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Romantic Escapes #7
Szerelem a svájci Alpokban
Köztudott, hogy a csokoládé-világbajnokságon Svájc verhetetlen, valamint a csoki mindenre gyógyír. Tudja ezt Mina is, aki épp szakított a pasijával, úgyhogy romokban az élete. Szerencse ebben az érzelmi katasztrófában, hogy keresztanyja egy hangulatos alpesi faházban él, ami ideális hely a sebek nyalogatására, ráadásul a friss hegyi levegő, a szikrázó hó, a snowboard és a kimerítő séta igen jótékony hatású, főleg ha utána jókora darab ínycsiklandó sajt és egy csésze mennyei forró csoki mellett mélázhat az ember az élet nagy kérdésein.
Így hát Mina bepakol a bőröndbe, felpattan a vonatra, s miközben a célállomás felé suhan, lefekteti a kőkemény szabályokat: csokoládé minden mennyiségben, romantikáról pedig szó sem lehet.
Igen ám, de mi van akkor, ha a vonaton összetalálkozik egy titokzatos és elképesztően szívdöglesztő pasival?
Julie Caplin szenvedélye az utazás, és a kulináris élvezeteket sem veti meg. Élményeit, tapasztalatait beleszövi bájos, hangulatos regényeibe is. Legyen szó, Koppenhágáról, Brooklynról, Párizsról, Tokióról, Izlandról, az Adriai-tengerről vagy éppen a svájci Alpokról: Julie Caplin köteteinek szereplőit mindenhol újabb kalandok várják.
Így hát Mina bepakol a bőröndbe, felpattan a vonatra, s miközben a célállomás felé suhan, lefekteti a kőkemény szabályokat: csokoládé minden mennyiségben, romantikáról pedig szó sem lehet.
Igen ám, de mi van akkor, ha a vonaton összetalálkozik egy titokzatos és elképesztően szívdöglesztő pasival?
Julie Caplin szenvedélye az utazás, és a kulináris élvezeteket sem veti meg. Élményeit, tapasztalatait beleszövi bájos, hangulatos regényeibe is. Legyen szó, Koppenhágáról, Brooklynról, Párizsról, Tokióról, Izlandról, az Adriai-tengerről vagy éppen a svájci Alpokról: Julie Caplin köteteinek szereplőit mindenhol újabb kalandok várják.
478 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2021
504 people are currently reading
4334 people want to read
About the author
Julie Caplin
31 books1,154 followersJulie Caplin also writes contemporary romance as Jules Wake.
Julie Caplin is addicted to travel and good food. She’s on a constant hunt for the perfect gin and is obsessively picky about glasses, tonic and garnishes. Between regular gin tastings, she’s been writing her debut novel which is set in just one of the many cities she’s explored over the years.
Formerly a PR director, for many years she swanned around Europe taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the trilogy, The Little Cafe in Copenhagen, The Little Brooklyn Bakery and the The Little Paris Patisserie.
Julie Caplin is addicted to travel and good food. She’s on a constant hunt for the perfect gin and is obsessively picky about glasses, tonic and garnishes. Between regular gin tastings, she’s been writing her debut novel which is set in just one of the many cities she’s explored over the years.
Formerly a PR director, for many years she swanned around Europe taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the trilogy, The Little Cafe in Copenhagen, The Little Brooklyn Bakery and the The Little Paris Patisserie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 690 reviews
January 26, 2021
Sweet and sparkling with energy- a perfect escape read.
Who doesn't dream of a holiday in a fairy tale setting with gorgeous scenery and delicious food? if it also involves working out a few things about what you really want from life and meeting somebody special, even better!
Who doesn't dream of a holiday in a fairy tale setting with gorgeous scenery and delicious food? if it also involves working out a few things about what you really want from life and meeting somebody special, even better!
March 8, 2021
No one picks up a romance book for surprises or twists. Every reader knows that the book will be predictable, and within that predictability, it will provide a glimpse of sunshine and happiness for perfect light reading. The typical pattern of such books is girl meets boy, both have sparks and fights, both patch up and unite towards the end for an HEA. So when you have a book where there are hardly any fights, the romance had already gotten off to a smooth start from the very first meeting, and all that happens subsequently is nothing but an extension of the perfect compatibility of the couple, you can't help but feel that something is missing. For an Indian, it's akin to eating a dish with just salt and turmeric powder added. Where are the rest of the spices?
Don't get me wrong, the story isn't bad. Food technician Mina is searching for an escape after her year-old relationship fizzles out very publicly. She finds solace in the little chalet run by her godmother in the Swiss Alps. All she knows is that she isn't looking for love. But as soon as the train to Switzerland arrives with Luke in it, it is very clear that destiny has other plans.
The book is a pretty good holiday story. There are plenty of warm moments in the cold Swiss Alps. In fact, everything Swiss is highlighted very well: the skiing, the chocolates, the cuisine, the weather, the habits of the locals,... The author does seem to have researched Switzerland nicely.
But.... The book is marketed as a romance. And if I evaluated it on its merits as a romance, it becomes strictly average. The love story has hardly any fizz. Almost everything between Mina and Luke is hunky-dory right from the start. There aren't any ego clashes, there aren't many insecurities, there isn't any devious third party to prick thorns into the blooming love,... It just seems very incomplete as a romantic book. There just isn't enough spice.
To put it differently, this book is not a romance set in Switzerland; it is a story about a woman coming on her own in Switzerland with some romance thrown in. If you are looking for an enjoyable woman's fiction where the lead female character realises her strength and strives to fulfill her dreams, go for this book. If you are looking for a typical romance with sugar and spice, go somewhere else. This book has only sugar.
The narrator Victoria Fox does a pretty good job enacting the book. Unfortunately, the story wasn't tempting enough for me to be hooked and I kept tuning out of the audio.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
Don't get me wrong, the story isn't bad. Food technician Mina is searching for an escape after her year-old relationship fizzles out very publicly. She finds solace in the little chalet run by her godmother in the Swiss Alps. All she knows is that she isn't looking for love. But as soon as the train to Switzerland arrives with Luke in it, it is very clear that destiny has other plans.
The book is a pretty good holiday story. There are plenty of warm moments in the cold Swiss Alps. In fact, everything Swiss is highlighted very well: the skiing, the chocolates, the cuisine, the weather, the habits of the locals,... The author does seem to have researched Switzerland nicely.
But.... The book is marketed as a romance. And if I evaluated it on its merits as a romance, it becomes strictly average. The love story has hardly any fizz. Almost everything between Mina and Luke is hunky-dory right from the start. There aren't any ego clashes, there aren't many insecurities, there isn't any devious third party to prick thorns into the blooming love,... It just seems very incomplete as a romantic book. There just isn't enough spice.
To put it differently, this book is not a romance set in Switzerland; it is a story about a woman coming on her own in Switzerland with some romance thrown in. If you are looking for an enjoyable woman's fiction where the lead female character realises her strength and strives to fulfill her dreams, go for this book. If you are looking for a typical romance with sugar and spice, go somewhere else. This book has only sugar.
