REVIEW: One Winter’s Night by Kiley Dunbar

One Winter’s Night by Kiley Dunbar is a sequel to One Summer’s Night. Even though I have not read the first book, I felt this new novel stood quite well on its own. Of course, if you are a bit OCD about reading stories in order, I would recommend reading the original tale. I am sure it is quite as lovely as One Winter’s Night.

Kelsey has worked as a tour guide for wildly successful business in the ever popular Stratford-on-Avon. When the owner retires, she lets Kelsey take over the shop. Kelsey’s first love is photography and she plans to make that her career as she opens a studio. She is lonely because her actor boyfriend Jonathan has gone to the United States after being part of a group that performed in Shakespeare’s home town. He will be back for the holidays.

Kelsey’s good friend Mirren moves down from Scotland after a rant ends her job. She hopes to find another journalism job, but the prospects are not too good, The only upside is she meets Adrian, a rather charming journalist.

This book gives the reader quite a few love stories, both from the past and the present. There are plenty of secrets to lead to the intrigue and even a bad guy to add a dash of suspense.
The author shows the characters with all their shortcomings and strengths. By the end, you feel as though you know them. The setting is wonderful, too. I love books set in England and always learn something new. I visited Stratford-on-Avon many years ago as a child. Perhaps I can return someday. I know I would have a whole new appreciation for this historic site.

The touch of the author using quotes from various Shakespeare plays at the start of each chapter was charming and clever. Though it’s the dog days of summer as I write this, I know readers will welcome One Winter’s Night as a welcome break.

Book Info:

Publication: September 16, 2020 | Hera Books |

A gorgeously uplifting, romantic read that will warm your heart – take a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where magic happens…

It’s autumn in beautiful Stratford-Upon-Avon and Kelsey Anderson is enjoying her new life in her adopted town. Her Shakespearean tour guide days behind her, she’s now opened her own photography studio and loved up with boyfriend Jonathan – even if a long-distance relationship is sometimes lonely.

When best friend Mirren Imrie moves down from Scotland, Kelsey is delighted to have her friend at her side – and as the nights turn colder, Mirren throws herself into dating, until she finds herself growing closer to sexy journalist, Adrian Armadale. But when Mirren uncovers a long-buried scandal while working at the local newspaper, her big scoop might throw Kelsey’s – and Jonathan’s – life upside down. Will she choose her career over her friends’ happiness?

And when Jonathan returns from America and discovers the secrets Mirren has uncovered about his family, it throws his relationship with Kelsey onto shaky ground. Can they find their way back to love, before it becomes the winter of their discontent?

A romantic, funny and feelgood read that will make you smile from ear to ear. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will fall in love with this cosy winter read!