Member Reviews
This was a very light and feel good holiday story that I could easily see in a hallmark movie.
It follows two friends that decide to go to Finland after Sylvie gets dumped right before her wedding and paid honeymoon, where they reconnect with her finnish ex from college and his younger but very handsome and friendly colleague.
I kinda wished this book focused only in one couple, I think mixing both took away from feeling much about any of them since we couldn't dig as deeply as I would have liked. It was still a good read though and I enjoyed learning so much about northern Finland.
Christmas at Frozen Falls - what a gorgeous festive read! Poor Sylvie- our main character. - has had her wedding called off by her fiancée so she and her best friend decide to to Lapland to get away from it all. Think Husky rides, cosy cabins, cute husky puppies, thick snow ……this book has everything and a real thick
coating of romance on top because Sylvie didn’t choose this destination randomly - she knew her Finnish ex boyfriend she met at university all those years ago happens to come from here. Will she bump into him again?
This is the perfect read in the coming months and weeks leading up to Christmas snuggled up by the fire. I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Helen Duff and oh - what a joy she made it! So,thank you Netgalley and Saga Egmont Audio for my Lappish Winter Wonderland Adventure!
This story was fun and easy to listen to. The characters are easy to like although the heroine could be a little stronger in my opinion. I loved the ending but felt like there wasn’t much character development.
Things I loved: Christmas, second chance love, best friends on vacation
Things I didn't love: male voices, Sylvie's determination to misunderstand Stellan
Sylvie and Nari, her best friend, take a trip to the Arctic circle to spend Christmas. It wasn't how Sylvie originally planned to spend her honeymoon, but Nari convinces her to give the vacation a chance. However, Sylvie comes face to face with her ghost of the past, Stellan. All of her first-love feelings come rushing back to her as they spend a few days getting to know each other again at his family's resort.
This novel comes with two love stories: Sylvie with Stellan and Nari with Stellan's best friend. Unfortunately, there was a massive lack of communication between Sylvie and Stellan, which was annoying. Sylvie kept assuming the worst of Stellan's intentions, which didn't make any sense. It seemed like she kept projecting her insecurities onto him instead of just asking him how he felt.
I couldn't get used to the narrator's Finnish accent for the male characters. It seemed a little too unrealistic. Also, there was a lot of dialogue in that accent, making it hard to listen along at some parts.
Overall this was a cute story. The vacation presented the perfect storm that led to the eventful ending. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy cold vacation destinations and second chance romance.
Narrator: 3/5
Story: 4/5
I loved this audiobook. The story was great and I was hooked from the beginning. I kept finding excuses to listen to it while doing other things. I only wish that there had been a male reader for those parts. It was so sweet and really got me in the Christmas mood. I want to travel to Lapland.
Oh my goodness, this was a blissful escape! I loved it from start to finish!
The story lines were entertaining and the scenic descriptions were fantastic....Christmas in Lapland!
Sylvie and Narry were really well written protagonists; the story is mainly set around Sylvie but Narry was such a great character, I'm glad she had a bigger role. The love interests: Stellan and Neala were swoony too.
I would highly recommend Christmas at Frozen Falls to get you into the Christmas mood
This was a brilliant book to listen to as an audiobook. I liked the characters and found myself thinking about the story after I’d finished the book.
First thing's first, I'd like to thank NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for sending me the audiobook of Christmas at Frozen Falls in exchange for an honest review.
If you think that reading a Christmas romance novel in September might be weird and unsuitable, I'm here to tell you that it isn't. Actually, I didn't mind at all that I didn't read this book in the appropriate season. The story is written so beautifully that you forget that it's 30°C outside.
Christmas at Frozen Falls follows Sylvie, the protagonists who got dumped just before her wedding. And if that's not bad enough, it's Christmas and she's all alone. She takes her friend, Mari to Lapland, where Sylvie and her ex-fiance were supposed to spend their honeymoon. Things are not as depressive as Sylvie thought they would be.
Christmas at Frozen Falls explores two different relationship of two different couples. And mind you, this is one of the most realistic romance books I've ever read. The characters and their actions seem relatable and nothing is forced just for the sake of romance. I'm a sucker for slow burn and this book provides.
But this book is far more than just a romance novel, it describes Sylvie's journey of self discovery and growth. The atmosphere is cozy and I loved the scenery.
I was surprised that it had 2 povs. Both provide inside information of the lives and feelings of the two couples.
