Member Reviews
I haven't read Katie Ginger before and this book didn't disappoint, it was fun, festive, full of love and a nasty person bringing this story into a complete beautiful read. I really enjoyed this and I am sure you will to. 5 stars and a great recommendation to Katie Ginger, I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
Honestly? This book should come with a warning: “Will make you extremely hungry and/or in danger of cooking everything you own”. You know, to try and replicate the recipes Esme shares on her blog!
I wasn’t really anticipating liking Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage as much as I ended up doing. After all, I liked Katie Ginger’s book “The Little Theater on the Seafront”. However, this one? It made me want to keep on reading, and reading, and reading. Apart from the first chapter, I even got through the entire book in one go! That’s how into the story I was
That’s partially to the little glimpses of other people’s POV, which help make the story more rounded out. Mainly, though, I think it’s probably something to do with the love of both food and family that speaks from every letter in Esme’s perspective. As Joe mentions throughout the story on multiple occasions: she doesn’t just sit down and cry. Even though life has given her a hard deal for a bit, she manages to find her ground. And if anything? That just made me want to go and do the same thing – right after decorating my entire house for Christmas and baking all the Christmas cookies, that is!
I'm not generally a fan of the romance genre but I loved this! It was charming and sweet and was missing the things that I generally don't enjoy in this genre. This did have an enjoyable story line and even though he love interest was predictable it didn't detract from the story. The dialogue wasn't cheesy or really sappy. Charming!
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC copy.
#SnowflakesAtMistletoeCottage #NetGalley
This was a lovely Christmas story to read. Not my usual genre. But I absolutely loved it would recommend to others who are looking for a pre Christmas read 5********
Another Xmas book I enjoyed reading.
The books about Esme, who after being sacked(through no fault of her own) and dumped by her boyfriend goes back home to her family to think about what she wants to do next and get over her broken heart.
How with the help of her family and friends and a new friend she rebuilds her life and starts a new phase of her life. Full of twists and turns. Definitely worth reading. Fab
I wish you could see my face right now. I’m grinning like a fool. On second thought *waves hand*, maybe it’s best you can’t. I’d probably frighten you half to death *snorts*.
Quite simply, I’m in Christmas-themed story heaven. (*whispers* This was my fourth Christmas-themed book this year. Yup, you read that correctly – no need to adjust your set!)
There wasn’t one thing I didn’t love about this book. I loved Esme, Joe and her whole crazy crew.
They say things happen in threes, and that is certainly true for Esme. Fired from her job, unceremoniously dumped by her pretentious BF (he’s a barsteward – know what I mean?), and as a result of said dumping, losing her home. Grrr! Someone hide the knives, Laura’s feeling stabby.
Yet, with the help of her colourful friends and family she may be down, but she is certainly not out.
There were so many stand out moments for me in this story where I was snort-giggling, none more so than in cheese scones/sausage roll scene. I was literally crying with laughter. One word: epic!
And don’t get me started on her mother. Hand on heart, I can see my own mother in Carol. I kid you not, the stories I could tell...
Then we have Joe. What is it about a bad boy being all grown up that turns us ladies into mush? *shakes head* Plus, add a few rough edges, vulnerability and broken pieces and we are a goner! *sighs*
Esme is definitely the foodie version of Bridget Jones. In fact, for me, SAMC was a little bit like Bridget Jones, Love Actually and The Holiday all wrapped up in one scrumptious package.
I forgot I was reading a story, I felt like I lived it with Esme.
This story has a little bit of everything, angst, romance, characters getting their just desserts (can I get a whoop-whoop?). All set against the backdrop of a quaint little cottage that was just waiting for life to breathed back into it once again.
Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage is a delightful romance novel to pick up this festive season. The main character is Esme, a food technologist who loses her job and her boyfriend on the same day. She decides to return home and finds herself renting Mistletoe Cottage. Esme spends her time trying to develop her food blog and vlog, with some amusing results. The other protagonist is Joe, a real estate agent who went to high school with Esme. Still recovering from his last breakup, Esme might be just the person Joe is looking for. I loved the characters in this book (Esme's friends sound so fun and supportive) and the foodie aspect - the things Esme cooks will have your mouth watering. Highly recommend reading a copy of Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage this Christmas.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
What a sweet and encouraging story for everyone struggling out there. This has to be one of the sweetest stories I’ve read. Every single character was a sweetheart. Everything screamed sweetness. From Esme’s mother to Mark to Lola and evening to Joe. Everyone was so supportive of Esme and I loved how she just picked herself up. She was so relatable this story melted my heart. She was strong enough and weak enough in all the right places. Although the romance was pretty slow it was paced nicely enough for us to admire the guy in Esme to pick her self up. The story was just such a pick-me-up book for everyone. The perfect story for Christmas and boy I’m glad I picked it up from Netgalley. Kudos for the author for writing such a book for everyone without any drama and the simple Christmas spirit.
