Interior designer Ria Porter wasn’t expecting a white Christmas this year. But her latest job has landed her on location at a beautiful inn, nestled in the mountains and forests of New Hampshire. Ria can’t believe her luck and is determined to make this project her best work yet.
Successful businessman Hayden Reynolds has hired Ria in a mission to save his grandfather’s inn. But as Hayden and Ria soon realise, it will take more than a new coat of paint to heal the rifts that have torn his family apart.
But as the snowflakes continue to settle on the trees and the inn comes back to life, Hayden and Ria might be about to discover a whole new future this Christmas, that could change their lives forever…
Pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate and settle down with some mince pies for this charming, cosy Christmas romance!
Release date: 12 October, 2023.
Available on multiple platforms in various formats. For Amazon UK and US click on the buy links below:
HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.CO.UK/CHRISTMAS-AT-SNOW-COVERED-INN-EBOOK/DP/B0CBFG36C7
HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/CHRISTMAS-AT-SNOW-COVERED-INN-EBOOK/DP/B0CBFG36C7
Audio link:
UK – HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.CO.UK/CHRISTMAS-AT-SNOW-COVERED-INN/DP/B0CKBS1GF5/
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READ CHAPTER ONE:
Prologue
Monday 28th November
‘Good morning, Ria. It’s Hayden Reynolds.’
‘Oh, hi Hayden. Perfect timing – I have some good news to share.’
Whenever I speak to Ria I can’t help trying to conjure up a picture of her in my head but all I get is an intriguing question mark.
‘Great, I was rather hoping you’d say that.’ My fingers aren’t actually crossed, but mentally that’s exactly the situation I find myself in.
‘I’ve just forwarded an email on to you. The painters have addressed those final items on your father’s snagging list at The Inn on the River,’ she confirms. ‘I suggest you check with him yourself, of course, and let me know immediately if he still has any outstanding issues. However, it looks like it’s all set up ready for our arrival next week.’
With no time at all to get involved with the day-to-day issues, I’ve had to put my trust in a woman I’ve never shaken hands with. Admittedly, she did come highly recommended via a lifelong friend and so far I have no complaints.
‘I’ve just received the company’s invoice so that’s what prompted my call. I’m sure if my parents weren’t happy I’d have heard by now but I’ll check in with them. Thank you for the regular updates, Ria, and for smoothing things over whenever necessary.’
‘Oh, that’s no problem at all,’ she reassures me. ‘I fully appreciate how unsettling it can be for the homeowners. Having a team of tradesmen on site for a couple of months, given the size of the job, is disruptive. From the video calls I’ve had with the team leader it’s all looking good and the colour palette I pulled together works really well. There are always minor issues and niggling little things that need touching up, but there didn’t seem to be anything major.’
‘Passing on my father’s string of emails without having time to digest them was purely down to time pressure, I’m afraid.’ When I did get a moment to glance over them it was all trivial stuff, which is totally out of character for him. ‘He’s more of a stand back and see the bigger picture type of man and it’s usually my mother who believes that if you take care of the small things, the bigger things take care of themselves. However, my father finds change a little unsettling at times and, unfortunately, this seems to be one of them.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll be casting my own eagle eye over the finishes when I get there and I won’t miss a thing. I can’t wait!’
At least one of us is excited about flying out to the States next Monday. Personally, I’m dreading what we’re going to be walking into.
However, I’m looking forward to meeting Ria, to put a face to that name and bubbly personality. Nothing seems to faze her and that’s a quality I admire in anyone. Sadly, the thought of getting to the bottom of why my father has been so nit-picking is another matter entirely.
Monday, 5th December
Hayden
Honesty is the Best Policy
My stress levels are through the roof as I anxiously check my watch for the umpteenth time in quick succession. Who in their right mind would cut it this fine to catch a plane? I ask myself. And what am I supposed to do if Ria doesn’t make it in time?