The narrator Victoria Fox does a pretty good job enacting the book. Unfortunately, the story wasn't tempting enough for me to be hooked and I kept tuning out of the audio.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
January 22, 2021
Chocolate, cheese, and serendipity! Julie Caplin’s vivid storytelling transported me to the snowy Swiss Alps. Mina is a fun loving, impetuous, free spirited Woman. when Mina‘s impetuousNess leads to an over-the-top impromptu proposal to her boyfriend things don’t go quite to plan. The bad news, the video of this humiliating moment goes viral. The good news, this leads to Mina heading to Switzerland. In Switzerland Mina stays in a charming chalet owned by her godmother where she meets all kinds of wonderful characters, including a hottie named Luke. even though Mina cannot deny her instant attraction to Luke she is putting on the breaks. Luke is way too much like her and that is NOT what she needs in her life right now. but the more time Mina spends in this gorgeous setting and with this gorgeous man the more she thinks maybe what she thought she needed is not what she needs at all.
Such a heartwarming and delightful story! I just loved everything about this book, even all the snow! mina was such a likable carefree character I just loved her spirit. She was seriously up for anything skiing both downhill and cross country, snowboarding, you name it she did it. Luke was such a charmer and there were so many moments between these two characters that so pulled at my heartstrings. One of my favorite parts of this book was the cheese and chocolate Train, cheese and chocolate are two of my favorite food groups it sounded like heaven to me! A stunning setting. Heartwarming characters. Sweet romance. Delectable goodies. A perfect escapist read.
This book in emojis 🪅 🧀 🫕 🍫 🚞 🏔 🎿
*** Big thank you to One More Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Such a heartwarming and delightful story! I just loved everything about this book, even all the snow! mina was such a likable carefree character I just loved her spirit. She was seriously up for anything skiing both downhill and cross country, snowboarding, you name it she did it. Luke was such a charmer and there were so many moments between these two characters that so pulled at my heartstrings. One of my favorite parts of this book was the cheese and chocolate Train, cheese and chocolate are two of my favorite food groups it sounded like heaven to me! A stunning setting. Heartwarming characters. Sweet romance. Delectable goodies. A perfect escapist read.
This book in emojis 🪅 🧀 🫕 🍫 🚞 🏔 🎿
*** Big thank you to One More Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
January 26, 2021
I really liked my first read from Caplin. Although this is part of a series called ‘Romantic Escapes’, it would appear that all of these novels are stand-alones and separate stories – a great bonus! This book, read around Christmas time, was perfect for me, taking me to the snow-covered Swiss Alps and escaping into a warm, cosy chalet.
Caplin takes her readers to Switzerland with our protagonist, Mina, who has been humiliated by her now ex-boyfriend and recommended to take some time off work by her boss. So, travelling to visit her godmother’s chalet, Mina sees it as an opportunity to regroup and decide what she really wants to do with herself. However, literally stumbling into a gorgeous stranger on a train changes Mina’s priorities a little bit, particularly as he then appears to be one of the guests at the chalet.
Undoubtedly, the atmosphere at Amelie’s chalet is completely enchanting. It did not feel like a ski lodge and it certainly did not feel like a hotel. It felt like home. Amelie’s chalet is incredibly popular and I could see why: the love and warmth that exists between host and guests is endearing and I felt jealous that I could not go and visit myself! I loved how Amelie has created this business of hers and the success she has generated. Amelie, rightfully or wrongly, has become rather picky at choosing her guests however, she makes it clear that it is to create the best atmosphere for her chalet.
One thing is for sure when reading this book, it will certainly tantalise your taste buds! There is a lot of emphasis on food and, when I was reading this over Christmas (it’s not a Christmas book), it was verrrrry easy to reach over to the festive treats whilst consuming the book. So, a word of warning: don’t be surprised if you need to diet after completing the story! Amelie and Mina are both foodies and Caplin vividly describes the cooking that both women are passionate about. Mina, escaping her mundane job of creating “safe” meals for a supermarket, is impressed by her godmother’s recipes and desires to put her own twist on the dishes. Coupled with the daily “cake o’clock” at the chalet, readers are indulged with baked goods, savoury treats and plenty of discussions about chocolate… heaven! Despite this, it did not stall the narrative or make it mundane to read as Caplin successfully weaves it into the narrative as Mina explores Switzerland and gets to know the stranger she met on the train.
I really enjoyed reading this book and relished in the escapism it provided. It was pleasant to escape to chillier climes and really suited a more wintery read. It felt in keeping with the weather outside and I think this added to my enjoyment of the story. The characters are all really likeable and, although you can guess that there will be an eventual happy ending, I adored watching the scenes play out in magical Switzerland.
With thanks to One More Chapter, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Caplin takes her readers to Switzerland with our protagonist, Mina, who has been humiliated by her now ex-boyfriend and recommended to take some time off work by her boss. So, travelling to visit her godmother’s chalet, Mina sees it as an opportunity to regroup and decide what she really wants to do with herself. However, literally stumbling into a gorgeous stranger on a train changes Mina’s priorities a little bit, particularly as he then appears to be one of the guests at the chalet.
Undoubtedly, the atmosphere at Amelie’s chalet is completely enchanting. It did not feel like a ski lodge and it certainly did not feel like a hotel. It felt like home. Amelie’s chalet is incredibly popular and I could see why: the love and warmth that exists between host and guests is endearing and I felt jealous that I could not go and visit myself! I loved how Amelie has created this business of hers and the success she has generated. Amelie, rightfully or wrongly, has become rather picky at choosing her guests however, she makes it clear that it is to create the best atmosphere for her chalet.
One thing is for sure when reading this book, it will certainly tantalise your taste buds! There is a lot of emphasis on food and, when I was reading this over Christmas (it’s not a Christmas book), it was verrrrry easy to reach over to the festive treats whilst consuming the book. So, a word of warning: don’t be surprised if you need to diet after completing the story! Amelie and Mina are both foodies and Caplin vividly describes the cooking that both women are passionate about. Mina, escaping her mundane job of creating “safe” meals for a supermarket, is impressed by her godmother’s recipes and desires to put her own twist on the dishes. Coupled with the daily “cake o’clock” at the chalet, readers are indulged with baked goods, savoury treats and plenty of discussions about chocolate… heaven! Despite this, it did not stall the narrative or make it mundane to read as Caplin successfully weaves it into the narrative as Mina explores Switzerland and gets to know the stranger she met on the train.
I really enjoyed reading this book and relished in the escapism it provided. It was pleasant to escape to chillier climes and really suited a more wintery read. It felt in keeping with the weather outside and I think this added to my enjoyment of the story. The characters are all really likeable and, although you can guess that there will be an eventual happy ending, I adored watching the scenes play out in magical Switzerland.
With thanks to One More Chapter, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2021
5☆ A Feel-good, Endearing, Witty & Scrumptious Romance!
The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is such a warm, endearing and loveable read, with a good dash of humour and a smoldering romance.
I just want to also point out how gorgeous the book cover is. Perfect for the snowy weather we're having right now!
Mina is at a crossroads. After after a humiliating proposal to her ex, then almost getting the sack from work. She decides it's time to get away and figure out what she wants.
So she packs a bag, says goodbye to her sister and jumps on a plane to Switzerland to visit her Godmother Amelie's Ski Cottages.
On the way to Amelie's she jumps on a train only to narrowly miss it and falls into the arms of the Charismatic, Cheeky and oh so Charming Luke.