I got totally engrossed in this gorgeous Christmas story. When a successful food technician finds her recipes are being stolen by the famous tv chef she assists, she complains to her boss who doesn't back her up and demands she apologises to the chef. When Esme refuses to back down she loses her job and to make matters worse, her boyfriend, instead of proposing to her, breaks up with her and asks her to move out immediately. As a result, she ends up back in her hometown, where her parents give her enough money for the rental on an old cottage. I won't give any spoilers but from here on in, her life takes her on new and exciting paths. Some of the ensuing antics are laugh aloud funny. I love the depiction of her loyal group of friends and quirky family. Font wait for Christmas to read this. It's the perfect antidote to dreary damp days...I even felt inspired to get my Christmas cakes made! I shall be looking out for more books by Katie Ginger. She's a bright, funny clever writer that really brings her stories of life.
I have been a fan of Katie Ginger for some time, and when i saw the chance to read this - i mean look at the title? Right?? That is a bit of me. Its a bit later than planned i know but here are my thoughts on this delightful read.
We meet Esme as the world around her is crumbling, when her recipe is stolen and her boyfriend wants to call an end to their five year relationship, just when Esme thought he was going to propose.
With no other option, Esme returns home and with the help and support of her best friend - she needs a new life plan (not that she had that much of one before either!)
Happily finding herself once more and becoming an independent stronger woman seems to be the route she is taking but then there is Joe, Joe who she fancied the pants off at school. Joe he seems quite happy to help her settle down, but seems to be holding back.
This is told from multiple POV and i really enjoyed it because we got to see what even the not so likeable characters thoughts were. I mean, i was not really a fan of Leo at all, but i liked seeing what he was going through since he left Esme. Its not often we ger that perspective in a book, it was refreshing.
I loved spending time with Esme and her delicious food, i mean i need to try that epic sausage roll, like yesterday. She had a fantastic bunch of friends who were just as mad and lovely as Esme. I could just picture watching her cooking youtube.
This was a delightful read with warmth, passion, friendship and like i said - epic sounding sausage rolls. One to add to your winter TBR.
This is a super festive read which has all the ingredients you will be looking for at this time of year. You feel for Esme from the beginning and follow her as she returns home and slowly settles in. I love the humour in the story, from the needy London celebrity cooks to Esme's delightfully mad parents, particularly her Mum, Carol. Esme's family are so caring and joyful. You have to admire Esme's belief in herself and her friends add plenty of light hearted moments.
In Joe, you have a man with a past which you come to realise he has been unable to come to terms with. Wreathed in depression, you still sense his basic kindness. Katie Ginger paces his friendship with Esme beautifully as he responds to her vitality. I particularly enjoyed the references to Esme's blog and her vlogs. Her Gran's recipes certainly tempt you and add to the seasonal feel. Crammed full of food, family and hope for a second chance, I can't recommend this book highly enough if you are looking for a festive romcom.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
I am a massive fan of the different book covers that are released each Christmas and I have to say the moment this is my favourite by far – I love it, and it suits the book perfectly!
I have read a few books by this author now and she never disappoints. She always has well developed characters, the perfect pace to the story and the best locations which she brings to life so well.
I thought that this was a fabulous book and it will be one of my book highlights of the 2019 Christmas season (being a blogger and reviewer we tend to start a bit earlier than some) – it is 5 stars from me, no hesitation and I cannot recommend it highly enough – it is the perfect Christmas read!!
This is the first novel I've read by Ms Ginger and by no means will it be the last! She has a unique and charming voice in fiction and I simply loved the world she created. The characters were lush and real, the plot was believable and charming. The closest I can liken this book to is Sally Thorne's The Hating Game - I burst out laughing in several places! I can't wait to read more by Ms Ginger!