The seconds tick around and my heart is racing in my chest as the tension builds. Then I notice a stylish pair of navy-blue shoes draw to a halt in the gangway next to me. The person lingers for a moment and when I glance up, a pink-cheeked woman is checking her boarding pass. When our eyes meet, we exchange pleasant smiles.
‘Hayden?’ she enquires, hesitantly.
I stand, hoping she didn’t hear my huge sigh of relief. Until she started speaking, I thought the person in front of me was flying standby and my interior designer was a no show.
‘Ria, it’s lovely to meet you at long last.’
Her smile expands as I offer my hand and we shake. ‘Same here, Hayden, and thank you so much for upgrading my ticket to business class. This looks extremely comfortable.’
‘Considering the favour you’re doing me, it was the least I could do.’ She seems totally oblivious to the fact that her late arrival sent me into panic mode.
She’s actually a little younger than I was expecting, probably late twenties. There’s a graceful elegance to her demeanour and she exudes a real sense of energy. With a head of dark brown tumbling curls falling a couple of inches below her shoulders, she’s the sort of woman who turns heads. ‘I was rather hoping to meet up with you in the business lounge beforehand. I do hope my PA sent through all the details as I instructed?’
‘She did, thank you. In fact, I received a whole package of information. I was en-route to join you but one of my clients had a problem that needed a quick fix. Well, not quite as quick as I would have liked, but we got there in the end. That’s why I’m late boarding.’
Hmm. A text would have been thoughtful and saved me a lot of angst. ‘Well, I’m simply relieved you made it in time. This makeover is a Christmas present to my parents.’ I manage to make it sound light-hearted but it’s way more than just a gift, it’s a lifeline. ‘Anyway, let me help you with that.’
I reach out to take the heavy-looking briefcase from Ria’s hand, but she shakes her head. ‘No, really, I’m fine. Um, where…’
Doing a half-turn, I reach across and flip up the lid of the storage facility beneath the window.
She grins at me. ‘Sorry, I’m used to overhead lockers and jamming things under the seat. This is so civilised,’ she laughs. ‘I don’t mind if my suitcases go missing but not my mobile office.’
Well, I can’t knock the fact that she’s got her priorities right, which bodes well. ‘I hope you don’t mind but I assumed you’d prefer the window seat.’
‘That’s most kind of you, thanks.’
I step back to allow Ria to pass and watch as she stows her hand luggage away. ‘It’s the first time I’ve been to New Hampshire,’ she explains, glancing at me over her shoulder. ‘I had to look up the White Mountains online. I’ve been to the west coast numerous times.’
‘Well, I hope you like snow because there’s going to be lots of it!’
I watch as Ria sinks back gratefully into her seat. ‘Oh, this is bliss! I’ve been pacing up and down for the best part of two hours making call after call. Now, thankfully, I can finally relax and think about the second half of this exciting project.’ She looks at me expectantly.
‘You certainly seem to have made a good start. I will warn you, in case you haven’t already sussed it out, that my parents are a bit of a law unto themselves.’
‘It was certainly the most unusual brief I’ve ever been handed.’
‘Yes, and I can’t apologise enough for that because I’ve been rushed off my feet. I simply handed my PA a memory stick full of photos my mother sent me and a one-liner description of the job on my way out the door.’
Her look is full of empathy. ‘It was enough for me to provide you with a breakdown of the costs and a visual presentation. And busy is good! I hear congratulations are in order. Stylish Homes is one of the top suppliers in the country. Opening your first store in Europe is a big deal,’ Ria adds, sounding impressed.
‘It’s been a learning curve, I will admit, but hopefully the next one will be easier. However, this personal project is very important to me. It’s unfortunate that I had to clear the decks first before turning my attention to it, so now I’m on catch up. That’s why I needed a professional on board who could take control and make sure it could be achieved within a rather tight timescale.’
‘I will admit that I’ve never liaised with painters and decorators via video calls before, or pre-ordered such a long list of furnishings and fittings without having met the customer –sorry, customers – face to face.’