The pair share a seat.
But as he departs before her, they share a steamy kiss.
After not exchanging details, the pair never imagine they will see each other again.
But fate has a way of bringing them together, when they end up at the same chalets, run by Mina's godmother.
After an afternoon on the slopes together Mina tells Luke she's not interested in him romantically as she's there to figure her life & future out and she doesn't have time for romance.
But Luke has other ideas, he is convinced it's a case of Serendipity that they have met again.
Is Luke right? Will the slopes lead them down an icy path or will their simmering connection melt away Mina's guard?
What will Mina's future hold? Will she ever get to sample the chocolate delights?
I guess you will have to read it to find out!
What I will say though is definitely do not read this book on an empty tummy.
All the talk of chocolate, bakes and homely meals has got my tummy well an truly rumbling!
I adored The Little Swiss Ski Chalet it was the perfect read for the snowy weather outside.
It's a Heart warming, Witty, Feel-good, Entertaining, Romance. The characters are loveable, endearing and I loved Amelie, I would love nothing more than to visit her Chalet, just for the cake and atmosphere.
So what are you waiting for, grab a steaming hot cup of coffee or chocolate, snuggle up in a comfy blanket and prepare to be whisked away.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is such a warm, endearing and loveable read, with a good dash of humour and a smoldering romance.
I just want to also point out how gorgeous the book cover is. Perfect for the snowy weather we're having right now!
Mina is at a crossroads. After after a humiliating proposal to her ex, then almost getting the sack from work. She decides it's time to get away and figure out what she wants.
So she packs a bag, says goodbye to her sister and jumps on a plane to Switzerland to visit her Godmother Amelie's Ski Cottages.
On the way to Amelie's she jumps on a train only to narrowly miss it and falls into the arms of the Charismatic, Cheeky and oh so Charming Luke.
The pair share a seat.
But as he departs before her, they share a steamy kiss.
After not exchanging details, the pair never imagine they will see each other again.
But fate has a way of bringing them together, when they end up at the same chalets, run by Mina's godmother.
After an afternoon on the slopes together Mina tells Luke she's not interested in him romantically as she's there to figure her life & future out and she doesn't have time for romance.
But Luke has other ideas, he is convinced it's a case of Serendipity that they have met again.
Is Luke right? Will the slopes lead them down an icy path or will their simmering connection melt away Mina's guard?
What will Mina's future hold? Will she ever get to sample the chocolate delights?
I guess you will have to read it to find out!
What I will say though is definitely do not read this book on an empty tummy.
All the talk of chocolate, bakes and homely meals has got my tummy well an truly rumbling!
I adored The Little Swiss Ski Chalet it was the perfect read for the snowy weather outside.
It's a Heart warming, Witty, Feel-good, Entertaining, Romance. The characters are loveable, endearing and I loved Amelie, I would love nothing more than to visit her Chalet, just for the cake and atmosphere.
So what are you waiting for, grab a steaming hot cup of coffee or chocolate, snuggle up in a comfy blanket and prepare to be whisked away.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
January 27, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
No one would have described the woman as softly-spoken; her words boomed out like a foghorn with the volume turned to max.
There was a coach tour of Japanese people ahead of them, who were buying chocolate like it was going out of style, with huge smiles on their faces, and they weren’t alone: everyone seemed to have shopping baskets piled high. It was like a horde of locusts whipping through, as if this was the last chocolate on the planet, but the thing that struck Mina was that everyone was smiling… It was the simplest equation. Chocolate = happiness. The whole shop was filled with joy.
‘… if you don’t want me to kiss you…’ His eyes flashing with sincerity moved over her face with a desperate urgency. ‘Speak now or forever hold your peace.’ ‘Who needs peace?’
My Review:
All aboard the cheese and chocolate train!
This book should come with a warning label as it has done irreparable harm to my diet with constant mention of the most delectable coronary causing meals heavily laden with heart-stopping and calorie-rich ingredients such as cheese, and deathly delicious chocolate. The characters had a shared passion and ungodly talent for food and cooking. I lost track of how many trips I made to the snack cabinet hoping to find a few lost Hershey’s kisses or some other wayward remnant of forbidden holiday treats. The slowly evolving storylines were relatable and entertaining with amusing observations, a Swiss travelogue, and unique character personalities written with an international flair. My personal favorite was Amelie, I simply adored her.
No one would have described the woman as softly-spoken; her words boomed out like a foghorn with the volume turned to max.
There was a coach tour of Japanese people ahead of them, who were buying chocolate like it was going out of style, with huge smiles on their faces, and they weren’t alone: everyone seemed to have shopping baskets piled high. It was like a horde of locusts whipping through, as if this was the last chocolate on the planet, but the thing that struck Mina was that everyone was smiling… It was the simplest equation. Chocolate = happiness. The whole shop was filled with joy.
‘… if you don’t want me to kiss you…’ His eyes flashing with sincerity moved over her face with a desperate urgency. ‘Speak now or forever hold your peace.’ ‘Who needs peace?’
My Review:
All aboard the cheese and chocolate train!
This book should come with a warning label as it has done irreparable harm to my diet with constant mention of the most delectable coronary causing meals heavily laden with heart-stopping and calorie-rich ingredients such as cheese, and deathly delicious chocolate. The characters had a shared passion and ungodly talent for food and cooking. I lost track of how many trips I made to the snack cabinet hoping to find a few lost Hershey’s kisses or some other wayward remnant of forbidden holiday treats. The slowly evolving storylines were relatable and entertaining with amusing observations, a Swiss travelogue, and unique character personalities written with an international flair. My personal favorite was Amelie, I simply adored her.
January 10, 2021
This was a wonderful book to read especially as i visited this area in Switzerland a few times with the family a few years ago. The area that was mentioned I know very well and I actually visited the village that the story is based which brought back lots of lovely memories.
January 27, 2021
I do love Julie Caplin's books since each of them takes us on a journey to a different part of the world. And this time it is the snow-laden Swiss countryside. The story had me itching to pack my travel bags (since I am not as impulsive as Mina, that didn't happen).
Chocolate, cake, skiing and chocolate again. Yup! Consider yourself warned and stock your fridge before planning to take this book. Even the memory of it is making me hungry. Caplin has worked her magic again. Within no time, we are pulled into the beauty and serenity of Switzerland, a country known for its rich heritage and hospitality. And the chocolates of course. In other words, heaven for a foodie buff like Mina.
As you might have already guessed, this literal journey also provides a turning point in the life of our heroine, both in career and in love. Well, I didn't really buy the romance part; even with all the serendipity ideas, I don't think it was that unique and the ending had me muddled. Giving up your dreams for love, is that really worth it? Hmm . . . not for me to judge.
Still, it proved to be the perfect comfort read for the weekend (I will have to consider the few pounds added to my weight though). Ever wished to be inside a book while you read it? Well, fairy godmother, I would like to use that gift on this book.
Chocolate, cake, skiing and chocolate again. Yup! Consider yourself warned and stock your fridge before planning to take this book. Even the memory of it is making me hungry. Caplin has worked her magic again. Within no time, we are pulled into the beauty and serenity of Switzerland, a country known for its rich heritage and hospitality. And the chocolates of course. In other words, heaven for a foodie buff like Mina.