The narrator did an excellent job with the female characters. At first, I didn't like how she did the male ones but I got used to it.
Story: 4/5⭐
Narrator: 4/5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley and Saga Egmont Audio for giving me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thought and opinions are my own.
So when I saw this book advertised I jumped at the chance to read it, I love Christmas books anytime of year but I have had the northern lights on my to-do list for the last few years and blasted covid has stopped me being able to travel and see them. So I thought I might as well live my dream through someone else for the moment.
Our MC Sylvie Magnusson should be jetting off on the honeymoon of a lifetime, however after been jilted a week before the wedding she is at home in freezing Cheshire still wondering what happened. Trying to brighten her mood her best friend plans a trip to see the Northern Lights in Lapland, polar opposites to where she should be going. However as the trip gets closer Sylvie realises that Frozen Falls the resort they will be staying in, is the hometown of Stellan Virtanen, her ex boyfriend from University.
This is the perfect read for Christmas, especially with its magical snowy setting in Lapland. All the characters are interesting and very easy to like as are the locations within the book. Also seem to be in keeping with local customs. I really enjoyed the book and will definitely look out for books by the author in the future as this is the first book I have read by her. I also enjoyed the narrators voice and the pace of the story telling, it made listening to the book more enjoyable.
Expected publication date 31st October 2021.
The Mistletoe Pact was a sweet, heartfelt read that definitely gives the reader the fuzzy hallmark love kind of feels. A tale of two friends who I will admit, spent their sweet ass time finally succumbing to the pull between them.
I will admit I was a little frustrated with the lack of communication between the two. Yes, it created tension and helped draw out their budding relationship, but I felt like it was just a little too drawn out and I was beginning to lose interest.
Other than that there were still a lot of things I liked about the book. Lots of cute heartwarming moments, some witty banter, and a very satisfying ending for everyone.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Mistletoe Pact.
Are you looking for a sweet and wholesome Christmas romance to add to your December audiobooks? Are you a little tired of teenage antics, and want to read about a bit more mature and established characters? Well, this is the book for you!
It's brilliantly told and narrated, making it a pleasure to listen to. It's wholesome enough to listen in public (and at work), without worrying your coworker is listening in. Helen Duff's voice is pleasant and soothing, engaging you from the start, and the voices she gives for each of the characters are distinct and fitting.
I really loved this book! Since I grew up in Alaska, all the talk of the Aurora Borealis really made me nostalgic. I loved that in this book we had two love stories. This was definitely a sweet Hallmark type of read, perfect for Christmas!
**please note due to low rating I will not be leaving a public review for this book as I have not paid for it.**
Narrator 3 stars
Story 2 stars
I started this book at the gym on the treedmill and I must have looked certifiable to people around me.
The build up to the proposal I had my hands over my eyes shaking my head cringing because that's NEVER ok.
Cole showing up at her parents, my anger grew and I was shaking my head wanting to punch him and then the news!! I actually said (shouted) "OH FUCK OFF!!" before I remembered where I was so well done to the Kiley Dunbar for making her readers feel such emotion.
But then once the holiday started it was down hill for me from there. I never felt a connection to the two love stories, and honestly I didn't see what the appeal was for either couple. Overall I didn't enjoy this. Sorry
A closed-door second-chance Christmas romance.
Sylvie was dumped in her wedding dress. Instead of going on her tropical honeymoon for Christmas, she takes her best friend to Finland. Her college boyfriend just happens to own the resort. He is the one that got away.
This is hard for me to rate. I listened to the audiobook. I wish I hadn't. The voices the narrator used for dialogue was kind of awful. Not just the Finnish characters- the British ones, too.
My other big issue is the ending. It was abrupt and about two paragraphs long. I don't need
several chapters or epilogues, but I'd like a little more.
Less of an issue, but still something that kept me from enjoying the book, was that the author spent entirely too much time on Sylvie's ex. I get that it is important to her backstory, but at least a third of the book is about her ex and/or his family.
I did enjoy the setting. A lot. It sounds like a wonderful place to visit- especially at Christmas.