That’s another thing I like about her, she isn’t just out to make a good impression, she’s honest.
Her face is animated as she talks. ‘Being given an unlimited budget is also a dream, so I’m not complaining. I’m assuming that if I’ve over-ordered, the returns won’t be a problem?’
Her comment makes me smile to myself. ‘When we get to our destination you’ll understand it’s not that easy to pop out and grab a few things if there’s something you’ve forgotten. That’s why I gave you carte blanche.’
Ria gives me a reaffirming nod. ‘I figured that one out when I was doing my online research. I work with a lot of property developers styling show homes. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve turned up with my team to stage a property and the painters are still tackling the snagging list. But I’m used to working around the problems, it’s what I do best. I had an inkling from the start that this project wasn’t going to be a run of the mill job. When the CEO of Bespoke Interiors sends me flowers and asks if I can do him a big favour, I know he has a very special client lined up. Naturally, I couldn’t refuse when he said the job called for his top freelance consultant.’ A smile tweaks at her lips.
‘I’ll hold my hands up and say that I did call in a rather big favour and Peter came up trumps when he gave me your details. It was a big ask, Ria, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you’re prepared to work over the festive holidays. Planning a big party to mark the reopening of the inn on Christmas Eve was my mother’s idea and it worked, as they’re fully booked. It—’
When an announcement overhead informs us to fasten our seat belts and make sure our seats are in their full upright position, it halts the conversation. Both Ria and I immediately reach for our phones and set them to airplane mode.
On the surface, this probably isn’t too dissimilar to other jobs Ria has tackled in the past, but with the added bonus of travel and snow thrown in. When my childhood friend, Peter Faulkner, launched Bespoke Interiors, he put in every penny he had but funding was tight. I extended a line of credit to him so that he could have the stock he needed upfront and pay it off further down the line.
They say a good deed never goes unrewarded and he certainly pulled out all the stops for me. Any debt he feels he owes me is now well and truly repaid. When I asked him if he could recommend a good interior designer, he told me that in just a few years Ria has made quite a name for herself.
‘You aren’t a nervous flyer, are you?’ Ria’s voice interrupts my thoughts and I realise I’m frowning.
‘No. I’m just… it takes a while for me to switch off and wind down for the holidays, that’s all.’
Chill, Hayden, I tell myself firmly. Ria’s here now and together you’re going to pull this off. It’s time to sit back and enjoy a reasonably good meal and an excellent bottle of champagne. Ria deserves it for getting this far my conscience nags at me for good reason. Granddad always hoped that I’d be the one to take over running the inn and not my parents. That’s not an option with my own business expansion plans at a crucial stage but if I don’t do whatever I can to help, then I’ll be letting him – and my parents – down. As granddad always said, ‘You’re the one with the business head, my boy, and we all know it.’
I hate awkward silences. ‘How about you, Ria?’
‘It’s not that I don’t love Christmas,’ she admits, ‘but for me it’s simply two days spent at home with the family. The whole thing has become far too commercialised for my liking and I draw the line at eating my turkey off a plate with Santa’s face on it.’
‘Hmm… my sentiments exactly. It’s all about family, friends and tradition. I’m afraid I’m robbing you of two fun, relaxing days, though.’
She rolls her eyes but there’s a huge smile on her face. ‘Fun is one word for it.’
‘Ah, the joys of being quizzed over the dinner table.’
‘Yep. I’m the second youngest of four and my siblings are all married, two with kids, so it’s chaotic. Two days is about my limit, I’m afraid, as I don’t have the stamina. I like my own space and a little peace and quiet at times. But I wouldn’t change them for the world.’
When the plane begins to taxi away from the terminal at Heathrow Airport my spirits lift. I was rather hoping we’d get on; it’s a long flight if you find yourself sitting next to someone and having to pretend to be asleep just to avoid conversation. I did bring a book with me just in case, as that works equally as well, but I don’t think I’m going to need it.