As you might have already guessed, this literal journey also provides a turning point in the life of our heroine, both in career and in love. Well, I didn't really buy the romance part; even with all the serendipity ideas, I don't think it was that unique and the ending had me muddled. Giving up your dreams for love, is that really worth it? Hmm . . . not for me to judge.
Still, it proved to be the perfect comfort read for the weekend (I will have to consider the few pounds added to my weight though). Ever wished to be inside a book while you read it? Well, fairy godmother, I would like to use that gift on this book.
December 24, 2020
Chocolate... check!
Cheese... check!
Snow... check!
Skiing and Snowboarding... check!
A real feel that you have been in Switzerland while reading... check!
Made to feel hungry while reading... check!
Wonderful attention to detail and enchanting storyline.... check!
I mean what more do you want, or need me to to tell you have the latest standalone Romantic Escapes book! It's wonderful, I feel as though I've spent some time in the Swiss Alps, and met some truly wonderful people.
I would love to stay at Amelie's Swiss Chalet. She has such a way of mixing her guess, and bringing them out of themselves. I found I felt as though I was there alongside all of her regulars. And it was just so cozy, and even featured a daily cake each afternoon.
And the Swiss food and cooking, especially their cakes had me continually hungry as I was reading this. Then again so did the whole of the Cheese and Chocolate train journey and I was fascinated by Minna's love of improving recipes, and the science behind the food.
Actually I just loved all of Minna's personality and wish i was as impulsive as she is, then again if I was able to swap lives with her, I'd also have multiple serendipitous meetings with the luscious Luke! And I wouldn't say no to him!
There is just so so much to love about this book but I don't want to spoil any of of it for you. It is just so wonderful and another excellent addition to this amazing series. Although Switzerland in winter is certainly a lot colder than the countries I tend to favour, I loved its picturesque charms and really wish I was able to visit a real live ski resort at some point.
I just really really loved this book, and it was perfect to curl up with while at the time of reading, rueing the real life travel restrictions in place. What an incredibly lovely book that I couldn't get enough of.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 22, 2022
Eine unglaublich schöne Liebesgeschichte eingebettet in der wundervollen Natur der Schweizer Berge! Ein Buch voller Liebe, Fürsorge, Freundschaft und Geselligkeit, Skifahren, Schokolade (hatte Dauer-Hunger auf Schoki) und darüber, seinen eigenen Weg zu finden. Mir hat die Geschichte wieder einmal sehr gefallen. Ich kann mich nur wiederholen, die ganze Reihe ist absolutes Wohlfühlen, Schoki für die Seele und abtauchen in Lovestories an super schönen Orten auf der Welt. Ich freue mich schon auf die nächsten Bände der Reihe!
December 15, 2020
One of the sweetest stories I have read this year! This story was wonderfully descriptive and I fell in love with Mina immediately. Highly recommend as a fun holiday read. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 28, 2021
My review could well be a list of pet-peeves that this book fulfilled, such as the rushed editing with more typos a published book should have, or a characterisation that plays too much into the "I am quirky and spontaneous but for some unfathomable reason this is bad now" trope. It did also have some nice sections. However, I want to use this space to bring forward two specific issues I had.
I picked this book up not only because it was apparently a highly-rated bestseller and even translated into German (the language of the country it is set it), but mostly because it is set in Switzerland. I expected some minor inaccuracies, but what I got was dialogues and interior monologues that veered between a wikipedia entry on Switzerland for paragraphs, and somehow blatant disregard for the concept of prior research. For example: there is an entire paragraph speaking of the Swiss official languages, the system, and how many speakers there are; yet the protagonist is in a mostly French-speaking canton and never mentions anyone speaking French, and what is even worse, the Swiss German dialect of that canton is famously the one most difficult to understand even for Swiss German native speakers - yet somehow, the protagonist can understand snippets "with only her school German", and snippets of dialogue are rendered in High German. Which no one in this country actually speaks beyond official contexts.
What I also got is a weird grouping of "all" Europeans (the amount the author used "European" as an adjective to describe style, behaviour, etc. is frankly ridiculous) that left a very sour taste and left me wondering a) how far away from Europe does she think she is as a British person and b) does she count Poland and Albania as well and c) is she aware she is much closer to German or French culture (which I assume is "Europe" to her) than half of actual Europe. However, I admit that all of this (and the choice of names no one under 70 would even have; or the "misunderstanding" of Swiss skiing and social culture; though I admit, she got the overly proud, stuffy, prejudiced and arrogant Bünzlischwiizer perfect) is not the main point of this novel. What is the main point is the protagonist's journey into a snow-covered, beautiful Switzerland, her parallel journey of self-discovery, and her romance. Which I also cannot truly enjoy. Her self-discovery is based on strange assumptions about how spontaneity and adveturousness are bad (which I wasn't aware is a social consensus), and a solution would present itself much quicker than she seems to recognise, which I feel does not make it feel earned and deep enough.
The main problem, however, I see with the romance and the ending. I love that the conflict is more focused on the protagonist and her personal journey than on any silly misunderstanding between the main couple. Instead the conflict is based on their individual plans (passions, and goals) colliding. And at first, I truly believed that the novel's focus on "serendipity" and fate would allow them to each follow their dreams, be fulfilled, passionate, and happy, and only then naturally find back together. I wanted a time skip. I wanted the acknowledgment that there are other passions and dreams in life beyond love that are important and that can still be followed and united with love and relationships. I wanted each of them to fulfill a huge dream, and only then live happily ever after in the Swiss Alps. Unfortunately, the book fails to convincingly build the romance into something that, after a mere two or three weeks of knowing each other, would allow to give up gigantic opportunities for the sake of "love". Am I cynical? Perhaps. But at the end of the day, for a book focused more on self-discovery and the understanding of one's own priorities and passions that can lead to a fulfilled life, its romance falls awfully flat in that very same department. If you want me to think their love is fate, then fate should allow them to chase their dreams and still be perfect for each other during and after, shouldn't it? Give me letters. Give me longing. Yearning. Give me the slow-burn of a long-distance flirtationship that builds into a burning love that will explode into fireworks when they finally meet again. Not whatever this was.
Two instead of one stars for the enjoyment of being annoyed though, and for the fact that I did like some of the characters an awful lot, and enjoyed myself very much in the middle of the book, and enjoyed the word-painting of the Swiss winter landscape even more.
I picked this book up not only because it was apparently a highly-rated bestseller and even translated into German (the language of the country it is set it), but mostly because it is set in Switzerland. I expected some minor inaccuracies, but what I got was dialogues and interior monologues that veered between a wikipedia entry on Switzerland for paragraphs, and somehow blatant disregard for the concept of prior research. For example: there is an entire paragraph speaking of the Swiss official languages, the system, and how many speakers there are; yet the protagonist is in a mostly French-speaking canton and never mentions anyone speaking French, and what is even worse, the Swiss German dialect of that canton is famously the one most difficult to understand even for Swiss German native speakers - yet somehow, the protagonist can understand snippets "with only her school German", and snippets of dialogue are rendered in High German. Which no one in this country actually speaks beyond official contexts.
