Overall I thoroughly enjoyed book. I would describe it as a sweet and cosy fantasy romance and a great introduction to fantasy. It was easy to read, fast paced and I loved the wintery vibes and the main characters. It was such a cosy read and perfect for this time of year.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Winterfrost Market
Jenny Sandiford

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy

Cozy mystery, that pretty much sums up this book. Its a sweet story, a little gentle mystery, some drama, not the heart pounding sort but enough to keep the story interesting. I enjoyed it, its not one I'd re-read, but was entertaining.
Some interesting characters, a fun story line and a gentle romance. I loved the tea descriptions, felt lovely and warming with all that snow.

Stars: Three, a fun story.

ARC supplied by netgalley and publishers

Elsie runs a tea shop with her mum. Elsie's mum fails to return home after a trip to find ingredients for there tea shop and goes to find her.
She needs a tracker to help find her through the mystical town with witches and fae folk to be weiry of.

Kit has been hidding away from his royal family disguised as a human and agrees to help Elsie.

this was a lovley mystical story and easy to read.
This was the first book by jenny sandiford i have read and will be looking out for more

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 3.75/5
This book had both good and bad, and I feel like it could've been so great with just a little more editing. The writing was clunky throughout the book, which did distract me at times, and there are grammatical mistakes. It was an enjoyable and lighthearted read that was easy to get into, the worldbuilding and the cozy town were great, and I liked the dynamic between the two main characters, I just wish there was more to it. The characters just felt one dimensional, and their interactions impersonal. It's a nice, cozy story, and I think I'll be looking out for any future books by the author, in hopes it's just a little more edited next time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Jenny Sandiford for providing me with an ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What to expect:
- Cozy romantasy
- Hidden identity
- Only one room
- Quest to save her mother
- LGBTQ+ representation
- Witches, fae, vampires, exc.
- Young adult
- Standalone

My thoughts:
Man, this book was so good. I honestly have no problems with it. The characters were chef’s kiss. The mmc, Kit, is a fae in disguise who was sent on a quest per his father’s orders. The tiny details the author includes make him such a fleshed out character. I mean he has a dog, shoutout to Pepper, and he likes birdwatching/sketching!?! It was super refreshing from the typical romantasy mmc.

Elsie, our fmc, was also great. She was unique and a breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed! Elsie is a sweet yet strong character, she knows when to pick her fights and acts her age. Their relationship was flawless! Standalones typically aren’t something that I read, especially fantasy books. To me the world building seems to be underdone and the relationships are sometimes rushed. But this book had a perfect balance. I was always eager to pick it up and never once felt the relationship was being rushed!

Totally recommend!

I'd like to thank NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Jenny Sandiford for a free copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Winterfrost Market is an adorably cozy read guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. The overall spirit of adventure, bravery, and generosity are weaved throughout this book. I do have to say I think Pepper is definitely my favorite character in the book!
Yes there are some mild perspective corrections needed, but overall this is a worthwhile cozy, fantasy read.

This book absolutely captivated me! It had me up way past my bedtime trying to just get another few pages in.

I loved the cozy winter vibe and setting for this story. The atmosphere carried well through the entire book. However, one point of improvement I wish is for the book to use a greater variety of elements to support the vibe. I sometimes feel like the book relied too heavily on winter themed place (eg WinterFrost, WinterFae, MidWinter) names to carry the vibe. Not to mention that its easy to confuse setting names when they all roughly mean the same thing.

I found Kit and Elsie to be wonderfully developed. I was really rooting for both of them through the story. I also really liked how their relationship grew, it had the right tension and credibility to it. I also liked how Elsie was smart and was able to piece secrets together. I'm not a fan of books who have a purposefully dumb main character as a way to (often unconvincingly) build tension, but that wasn't the case for this book at all.

Another place that I think could be improved is the foreshadowing or hinting at events. I found that things were either hinted at too heavily and too early on or came out of nowhere at all. For example, the revelation around the <spoiler> fungi </spoiler> felt like it came out of nowhere.

Despite all of my gripes above, this was overall an enjoyable read for me and I'm really looking forward to the next book!

Thanks Velikor Publisher, Jenny Sandiford and Netgalley for approving my ARC copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and cozy fantasy romance! Our main characters were charming & just so adorable together, and I loved the wintry vibe, which made everything feel as warm as a cup of delicious tea. I could see myself returning to this story every winter - it’s just so lovely!

Thank you to netgalley, Jenny Sandiford, and Velikor Publishing for letting me read and ARC of Winterfrost Market.