I watch with interest as Ria leans forward, pulling the amenity kit from the pocket of the seat in front of her. It’s a navy-blue pouch with white snowflakes on it and an annoying little bell on the pull string keeps tinkling as she empties the contents on to her lap.
‘They don’t miss a trick when it comes to churning out the Christmas paraphernalia, do they?’ Ria muses, holding up a pair of navy-blue socks with snowmen on them and a matching sleeping mask. Even the lip balm, toothbrush and toothpaste, headphone covers and a small packet of biscuits, are all in a matching festive theme.
‘No, they don’t and with three weeks still to go it’s only going to get worse,’ I reply, groaning. A whole lot worse in fact, because my father is at The Inn on the River anxiously awaiting our arrival. It’s usually all trimmed up by now, but I told him that he can’t unpack so much as a bauble until we get there. The decorations must reflect the new, upmarket look. Ria’s vision is to turn a rustic inn into a boutique style hotel and from a purely business point of view I think she’s nailed it.
‘It’s not that I don’t appreciate a really expensive bottle of champagne and a meal served on a china plate, instead of a plastic tray with compartments, Hayden,’ Ria says, giving me a warm and appreciative smile. ‘However, it would be helpful to have a little background about the inn, your family connection and what triggered this makeover.’
If the tables were turned I’d want the full picture too. I guess I’d better start at the beginning.
‘When my granddad, Jackson, died my father inherited everything, including his charming, family-run inn.’
I can see that Ria’s interest is piqued.
‘My grandma was British, but her family settled in New Hampshire, which is where my father was born many years later. The company he worked for offered him an overseas posting and he moved to the UK when he was twenty-eight years old. He met my mother, Evie, and they settled down in Surrey. It’s where I was brought up.’
Her smile is engaging. ‘I had no idea you had an actual American connection.’
‘The inn is a home away from home for me. Granddad worked right up until the day he died, at the age of 82. Losing Grandma ten years earlier hit him hard but the inn gave him a reason to keep going. He took on a live-in housekeeper and together with a small team of local part-time helpers, he made it a welcoming and cosy place to stay. Many of his customers came back time and time again.’ I pause to collect my thoughts. ‘Every Christmas, and for three weeks in summer, we’d fly over. The holidays were always magical. Granddad would hand-pick his guests and from Christmas Eve until the second of January; it was like one big party. My mother’s parents would join us sometimes and memories like that stick with you forever.’
‘Even so, the move from Surrey to the White Mountains… that’s quite a change in lifestyle for your parents.’
‘Yes and it’s coming up to their third Christmas living in the White Mountains.’
‘What did they do before?’
‘My father taught martial arts and ended up specialising in survival training. It took him off on adventures all around the world. Naturally, he loves spending time in the White Mountains, but he’s also a surprisingly good cook. He was more than happy to take on the role of chef at the inn, although normally they only offer breakfast to fee-paying guests. My mother is… was… a yoga teacher and a well-being mentor; for her the change in her role has had the most impact. And given that they aren’t used to working together 24/7, it’s been quite a challenge for them both.’
Ria pulls a face. ‘Oh, dear.’
‘Naturally, my father feels he’s finally come home. And, following in Granddad’s footsteps, he likes to go over the top at Christmas. My mother is very zen inspired. Clean lines, no clutter. Back in the UK she was able to restrain my father most of the time. Given free rein, he’d have lit up the whole street. In the White Mountains things are very different. Americans love to celebrate the holidays in grand style and, like Granddad, he’s in his element.’
‘Interesting. Your mother is modern contemporary, and your father is…’ Ria pauses, casting around for an appropriate description.
‘A traditionalist and a Christmasaholic – unapologetically so.’
‘I see. If you have guests staying during the holidays, trimming up a hotel is rather different to decorating one’s own home though.’