It is always a delight to read a new novel by Katie Ginger and this wonderful writer of romantic comedy is back with another irresistible winner that will brighten up your Christmas: Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage.
Life couldn’t possibly get any better for Esme. She truly has the world at her feet with her glitzy job, gorgeous boyfriend and stunning apartment. With Christmas fast approaching, Esme thinks that she is about to have the best holiday season ever, but reality proves to be far different as she discovers when she loses everything in one fell swoop and ends up having to move back home to her sleepy hometown of Sandchester, which is as far removed from London as it is possible to get. Sandchester might look picture postcard perfect, however, Esme’s future looks bleak and uncertain. With her old life in tatters, Esme fears that she is about to have the worst Yuletide ever – until a chance encounter with her former crush puts a spring in her step and makes her wonder whether life in Sandchester might not be so bad after all!
Handsome and charming Joe might have made Esme feel things she never thought she would experience ever again, but the man whom she is slowly but surely losing her heart to is not all that he seems. Joe has a tragic past which is still holding him hostage and which is preventing him from moving on with his life. As Esme and Joe begin to grow closer and their feelings for one another start to intensify, will a stolen kiss under the mistletoe lead to a love that will last a lifetime? Or would they be better off as friends?
As Esme begins to get her life back on track, she soon begins to realize that Sandchester is where she truly belongs and as she forges her own path and begins to become in charge of her own destiny, she wonders whether she will finally find the happiness she has been searching for all along…or whether the bright city lights of London could be where her heart and future truly lie…
Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage is a delightful charmer I simply did not want to stop reading – I was so engrossed in this book and so completely and utterly captivated by Esme, Joe and all the Sandchester inhabitants, that I nearly burned dinner! A warm-hearted, witty and exceptionally brilliant tale that will make you laugh and cry, Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage is a scintillating and sensational page-turner that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
With Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage, Katie Ginger has given Richard Curtis’ Love Actually a run for his money for sheer Christmas perfection and if you are looking for the perfect Yuletide treat to escape into during the frantic run-up to Christmas, then look no further!
I think my heart has just completely melted in a puddle on the floor. I'm completely in love with everything about this book. The characters, the setting and the romance is just perfect.
Esme looses her job, her partner and her home on one day. Devastated, she returns to her family home where she scrimps money together to rent a small cottage on the outskirts of town.
I adored the character of Esme and her journey throughout this novel. To begin with she is used, deceived and broken by many people around her but she is strong and determined and also surrounded by people who love her. She forges a new path whilst creating a home in Mistletoe Cottage. The romantic aspect of the plot is just delightful. Jo is such an interesting male protagonist too. I think his character begs the question around judgement and how everyone has their own inner battles that are fought in many different ways and it's important that this is highlighted in both male and female characters.
Esme's journey is also reflected through the transformation of the cottage from a run down, outdated place to a home. It's a beautiful and cosy backdrop to the wonderful story.
This is a perfect festive novel that really warms the heart. This is simply a gorgeous romance novel.
This was a cute little Holiday book and I could relate to Esme as we are the same age, changing careers, swear a little too much, starting a blog, ect. I really enjoyed her character as I could see myself in this story very easily.
This is my first Katie Ginger book and I did enjoy her writing as it had fully-developed characters, flow, story line, and perfect setting. Since I'm not bristish, I do love all the new holiday traditions you learn about, food, and/or words- which does make the book a little more fun.
I wish Esme had her own cooking show as it sounds so fun to watch! This is also a great Lifetime/Hallmark movie. As you love her friends, her mom sounds like a hoot, and her little nephew sounds soo cute! Joe is an interesting character that you don’t know exactly want is going to happen but I did enjoy him as the book love interest- even if he was a little moody.
Overall, I give it 4 stars in the Holiday book department and 3.5 stars in the normal book world.
*Received ARC via Netgalley and HQ digital for honest review*
What an enchanting, captivating story! I loved every moment of this gorgeous, romantic and funny read from Katie Ginger. This is definitely one book that will fill you with festive cheer.
Katie has written a story to warm the coldest heart with well-developed characters that you will love. Esme and Joe have gone through so much that even though they get on instantly, they’ve both endured enough misery to put them off any further romantic endeavours; but sometimes feelings can not and should not be ignored.
