive period. Whilst it is not a Christmas book it has all the sparkling elements you could want to put you in the holiday mood. Plus if you have read the others in the series there are some familiar faces within and a continuation of their stories.

Book Reviewed on Whispering Stories Book Blog
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Top reviews from other countries

Kelly Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect festive read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2020
Verified Purchase
I was thrilled to be taking part, the very first of Heidi’s books that I read was a Christmas one and it was there that I fell in love with her books. So when the opportunity came to get an early peak of this one I couldn’t say no.

The Winter Garden revisits Nightingale Square which we have seen in two previous books, Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square and Poppy’s Recipe for Life. This time round the story centers on Freya, a gardener, who, by luck, moves to Nightingale Square to create a winter garden to open in time for Christmas.

During this book we see characters return from the previous two; Luke, Kate, Graham, Carole, Poppy, Ryan, Jacob and more, but we are also introduced to some more including Finn and Chloe.

Finn is living in the studio within the grounds of the garden and he and Freya clash from the start. We see them try to navigate their personal lives and professional relationship.

This book, like the others, all has a wonderful sense of community, and they all welcome Freya, and Finn, into the fold with open arms. They both become an essential part and for Freya she finds a sense of belonging.

The Winter Garden has definitely got me in the festive spirit. I’m left wanting to start celebrating, getting the decorations up, making wreaths and going to Christmas markets.

Although this is the third book that is set in Nightingale Square you can read this as a standalone. But I would highly recommend the others as well as this one as they are all wonderful.

Perfect to enjoy curled up in a blanket with a glass of mulled wine.
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Jeanie Mckinlay
5.0 out of 5 stars Autumnal Bonanza
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
NetGalley

Member Review
Cover Image: The Winter Garden
The Winter Garden
by Heidi Swain
Pub Date: 1 Nov 2020
Review by

jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 17 Aug 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley and Heidi Swain for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Having read all of Heidi's books they just get better and better going back to meet the gang at Nightingale Square with the two newbies Freya and Finn it really is quite magical. I actually felt as if I was there, doing the classes in the run up to christmas. Doing all sorts of christmassy stuff this is a book that will lift your soul and have it soaring full of joy I have nothing but praise for this totally amazing soul searching EXTRAVAGANZA.
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Becky Sumner
5.0 out of 5 stars Heidi's books get better and better
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
I am always a sucker for Heidi Swain books and this one is no exception.
Full of winter wonders, mulled wine and love. Not too christmassy for those who are not keen on Christmas reads... More of a winter dream.
Just enough sparkle that would rival a winters morning frost.
Freya fuller is a wonderful character as is Finn. Together they seem to rub each other up the wrong way although they do really want to be friends!
Heidi's writing style always gets me wanting to read one more page, this book was definitely no different.. Now I just have to wait for the next instalment.. Hurry up please Heidi!!
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Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Heidi's books get better and better
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2020
I am always a sucker for Heidi Swain books and this one is no exception.
Full of winter wonders, mulled wine and love. Not too christmassy for those who are not keen on Christmas reads... More of a winter dream.
Just enough sparkle that would rival a winters morning frost.
Freya fuller is a wonderful character as is Finn. Together they seem to rub each other up the wrong way although they do really want to be friends!
Heidi's writing style always gets me wanting to read one more page, this book was definitely no different.. Now I just have to wait for the next instalment.. Hurry up please Heidi!!
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Customer image
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Margaret C.
2.0 out of 5 stars Two-dimensional characters
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
I wondered after a while if I was reading the same book as the other reviewers. I started out enjoying the story, but lost interest because there was no real development of the characters, and nothing to make them credible. Sorry. Really wanted to like it.
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Whispering Stories Book Blog
5.0 out of 5 stars The story is like one big cuddle in a book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
Freya Fuller has been working as the live-in gardener for the last three years at a beautiful estate in Suffolk. Unfortunately the owner, Eloise, recreantly died and her home was taken over by her American nephew who has decided to sell the place, including Freya’s cottage which Eloise allowed her to rent.

When she is offered the job as the gardener at the Victorian mansion in Nightingale Square, including accommodation Freya jumps at the chance, especially as she can bring Nell, Eloise’s dog with her. The residents of Nightingale Square are all lovely and friendly with the exception of local artist Finn who has been brought in to design some structures for the garden. He and Freya seem to clash on everything and have a frosty relationship.

But with Christmas fast approaching can the two work through their differences and create the most amazing Winter Garden?

The Winter Garden is the third book in the Nightingale series. I read book one, ‘Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square‘ back in 2018 and enjoyed it immensely, though I haven’t read book two in the series, even though I own a copy. However, whilst I always think series should be read in order I never felt like I didn’t understand what was happening or that I had missed any backstory, so I would say this works as a standalone too.

Freya is a warm-hearted character who not only has had to deal with issues with her family, the death of her boss and best friend Eloise but also put up with the nastiness of her new boss and his unwanted advances. He was still trying to hurt Freya on her leaving day, such a vile human, and I was thankful Freya had found a better place to live and work, one where she would be appreciated.

I love the idea of a winter garden. I’m not very green-fingered so in winter my garden tends to look bare, I’ve never thought about plants for winter before, but I have picked up a few tips from this book.

The story is like one big cuddle in a book. It is inviting, enthralling, and so beautifully written. It made the dark days feel brighter and gives you a sense that it is never too late to change your life if you don’t like where it is heading or what is happening within it. It is a tale of love, friendship, and doing what is right for you.

This is a must-read for the festive period. Whilst it is not a Christmas book it has all the sparkling elements you could want to put you in the holiday mood. Plus if you have read the others in the series there are some familiar faces within and a continuation of their stories.

Book Reviewed on Whispering Stories Book Blog
Read more
See all reviews