This was such a joy to read! I think it was funny that I read it during spooky season. Definitely more of a winter time by the fire with tea or hot cocoa type of book. If a hallmark Christmas movie had a baby with a fantasy book this would be what you get! also..yet there is the romance of a hallmark movie too. It gave me small town Christmas vibes. This is in dual-POV. I adored this book and all the cozy yet adventurous story. I felt the characters were as fleshed out as needed.

Now, it is about Elise whose mother has gone missing after trying to get spices from Midwinter Haven. Elise her sister Marie and their mother have a tea house in Winterfrost. They are getting ready for Midwinter.

Then there is Kit and his wolfhound Pepper. He wears a glamour as he is… fae Prince SWOON! we find him in need of a healer when we meet him.

I don’t want to give too much away but if you want a quick read with some snuggle up cozy vibes..this is the book for you.

Winterfrost Market is the perfect blend of cozy romance and wild fantasy. This was such a cute one to kick off the winter season!

I loved this charming and cozy fantasy read! The writing was immersive with great descriptions and Elsie was my favorite character. This is a cute, fluffy, and engaging read for anyone who loves the coziness of magical beings.

Thank you to Netgalley and Velikor Publishing for allowing me into Kit, Elsie and Peppermint’s world. This title releases on 10/24/24. This book is also suitable for teen readers.

I loved the fast paced story of magical pupper Peppermint, her owner Fae Prince Kit and loveable human Elsie. Jenny Sandiford’s vivid description of Midwinter Haven and the Winterfrost Market were amazing. This book is so cozy and perfect to read while enjoying a cup of tea.

I have just finished this book and I rate it 5/5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I couldn’t put it down. It was a very lovely cozy fantasy/ romance read. Winterfrost Market is book one in the Tales of Midwinter Haven series and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Winterfrost Market is releasing October 24, 2024. Thank you so much for to Netgalley and Jenny Sandiford for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford
Rating: 3.75/5

Summary:
A tea-loving mortal with a warm heart. A worldly fae prince in disguise. Midwinter is brewing something magical…

At the enchanting Winterfrost Market, Elsie is run off her feet at her family’s cosy travelling tea house. But her holiday spirit dims when her mother fails to return from a journey to Midwinter Haven—a legendary land in the north rumoured to be home to elves, witches, and fae. Desperate to find her, Elsie enlists the help of Kit, a charming tracker with secrets of his own. As they travel north, Elsie’s world opens to magic and wonder, but also danger. She quickly suspects that Kit might be one of the clever fae her sister warned her about. Is he her dream prince, or an enemy in disguise? To find her mother, Elsie will have to gamble her heart.

Plot & Pacing:
The plot offers some truly delightful elements, with plenty of intrigue and moving pieces that make the story engaging. The steady plot progression kept me turning the pages, but there were moments when it felt like a lot was happening without enough depth. The first half had a great pace—I flew through it in one sitting! However, the second half slowed down unexpectedly, even as the plot intensified. The romance, in particular, could have benefited from more breathing room, allowing the connection between Elsie and Kit to develop more naturally.

Characters:
The characters were charming, especially the side characters—and I have to give a special mention to the dog! Elsie and Kit were both likeable, with Elsie’s tea-making skills and big heart, and Kit’s honour and quiet strength adding warmth to their personalities. However, I felt we only began to scratch the surface with them. I would have loved to see more depth and complexity revealed through showing rather than telling, as it would have allowed for a more organic discovery of their unique traits. Occasionally, the dialogue felt a bit clunky, which disrupted the flow for me at times, especially as a reader with dyslexia. But overall, there’s a lot of potential here, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these characters evolve in future books.

Romance:
The romance has some wonderful elements, but it felt a bit rushed in places. I wanted to see more of Elsie and Kit’s connection build slowly, with more moments to let the relationship breathe and grow. That said, I loved Kit’s protective side and Elsie’s stubbornness. Their dynamic is fun, and I look forward to seeing how their relationship evolves in the future.

Writing Style:
The writing has a cozy, warm quality that suits the story perfectly. I appreciated the lovely prose and the immersive atmosphere, especially in the first half, which drew me right in. For the most part, it was accessible, which I really valued as a reader with dyslexia. Occasionally, the narrative leaned more towards telling rather than showing, which limited some of the depth, and there were moments when the dialogue felt a bit stilted. However, the overall tone remains comforting and adds a delightful charm to the cosy, magical setting.

World-Building:
The world-building is one of the highlights, with charming and whimsical elements that create a cosy, warm, and magical atmosphere. I enjoyed exploring the different magical groups, and the overall vibe was perfect for a winter read. While I appreciated the magical touches, I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in the magic system. A deeper dive into the rules and limitations could further enrich this world, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in its unique details.