What I also got is a weird grouping of "all" Europeans (the amount the author used "European" as an adjective to describe style, behaviour, etc. is frankly ridiculous) that left a very sour taste and left me wondering a) how far away from Europe does she think she is as a British person and b) does she count Poland and Albania as well and c) is she aware she is much closer to German or French culture (which I assume is "Europe" to her) than half of actual Europe. However, I admit that all of this (and the choice of names no one under 70 would even have; or the "misunderstanding" of Swiss skiing and social culture; though I admit, she got the overly proud, stuffy, prejudiced and arrogant Bünzlischwiizer perfect) is not the main point of this novel. What is the main point is the protagonist's journey into a snow-covered, beautiful Switzerland, her parallel journey of self-discovery, and her romance. Which I also cannot truly enjoy. Her self-discovery is based on strange assumptions about how spontaneity and adveturousness are bad (which I wasn't aware is a social consensus), and a solution would present itself much quicker than she seems to recognise, which I feel does not make it feel earned and deep enough.
The main problem, however, I see with the romance and the ending. I love that the conflict is more focused on the protagonist and her personal journey than on any silly misunderstanding between the main couple. Instead the conflict is based on their individual plans (passions, and goals) colliding. And at first, I truly believed that the novel's focus on "serendipity" and fate would allow them to each follow their dreams, be fulfilled, passionate, and happy, and only then naturally find back together. I wanted a time skip. I wanted the acknowledgment that there are other passions and dreams in life beyond love that are important and that can still be followed and united with love and relationships. I wanted each of them to fulfill a huge dream, and only then live happily ever after in the Swiss Alps. Unfortunately, the book fails to convincingly build the romance into something that, after a mere two or three weeks of knowing each other, would allow to give up gigantic opportunities for the sake of "love". Am I cynical? Perhaps. But at the end of the day, for a book focused more on self-discovery and the understanding of one's own priorities and passions that can lead to a fulfilled life, its romance falls awfully flat in that very same department. If you want me to think their love is fate, then fate should allow them to chase their dreams and still be perfect for each other during and after, shouldn't it? Give me letters. Give me longing. Yearning. Give me the slow-burn of a long-distance flirtationship that builds into a burning love that will explode into fireworks when they finally meet again. Not whatever this was.
Two instead of one stars for the enjoyment of being annoyed though, and for the fact that I did like some of the characters an awful lot, and enjoyed myself very much in the middle of the book, and enjoyed the word-painting of the Swiss winter landscape even more.
Read
March 6, 2023Mína sa spriatelí asi tak rýchlo, ako trvá uvariť kávu. U mňa to trvá asi toľko, ako celý proces od zberu kávových zŕn až po ich praženie. Každý sme iný a každý iným spôsobom zvládame sociálny kontakt.
Ako som už spomenula, Mína si získa priateľov rýchlo a nebojí sa pustiť do reči s cudzím človekom. Takto ju osud privedie k Lukeovi, ktorý s ňou cestuje vlakom a následne sa obaja ocitnú na rovnakom mieste vo Švajčiarsku.
Od začiatku mi osudová romantická linka pripadala nezaujímavá, hoci ju postretol nejeden zadrhel. Od začiatku až do konca to bolo medzi nimi jednoznačné a nemalo na tam veľmi čo prekvapiť.
Lenže chyba nebola ani tak v slabej romantike. Problém bol v tom, že autorka touto knihou a prostredím trafila do čierneho, vlastne do bieleho tým, že dej zasadila do zasneženého Švajčiarska.
Prírodu, hory a celkové prostredie horskej chaty popísala tak malebné, že by mi úplne stačilo čítať takého popisy a další dej by mi ani nechýbal.
K tomu opisy lahodnej čokolády a dalších dobrôt, ktorých vôňu som priam cítila z každej strany. Tiež ma pokúsil bonus na konci knihy, a to recept na tortu, ktorú určite vyskúšam.
Ako som už spomenula, Mína si získa priateľov rýchlo a nebojí sa pustiť do reči s cudzím človekom. Takto ju osud privedie k Lukeovi, ktorý s ňou cestuje vlakom a následne sa obaja ocitnú na rovnakom mieste vo Švajčiarsku.
Od začiatku mi osudová romantická linka pripadala nezaujímavá, hoci ju postretol nejeden zadrhel. Od začiatku až do konca to bolo medzi nimi jednoznačné a nemalo na tam veľmi čo prekvapiť.
Lenže chyba nebola ani tak v slabej romantike. Problém bol v tom, že autorka touto knihou a prostredím trafila do čierneho, vlastne do bieleho tým, že dej zasadila do zasneženého Švajčiarska.
Prírodu, hory a celkové prostredie horskej chaty popísala tak malebné, že by mi úplne stačilo čítať takého popisy a další dej by mi ani nechýbal.
K tomu opisy lahodnej čokolády a dalších dobrôt, ktorých vôňu som priam cítila z každej strany. Tiež ma pokúsil bonus na konci knihy, a to recept na tortu, ktorú určite vyskúšam.
November 24, 2021
Knížku jsem bohužel četla v době své čtecí krize, což na dlouho ovlivnilo můj dojem, ale nakonec musím říct, že to bylo krásné čtení. Jen mám teď chuť na čokoládu, sýr, dort a nutně potřebuju, aby napadlo aspoň půl metra sněhu! Zkrátka naladí vás to na Vánoce a zimní atmosféru. :)
January 16, 2022
Nachdem Mina herausgefunden hat, dass ihr Freund sie betrügt, reist sie zu ihrer Patentante in die Schweiz, die dort ein kleines Chalet führt. Dort lernt Mina sich selbst neu kennen und versucht herauszufinden was sie wirklich im Leben möchte.
Das Buch hat mir wieder sehr gut gefallen und konnte mich erneut mit einem traumhaften Setting überzeugen. Die Atmosphäre und das Setting waren wundervoll winterlich und ich fand es sehr amüsant, dass das Buch in der Gegend spielt, die sich selbst schon bereist habe, so dass mir einige Ort bekannt waren.
Die Geschichte selbst ist sehr unterhaltsam, auch wenn es ab und an ein paar Längen gibt, aber ich habe sehr gerne mit Mina die Gegend erkundet und bei den vielen leckeren Gerichten, die sie und ihre Tante kreieren, bekommt man definitiv Hunger.
Die Liebesgeschichte war ganz nett und Luke und Mina waren mir beide sympathisch, aber auch hier fehlten wieder ein wenig die Funken.
Ich mag die Romantic Escape Reihe sehr gerne, da man hier viele interessante und neue Orte kennenlernt und man merkt die Passion der Autorin fürs Reisen.
Das Buch hat mir wieder sehr gut gefallen und konnte mich erneut mit einem traumhaften Setting überzeugen. Die Atmosphäre und das Setting waren wundervoll winterlich und ich fand es sehr amüsant, dass das Buch in der Gegend spielt, die sich selbst schon bereist habe, so dass mir einige Ort bekannt waren.
Die Geschichte selbst ist sehr unterhaltsam, auch wenn es ab und an ein paar Längen gibt, aber ich habe sehr gerne mit Mina die Gegend erkundet und bei den vielen leckeren Gerichten, die sie und ihre Tante kreieren, bekommt man definitiv Hunger.