Overall, if you choose to read this, stick to the written version.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, author Kiley Dunbar, and Hera publishing for giving me a free audio arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars
I loved the premise of this book and was excited when I was able to get an advanced copy. Needless to say, this book was everything I was looking for in a Christmas romance and more! The author did a wonderful job capturing the holiday feelings with a setting, characters, and story line. I loved getting to travel with two relatable and likeable characters as they both journey to find not only their next steps in their professional lives, but also their personal life as well. The author gave both of the main characters equal amount of time and development that the readers can not help to root for a HEA outcome for both couples. This book had such a great wintery feeling to it throughout the story. I loved all the remote locations the characters were able to travel to during their much needed holiday together. The two main characters had such a strong and deep friendship that was seen throughout the story. The narrator did a great job with the voices and foreign language. The writing and pacing was well done. This story moved at a great pace that I was able to finish it in one setting. I could not put it down, I had to see what would happen next. Overall, the ending captured my heart and left me well satisfied and grinning. I would recommend this book for those looking for their next holiday romance with two swoon worthy heroes! I can't wait for this author's next new release.
Christmas looks to be a bleak affair for Sylvie Magnusson. After her fiance jilts her, Sylvie will be spending the holiday in chilly Cheshire instead of taking off on a sun and fun filled honeymoon. Nari, Sylvie’s friend, suggests that the two of them take a trip North, to see the Aurora Borealis. Hoping that a change of scenery will help, Sylvie agrees, but the she remembers their destination is also the home of Stellan, a boyfriend Sylvis has never quit gotten over. When the two reunite, sparks fly, but is this just a holiday romance, or something more lasting? A delightfully sweet and funny romance told in Duff’s charming voice
Thank you, NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio, for the audio book. It may be 85 degrees and sunny in New Jersey, but Christmas at Frozen Falls gave me all of the holiday feels. Set in the tundra of Lapland, we experience Sylvie's heartbreak and healing from the point of view of various characters. I loved the narrator's warm accent and I loved being reminded of the magic of second chances. Now, is it too early to put up my Christmas tree? Never! Light your evergreen candle and cozy up to this charming holiday tale (even if it is September).
I absolutely loved this magical Christmas romance.
The story holds the perfect balance of whimsical, quirky, likable anthracites and a lovely story that unfolds at a very good pace.
"Some feelings are worth the agony"
I feel like this story is a story about what happens when you just let go and live. Best friends Sylvie and Nari's love life takes a turn for the better-- something neither of them has known before.
Sylvie reunites with an old flame Stellan, while on vacation to Lapland. Stellan, lets down all his walls and comes clean about why he left Sylvie all those years ago. A new connection is formed and they reexplore who they are together.
Nari is a jet-setting travel influencer. She is an independent, educated, and strong female whose the closest thing to love life is a random hookup with her billionaire friend with benefits.
That changes here too.
Both of the girls fall in love, but the reality is that the beauty of Frozen Falls, the huskies, and Northern Lights are not part of their reality. All this love and beauty will stay behind in this magical world-- or is it?
So Heartwarming! Even though it is not winter, this is the perfect book to read all cozy with hot chocolate by the fire.
To get over Cole and their almost marriage, Sylvia goes with her best friend on a trip up north to Lapland for the holidays. Of course she plans to meet up with her first love Stelland.
This is a light romance that includes a snowy wonderland, cute puppies, wilderness adventure, and great friends. Of course the ending was very predictable, but it warmed my heart nonetheless.
Some other highlights was that I read this as an audiobook and thought the narrator was fun and engaging. Her Finnish accents made me chuckle a bit, but made it easy to distinguish the characters.
The only thing I didn't enjoy as much were the parts that were just reading the blog posts. I know it was a style choice, but I think that it was forcing the modern aspect more than needed. Maybe just hearing hashtags read aloud to me is a bit annoying and that was what irked me insteadof the content.
I did really like this book and who knows, I may reread it again around Christmas.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
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Christmas at Frozen Falls by Kiley Dunbar is a great contemporary romance that is entertaining, engaging, festive, and really hit the spot.
I am reviewing the audiobook version narrated by Helen Duff.
Sylvie and her friend Nari travel to see the fabulous Northern Lights over the holidays. This is just what Sylvie needs after a down and out time where her engagement and soon to be marriage has ended. Of course she never dreamed of bumping into her ex boyfriend on her escapee vaca, you know the one that got away, and now she has to look inside herself to reassess what she truly wants in life and how she truly feels.
I enjoyed visiting Finland, especially during the holidays. The author did a great job giving the reader vivid images of a winter wonderland. I also enjoyed the second chance romance with Stellan.
A comfy, cozy, festive, and upbeat romance that helped warm my heart and day.
5/5 stars for the audiobook and the novel
Thank you NG and Saga Egmont Audio and Hera Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.