Final Thoughts:
Winterfrost Market is a warm, cosy read that’s perfect for autumn and winter. It’s the kind of book you want to curl up with, a hot cup of tea in hand. Although there were a few moments where the pacing in the second half slowed down and some parts leaned more towards telling than showing, the story has plenty of charm and potential. With its enchanting world and delightful characters, this book lays the groundwork for what could be a truly cosy series. I’m excited to see where it goes next!

The review is online on Goodreads (meltriestowriteastory) and will be put online on my TikTok account where I share my own journey as a beginner writer with dyslexia and my love for books. The review will be online on Saturday October 19th

I read this in one sitting I loved it so much, a cosy mystery with some fantasy and romance sprinkled on top, the plot is well paced and kept me engaged but what stood out was the characters and how lovable they are, this was a completely enchanting read, for fans of cute, sweet and cosy stories

3.75 on StoryGraph

This was a cute, quick read. Winterfrost Market is a fluffy holiday story that reads like a magic infused Hallmark movie. There aren’t too many surprises, but it’s sweet.

I liked the world building in this book, the world of magic and the tensions between the humans and magical beings was interesting. I really liked how those biases were broken down through the book. There are a number of supporting characters that could easily have stories told so there’s a lot of depth to the world here.

The main relationship between Elsie and Kit interested me as I was intrigued by the human/fae pairing but I wasn’t as invested in their relationship which is where I took some points off. This is where the book felt most Hallmark-esque. I didn’t feel like they were in a real strong relationship in the end, they were cute, but their reason for staying together felt a bit tenuous.

Overall, this was cute, and an enjoyable read. If you’re looking for something easy to peruse during the holiday season you’ll be in good hands here.

Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford is such a good book. I really liked the way the author put everything in place in this story. 5 stars from me.

This book was absolutely lovely and cozy and at the same time action packed and mysterious. It’s the perfect story for sitting down with a cup of tea (you’ll see why!), a fireplace going, a snack, and immersing yourself in the story. Elsie was wonderful and caring and brave. Kit was the perfect counterpart to her. I adore them! Can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy and read this every December.

Jenny Sandiford's "Winterfrost Market" is a charming blend of cosy fantasy and a little romance sure to warm your heart and take you on a delightful adventure through a magical winter wonderland. The story follows Elsie, a tea-loving human, as she sets off on a heartfelt quest to find her missing mother, with the support of Kit, a mysterious and sometimes charming tracker.

Spice: 🌶️
🍵 Tea-loving heroine
🧝‍♂️ Mysterious fae tracker
🐕 and his cute dog
🏰 Enchanting winter wonderland

The author's vivid world-building brings the Winterfrost Market to life, creating an immersive setting that readers will dream of visiting. From the quaint town where Elsie and her family live to the magical realm of Midwinter Haven, every location is described with lovely detail.

One of the highlights of this novel is the careful balance between character development and plot progression. Elsie’s quest to find her mother, Kit's quest to foil his father, and their blossoming relationship are woven together perfectly.

The pacing is just right, blending action, romance, and mystery in a way that encourages you to keep turning the pages. I started at lunch and stayed up late finishing this book in one day. The rich and atmospheric writing style perfectly captures the cosy winter vibes that make this book a wonderful seasonal read.

"Winterfrost Market" is a great choice for fans of fantasy romance, cosy mysteries, and anyone who treasures a heartwarming story filled with magic, adventure, and a sprinkle of romance. It’s a lovely read for those who enjoy escaping into enchanting worlds and cherish the themes of love, family, and a comforting cup of tea.

Thank you NetGalley and Velikor Publishing for the ARC of this book.

This book is the written equivalent of curling up in a chair by a roaring fire and enjoying a cup of your favorite tea. Perfect if you are looking for a nice winter / holiday read that is a sweet cozy romantasy with faeries and tea shops. This book starts with a map and we all know that means that the book is going to be amazing. There is a secret identity, epic quests, an adorable puppy and a blossoming love. Watching the wonder of experiencing magic from the eyes of Elsie made it so relatable because I would have been the same if I saw the same things in person. The only downside I could give to this book (and not enough of one to make it not rated 5 stars) is that given the gorgeous map I wish there was more backstory / world building shown on page rather then just loosely alluded too. However, given this is the first story in what will be a serious perhaps the reason for the focus on the one section of the map is because the other books will be able the other areas of the world. This is a stand alone novel though, it doesn’t end on a cliff hanger or with unanswered questions.