Die Liebesgeschichte war ganz nett und Luke und Mina waren mir beide sympathisch, aber auch hier fehlten wieder ein wenig die Funken.
Ich mag die Romantic Escape Reihe sehr gerne, da man hier viele interessante und neue Orte kennenlernt und man merkt die Passion der Autorin fürs Reisen.
January 1, 2021
Forget about packing your bags, instead slip away for Julie Caplin's Swiss escape read! A jarring meet-cute leaves Mina sprawling over Luke as the train leaves the station. Putting aside her pointy elbows, Luke and Mina share stories, chocolate and a serendipitous surprise that leaves both wanting to continue the conversation after reaching their destination.
Picking up the pieces of her broken heart, Mina embraces a rejuvenating vacation and swears off her impetuous ways. Vowing to look before she leaps, the handsome stranger's stirring kiss makes her rethink her decision.
The lull of the Alps, coziness of the chalet and the tantalizing smell of chocolate will tempt Mina with a delicious European divergence. Readers will find themselves curling up under the cover equipped with a steaming cup of hot chocolate to indulge in Caplin's latest adventure.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition in exchange for an honest review. Having an engaging escape read to review during the pandemic was a delectable treat. I could almost smell the chocolate and the fresh mountain air from my living room. I didn't want to check out of the 'Little Swiss Ski Chalet!".
Picking up the pieces of her broken heart, Mina embraces a rejuvenating vacation and swears off her impetuous ways. Vowing to look before she leaps, the handsome stranger's stirring kiss makes her rethink her decision.
The lull of the Alps, coziness of the chalet and the tantalizing smell of chocolate will tempt Mina with a delicious European divergence. Readers will find themselves curling up under the cover equipped with a steaming cup of hot chocolate to indulge in Caplin's latest adventure.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition in exchange for an honest review. Having an engaging escape read to review during the pandemic was a delectable treat. I could almost smell the chocolate and the fresh mountain air from my living room. I didn't want to check out of the 'Little Swiss Ski Chalet!".
November 17, 2021
Mina glaubt, dass sie alles unter Kontrolle hat, aber als ihr Freund ihr das Herz bricht, öffnet ihr das die Augen. Sie ist nicht wirklich glücklich mit ihrem Job, in dem sie ihre kulinarische Kreativität nicht so ausleben kann, wie sie gern würde. Sie braucht eine Auszeit und reist in die Schweiz, zum Chalet ihrer Patentante. Dort fühlt sie sich richtig wohl und ist fasziniert von der Art, mit der ihre Patentante sich um ihre Gäste kümmert.
Mina ist spontan und hat viel Spaß - vielleicht etwas zu viel? Nun traut sie sich kaum, sich auf den lebensfrohen, charmanten Luke einzulassen, weil sie glaubt, einen ernsteren, bodenständigeren Mann an ihrer Seite zu brauchen und Luke ähnelt zu sehr ihr selbst. Was zwar bedeutet, dass sie sich sehr gut verstehen und eine wunderbare Zeit zusammen haben, aber ihre Ziele, verschiedene Geheimnisse und die weit entfernten Wohnorte stehen einer Beziehung im Weg.
Da ich bisher nur "Der kleine Teeladen in Tokio" aus dieser Buchreihe kannte, hatte ich erwartet, dass es auch Kapitel als Lukes Perspektive gab, aber ich fand es so auch passend, weil es hier ja besonders Mina ist, die einen neuen Sinn im Leben sucht.
Auch bei diesem Buch der Autorin muss man sich einfach wohlfühlen. Die Charaktere sind alle nett und liebevoll, man hat ein gemütliches Tempo und trotz einiger kleiner Enttäuschungen fühlt man immer die Hoffnung und Begeisterung der Protagonistin. Dazu lernt man auch eine Menge über verschiedene Nahrungsmittel, da Mina Lebensmitteltechnikerin und leidenschaftliche Köchin ist, und auch über die Gegend, sodass man schon das Gefühl hat, auch dort zu sein. Besonders die einladende Atmosphäre des Chalets konnte man gut spüren.
Fazit
"Das kleine Chalet in der Schweiz" bietet eine süße Liebesgeschichte mit einer Protagonistin, die nach dem Sinn ihres Lebens sucht, und dazu eine wirklich bezaubernde Kulisse, bei der man sich wünscht, dass man auch einen schönen Urlaub in der verschneiten Schweiz machen und dabei Schokolade essen könnte.
Mina ist spontan und hat viel Spaß - vielleicht etwas zu viel? Nun traut sie sich kaum, sich auf den lebensfrohen, charmanten Luke einzulassen, weil sie glaubt, einen ernsteren, bodenständigeren Mann an ihrer Seite zu brauchen und Luke ähnelt zu sehr ihr selbst. Was zwar bedeutet, dass sie sich sehr gut verstehen und eine wunderbare Zeit zusammen haben, aber ihre Ziele, verschiedene Geheimnisse und die weit entfernten Wohnorte stehen einer Beziehung im Weg.
Da ich bisher nur "Der kleine Teeladen in Tokio" aus dieser Buchreihe kannte, hatte ich erwartet, dass es auch Kapitel als Lukes Perspektive gab, aber ich fand es so auch passend, weil es hier ja besonders Mina ist, die einen neuen Sinn im Leben sucht.
Auch bei diesem Buch der Autorin muss man sich einfach wohlfühlen. Die Charaktere sind alle nett und liebevoll, man hat ein gemütliches Tempo und trotz einiger kleiner Enttäuschungen fühlt man immer die Hoffnung und Begeisterung der Protagonistin. Dazu lernt man auch eine Menge über verschiedene Nahrungsmittel, da Mina Lebensmitteltechnikerin und leidenschaftliche Köchin ist, und auch über die Gegend, sodass man schon das Gefühl hat, auch dort zu sein. Besonders die einladende Atmosphäre des Chalets konnte man gut spüren.
Fazit
"Das kleine Chalet in der Schweiz" bietet eine süße Liebesgeschichte mit einer Protagonistin, die nach dem Sinn ihres Lebens sucht, und dazu eine wirklich bezaubernde Kulisse, bei der man sich wünscht, dass man auch einen schönen Urlaub in der verschneiten Schweiz machen und dabei Schokolade essen könnte.
January 29, 2021
The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is book 7 of the Romantic Escapes Series by Julie Caplin. This series is the perfect read for an immersive getaway and perfect for these times of lockdown and travel bans. The books did not deter me from traveling all over the world and fantasizing on the amazing adventures and meeting wonderful people (ahem... characters) along the way. So a huge shout out and thank you to author Julie Caplin for doing such an amazing job of writing this series and keeping me smiling and sane.
I fell in love with Julie Caplin's writing and the series, after reading The Little Teashop in Tokyo where I was whisked away to the sights and sounds of the bustling metropolitan city of Tokyo, and the wonderful food culture and of course the amazing people.
In this book seven, we are once again whisked away to an amazing location and a perfect place to fall in love in. We are headed to Switzerland! The Swiss Alps not only provided Mina a refuge and what a place to escape from when your over -the -top - that -did -not -go- as -planned -proposal goes viral, there is nothing left to do but pack your bags and get out of Dodge and visit her godmother Amelie. Along the way Mina meets the handsome and ever so charming Luke and you just have to read the rest to find out.