Ria is starting to get the picture. ‘The truth is that my parents inherited a property that was outdated and struggles to attract new visitors. At the moment they’re losing money every day it’s open.’
‘Wow. That’s a tricky situation to find themselves in.’
‘Granddad attracted a regular clientele who have become old friends of the family but some can no longer travel or have passed on. It’s time to focus on making the inn profitable again.’
‘In effect, it’s a rescue package then. I can assure you that it will look stunning when we’ve finished, Hayden.’ She leans in a little closer and I watch as she absentmindedly scoops a stray curl away from her cheek.
‘Yes. It’s not been an easy time,’ I continue. ‘However, your input directing the team of decorators and trades who went in to blitz the place while the inn has been shut, was more significant than you probably realise. Your presentation managed to sell my parents on the idea that it was time for a makeover and that was a huge step, particularly for my father.’
‘Oh – I assumed this was their idea. I thought you were joking when you said it was a Christmas present.’ Ria eyes me suspiciously. ‘They’re happy with what we’ve achieved so far… aren’t they?’
‘According to my mother, yes. I think the nit-picking comments from my father were triggered by the general disruption to their daily lives, rather than a criticism of the standard of work. He often keeps his thoughts to himself but when he does speak up, he’s not averse to saying his piece without holding back.’
‘I see. He couldn’t exactly refuse a Christmas gift, could he?’
I give her a wry smile. ‘I did rather spring it on them. I couldn’t sit back and watch everything going downhill. My granddad did his best to keep it going because he wanted the inn to have a future. I’m hoping this will guarantee it for years to come.’
‘I suppose it’s only natural that your father is feeling unsettled with everything in a half-finished state. Normally I have a small team I can direct when it comes to unpacking and setting everything up It’s a pity your parents weren’t amenable to drafting in some extra help.’
All I can do now is to be upfront with her. ‘My mother said he’s reached his limit when it comes to total strangers “invading the inn” as he put it. I’m afraid you’re stuck with a team of three to assist you, as he fully intends to be a part of everything that happens from here on in. I know that’s not ideal, but do you think it’s still possible to get everything done in time?’
Ria’s forehead is pinched, but she gives me a reassuring look. ‘I appreciate your honesty and given what you’ve just told me I can totally understand that. We have, what, eighteen days to get the rooms set up again before the relaunch party on Christmas Eve. I’m assuming everything I pre-ordered from your company is there waiting for us?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then, as a team of four working together, it should be do-able.’
My body sags back into the seat, so great is the relief.
‘This Christmas is a big deal in the Reynolds’ household. It’s the start of a new era.’
‘It’s obvious you’re doing everything you can to make it work for them, Hayden, but it’s not exactly going to be a holiday to kick back and recharge your batteries,’ she warns.
‘It doesn’t matter. The White Mountains is the only place I could ever imagine myself celebrating Christmas, anyway.’
Ria drains her glass and I immediately grab the bottle to top it up.
‘My parents have everything it takes to make The Inn on the River a special place to visit. Once the work is completed, I’m sure they’ll soon get back into their stride.’
Ria frowns as my words sink in. Fortunately, the steward appears with our dessert and it gives me time to gather my thoughts together.
‘If I’m capable of buying up a small company on the verge of bankruptcy and turning it into a thriving business, then I’m sure that – with your help – I can find the right strategy to turn The Inn on the River into a money-maker and my parents’ forever home. A place they can enjoy doing the things that come naturally to them, which is being wonderful hosts and socialising.’
‘And Christmas is a time when people are usually in good spirits, so that’s a big plus,’ Ria replies, encouragingly.
Bringing a professional like Ria into the equation is a game-changer. My parents are polite people and having a stranger in their midst while we complete the transformation will make all the difference. Instead of the petty squabbles, which appear to have been going on while the inn has been shut and crawling with tradesmen, hopefully we’ll have a blending of ideas to resolve any little issues that crop up, as the vision is brought to life. Well, that’s the general idea…