Esme is such a nice character; I really was on her side from the off. She deserved a better go at things in London but I am so glad we saw her go back to Sandchester and her wonderful, quirky family. I LOVE her Mum and Dad – they add some very funny moments, as do her wonderful friends. I want friends like hers – always having her back no matter what.
This is beautifully written and gives us humour, love, romance, festive fun and a heart-warming tale of moving forwards and working hard to get the happy ending you deserve. I do love the inclusion of her blog, vlog adventures etc as it felt up to date.
Love a happy ending? Then I cannot recommend this delightful read enough.
Oh my goodness I adored this novel by Katie Ginger and I’m not sure why I haven’t read any of her work before as her writing style connected with me on so many levels. Katie Ginger is definitely on my radar now and has a firm place in my favourite romcom author list.
Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage is a gorgeous festive feast of a read that I quickly devoured. I loved it so much I wanted the storyline and characters to be real so I could connect with them and learn more about their antics and foodie delights.
Esme is a Food Tech for one of the current top foodie TV shows but when she discovers that the glamorous host of the show has double crossed her she decides enough is enough and voices her grievances but sadly her voice isn’t as important as her nemesis and she is left with an ultimatum.
When Esme thought her day couldn’t get any worse her boyfriend decides to dump her. So jobless, broken-hearted and now homeless Esme heads home to her parents. Esme’s parents are crazy but fabulous and are just the tonic she needs and with the encouragement of her friends Esme sets up a blog to share her love of cooking and of the memories she had cooking with her dear grandma.
Joe moved back to his hometown a few years ago but has been secretly struggling with emotions of the heart. His mind and heart is still in turmoil but when he meets up with his old school friend Esme he starts to see another purpose in life. Can these two lost souls who have returned to their home town learn to let love in again?
Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage is such a fabulously funny read and it’s filled with so much warmth it leaves you with a satisfied cosy glow. However, with all the delicious sounding recipes that Esme creates you’ll be left with a hunger for her food and a desire to get cooking.
A delicious cosy read that will fill you with a satisfied glow.
Esme has had a horrible day. She's lost her job, been dumped and has to move out of London. She returns home to Sandchester, where she grew up, and doesn't know what to do with her life. Enter Joe, the charming estate agent she knew from school who helps her find Mistletoe Cottage.
I loved this story. Esme has such a great relationship with her friends and her love for baking really shines through. I felt myself instantly rooting for Joe and hated Leo from the start! This was such a warm, cosy Christmas novel and has made me feel all festive!
Esme Kendrick is forced to move back to her small hometown of Sandchester after losing her job, boyfriend, and apartment all on the same day. She has no money, no home and no prospects and is feeling like a failure. She does not want to stay with her parents, so when they offered her some money to find a place of her own until she gets back on her feet, she jumps at the chance. She is determined to make a go of her life's work, and with the support of her friends and family, she decides to follow her dreams and write the cookbook she has always wanted to get published. Of course, that does not happen right away and she has to get her name out there first. This brave young lady starts a blog, then vlogs and finally does some live broadcasts that had me in stitches.
I absolutely loved this book. It is a heartwarming story about love, friendship, taking risks, not giving up and following your dream. I loved the characters, especially Esme and Joe. They were both hurting, the difference was that Esme did not want to hide, but Joe had been back for two years and had done nothing to move forward, he was hurting so badly. Esme is a lovable and realistic character. I wanted to be her friend, or at least follow her blog. She had me laughing several times as I rooted for her, to move forward along her bumpy path. Her love of cooking and baking spoke to me as I know it is not easy to find your passion. Joe was the handsome guy she remembered from high school, but he was so closed off, that she was not sure what to make of him. I felt so bad for this man who was so eaten up with guilt that he could not feel anything. Of course this is a romance, so you know that Esme will help him heal. Throw in Esme's somewhat crazy family, and her quirky friends and you have an amazing support group. The other story line is her ex-boyfriend Leo. As the story moves forward, Leo realizes what a mistake he has made and decides that he wants Esme back and is sure she will come back. Well, he is in for a surprise.
The story is beautifully written and full of humor. If you like a slow developing romance then you will enjoy Esme and Joe's love story. I was glad that it wasn't instalove, but took time for them to realize how they felt and was still developing as the story ended. This story is set in winter around Christmas and the holidays are an important part of the story, but this is not just a Christmas story. I consider it a winter, romantic, holiday story. I highly recommend this book to readers looking for a heartfelt, uplifting winter romance.