This was so charming and such a serendipitous read I enjoyed! Another winner for me.
I fell in love with Julie Caplin's writing and the series, after reading The Little Teashop in Tokyo where I was whisked away to the sights and sounds of the bustling metropolitan city of Tokyo, and the wonderful food culture and of course the amazing people.
In this book seven, we are once again whisked away to an amazing location and a perfect place to fall in love in. We are headed to Switzerland! The Swiss Alps not only provided Mina a refuge and what a place to escape from when your over -the -top - that -did -not -go- as -planned -proposal goes viral, there is nothing left to do but pack your bags and get out of Dodge and visit her godmother Amelie. Along the way Mina meets the handsome and ever so charming Luke and you just have to read the rest to find out.
This was so charming and such a serendipitous read I enjoyed! Another winner for me.
March 24, 2023
3,5/5
Sériu Romantické úteky som si v posledných dvoch rokoch veľmi obľúbila. Prečítala som z nej už osem kníh (ešte mi chýba prečítať Island) a teda som nemohla odolať ani tejto.
Na začiatku (povedzme v prvej polovici) na mňa Chata vo Švajčiarsku pôsobila ako jeden z najlepších dielov série. Okamžite som si zamilovala hlavnú hrdinku trochu šialenú Mínu aj sympatického Luka. Chémia bola skvelá a ich interakcie milé. A aj všetky vedľajšie postavy zo Švajčiarska, všetci boli veľmi láskaví.
Avšak, v druhej polovici to nadšenie zo mňa trochu opadlo. Táto kniha má úplne brutálnu insta love, čoho nie som najväčší fanúšik a celkom ma nudili aj tie časti o lyžovaní, keďže k tomu vôbec nemám vzťah a v živote som na lyžiach ani bežkách nestála (vlastne som musela googliť, aký je medzi nimi rozdieľ).
Atmosféra (tentorkrát horská) bola ako vždy úžasná, taktiež som bola hladná pri opisoch tých úžasných jedál ako obvykle. Samotný dej ma však očaril menej ako pri jej iných knihách, no ani to zďaleka nepovažujem za najhorší diel (ehm, ehm, Čajovňa).
Takže za mňa príjemná oddychovka, ktorá neurazí a nenadchne, ale fajn sa číta.
Sériu Romantické úteky som si v posledných dvoch rokoch veľmi obľúbila. Prečítala som z nej už osem kníh (ešte mi chýba prečítať Island) a teda som nemohla odolať ani tejto.
Na začiatku (povedzme v prvej polovici) na mňa Chata vo Švajčiarsku pôsobila ako jeden z najlepších dielov série. Okamžite som si zamilovala hlavnú hrdinku trochu šialenú Mínu aj sympatického Luka. Chémia bola skvelá a ich interakcie milé. A aj všetky vedľajšie postavy zo Švajčiarska, všetci boli veľmi láskaví.
Avšak, v druhej polovici to nadšenie zo mňa trochu opadlo. Táto kniha má úplne brutálnu insta love, čoho nie som najväčší fanúšik a celkom ma nudili aj tie časti o lyžovaní, keďže k tomu vôbec nemám vzťah a v živote som na lyžiach ani bežkách nestála (vlastne som musela googliť, aký je medzi nimi rozdieľ).
Atmosféra (tentorkrát horská) bola ako vždy úžasná, taktiež som bola hladná pri opisoch tých úžasných jedál ako obvykle. Samotný dej ma však očaril menej ako pri jej iných knihách, no ani to zďaleka nepovažujem za najhorší diel (ehm, ehm, Čajovňa).
Takže za mňa príjemná oddychovka, ktorá neurazí a nenadchne, ale fajn sa číta.
May 27, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Little Swiss Ski Chalet was another cute book that I desperately needed. In it, you will meet Mina. Now she's a pretty fun character due to being a free spirit. I honestly can't even remember the last time I had a free-spirited main character. I'm sure it will randomly pop into my head in a week or so but for now - I can't think of one!
Now Mina is doing something that I'm super jealous about. She's off to Switzerland! Ugh, if only I could randomly go over there.. and maybe (never) come back. While on this adventure, she is staying in a pretty cute chalet that, again, made me jealous. I guess, in a way, her going to Switzerland was for the best due to what happened before she left. Mostly because she got to meet Luke and I really really liked Luke.
Even though I got some insta-feels, the romance itself was actually pretty cute to read about. I think I just have to thank Luke for that because he was very charming and made this book a page turner for me. Plus, I secretly need to go to Switzerland now. I don't know how to ski or snowboard.. but I think it would be fun to go there no matter what.
In the end, this was definitely adorable and now I need to read the rest of the books in this series.
The Little Swiss Ski Chalet was another cute book that I desperately needed. In it, you will meet Mina. Now she's a pretty fun character due to being a free spirit. I honestly can't even remember the last time I had a free-spirited main character. I'm sure it will randomly pop into my head in a week or so but for now - I can't think of one!
Now Mina is doing something that I'm super jealous about. She's off to Switzerland! Ugh, if only I could randomly go over there.. and maybe (never) come back. While on this adventure, she is staying in a pretty cute chalet that, again, made me jealous. I guess, in a way, her going to Switzerland was for the best due to what happened before she left. Mostly because she got to meet Luke and I really really liked Luke.
Even though I got some insta-feels, the romance itself was actually pretty cute to read about. I think I just have to thank Luke for that because he was very charming and made this book a page turner for me. Plus, I secretly need to go to Switzerland now. I don't know how to ski or snowboard.. but I think it would be fun to go there no matter what.
In the end, this was definitely adorable and now I need to read the rest of the books in this series.
March 11, 2021
This series has been fantastic from the first book set in Copenhagen. Number 7 is set in the Swiss Alps and is described perfectly and really makes it a place you want to visit (when you can again). Mina and Luke are both brilliant characters who have a fantastic story behind them and are great to read about together. I love how their relationship grows. My favourite part was in the hospital and when they get back. It is heartwarmingly beautiful. Highly recommend this story and series. Cannot wait for the next one in Ireland. 5 stars
March 9, 2025
Eine leichte Lektüre, die mich sofort in die schweizer Winterwelt entführt und ganz viel Gemütlichkeit in mir ausgelöst hat. Wie immer ist auch dieser Roman von Julie Caplin die perfekte Wahl für den Urlaub - diesmal ideal für die Wintermonate im Übergang zu den ersten Frühlingsmomenten 🌸
April 11, 2021
This is such a fun book to read it put me in a happy and festive mood reading it.
A little snow,a Swiss ski chalet,chocolate,cheese a new romance. I mean what more could you ask for?
Heartwarming,vacation filled book.
Pub Date 30 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
A little snow,a Swiss ski chalet,chocolate,cheese a new romance. I mean what more could you ask for?
Heartwarming,vacation filled book.
Pub Date 30 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 3, 2024
I am going to put this out into the ether immediately. I am being generous with the 3 stars. I really want to 2 star this book but as my biggest criticism has to do with the EDITING and not the author or the story, I am going with the 3.
I have the 2021 paperback edition and I am hoping that newer printings have actually used an editor and fixed this book. It is the absolute WORST I have ever read in regard to editing. The mistakes are glaring and there is one on just about every single page. I actually cannot believe this book went to the printers as is.
Here are several just from one little section so that you can fully grasp what I am on about. “Without thinking she reached up to away…” “
*WIPE away
“His kneed jigged” *knee 🤦🏼♀️
“There wasn’t a single complaint from anyone, and by the time the rain rolled into Montreux…” *train not rain
“Mina felt a little catherine wheel of excitement…” wtf?
This goes on and on and on. Missed punctuation, missed words, wrong words, duplicate words. It is honestly ridiculous.
Anyways, as far as the story goes, it’s a cute, easy romance, set in an amazing location with more sugar than your teeth can handle. As in, instead of wanting to eat a chocolate bar while reading this, I wanted some fresh sliced tomatoes or just rabbit food in general. There was SO much chocolate consumption 🤪.
The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is loaded with skiing, train rides, romance, self discovery, food, cheese, chocolate, cakes and more skiing. Anyone who knows me knows I’m always down for more skiing so that’s a win.
I am not 100% certain that the writer truly knew Switzerland or if she was relying on guidebooks and the internet. Sometimes, the descriptions felt a little too precise but not sensory satisfying if that makes sense? Even the food made at the chalet seemed to come straight from either the internet’s The Helvetic Kitchen or Andie Pilot’s printed cookbook of the same name and went with it. If you are interested in Swiss cuisine, btw, this is an excellent cookbook, insta page and website.
The good news is, it’s hard to dislike a story when you are reading about a cozy, snowy chalet set in the mountains of Switzerland. A chalet full of warm and caring individuals, good food and winter sports. I enjoyed the topic and enjoyed the book after I accepted that I was going to be rolling my eyes on every page in regard to the editing errors and the typical romantic cheese occurring (literally and figuratively).
Ps. Can I have an editing job? I would love to fix this book so that it actually deserves the higher ratings. 😊
I have the 2021 paperback edition and I am hoping that newer printings have actually used an editor and fixed this book. It is the absolute WORST I have ever read in regard to editing. The mistakes are glaring and there is one on just about every single page. I actually cannot believe this book went to the printers as is.
Here are several just from one little section so that you can fully grasp what I am on about. “Without thinking she reached up to away…” “
*WIPE away
“His kneed jigged” *knee 🤦🏼♀️
“There wasn’t a single complaint from anyone, and by the time the rain rolled into Montreux…” *train not rain
“Mina felt a little catherine wheel of excitement…” wtf?
This goes on and on and on. Missed punctuation, missed words, wrong words, duplicate words. It is honestly ridiculous.
Anyways, as far as the story goes, it’s a cute, easy romance, set in an amazing location with more sugar than your teeth can handle. As in, instead of wanting to eat a chocolate bar while reading this, I wanted some fresh sliced tomatoes or just rabbit food in general. There was SO much chocolate consumption 🤪.
The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is loaded with skiing, train rides, romance, self discovery, food, cheese, chocolate, cakes and more skiing. Anyone who knows me knows I’m always down for more skiing so that’s a win.
I am not 100% certain that the writer truly knew Switzerland or if she was relying on guidebooks and the internet. Sometimes, the descriptions felt a little too precise but not sensory satisfying if that makes sense? Even the food made at the chalet seemed to come straight from either the internet’s The Helvetic Kitchen or Andie Pilot’s printed cookbook of the same name and went with it. If you are interested in Swiss cuisine, btw, this is an excellent cookbook, insta page and website.
The good news is, it’s hard to dislike a story when you are reading about a cozy, snowy chalet set in the mountains of Switzerland. A chalet full of warm and caring individuals, good food and winter sports. I enjoyed the topic and enjoyed the book after I accepted that I was going to be rolling my eyes on every page in regard to the editing errors and the typical romantic cheese occurring (literally and figuratively).
Ps. Can I have an editing job? I would love to fix this book so that it actually deserves the higher ratings. 😊
December 9, 2025
Tai jau 5ta skaityta šios autorės ir serijos "Romantic escapes" knyga. Ir ji man pati geriausia!
Taip, esu visiškai šališka, gyvenu Šveicarijoje, vaikščiojau knygoje aprašytomis gatvėmis, mačiau kalnus, kuriais žavisi pagrindinė veikėja ir žinau tą jausmą, kai pamatai juos pirmą kartą! Tad ši knyga visiškai užkariavo vietą mano širdyje iš dalies dėl sentimentų 😍
O bet tačiau.. man labai patiko ir pati istorija. Mina po nenusisekusių sužieduotuvių nusprendė atsigauti geriausiu būdu - išvykti trumpų atostogų į Šveicariją, o kur smagiau nei pas kalnuose gyvenančią krikšto mamą. Traukiny tiesiogine prasme užkrenta ant gražuoliuko keliaujančio slidinėti Luko. Ir jie "tikrai" nesusitinka tame pačiame miestelyje vėl! Bet tas nuspėjamumas nemažino malonumo klausant. Juk tai meilės romanas, viskas nuspėjama, gražu, jauku ir su laiminga pabaiga.
Ko nepakartosi knygose tai traukos, apibusės simpatijos, kibirkščių tarp veikėjų. Čia viskas buvo taip natūralu ir intymu, ne kartą šiurpuliukai keliavo kūnu. Užteko žvilgsnio, lengvo prisilietimo ir tai pasakydavo daugiau nei žodžiai.
Nebuvo dirbtinų dramų, net faktas, kad abu iš skirtingų šalių jų negąsdino, jie tiesiog kalbėjosi ir sprendė situaciją pagal galimybes. Nors vyrukas pasirodė gerietis ir tikrai žavus, mano simpatijas pavergė Mina. Mergina net ir po liūdnai nepasisekusios staigmenos sugebėjo į viską žvelgti pozityviai. Kiekvienoje situacijoje stengėsi rasti galimybes, o ne priežastis kažko nedaryti. O jos aistra maisto gamybai... mmm buvo taip skanu vien tik klausant 😍
Šįkart buvau maloniai nustebinta gana plačia žinių gausą apie Šveicariją. Apie pačią šalį, apie jos tradicijas, lankytinas vietas, maistą, vietinių įpročius.
Tai buvo tikras saldainis meilės romanų gerbėjams, kelionių entuziastams, maisto mylėtojams.
Taip, esu visiškai šališka, gyvenu Šveicarijoje, vaikščiojau knygoje aprašytomis gatvėmis, mačiau kalnus, kuriais žavisi pagrindinė veikėja ir žinau tą jausmą, kai pamatai juos pirmą kartą! Tad ši knyga visiškai užkariavo vietą mano širdyje iš dalies dėl sentimentų 😍
O bet tačiau.. man labai patiko ir pati istorija. Mina po nenusisekusių sužieduotuvių nusprendė atsigauti geriausiu būdu - išvykti trumpų atostogų į Šveicariją, o kur smagiau nei pas kalnuose gyvenančią krikšto mamą. Traukiny tiesiogine prasme užkrenta ant gražuoliuko keliaujančio slidinėti Luko. Ir jie "tikrai" nesusitinka tame pačiame miestelyje vėl! Bet tas nuspėjamumas nemažino malonumo klausant. Juk tai meilės romanas, viskas nuspėjama, gražu, jauku ir su laiminga pabaiga.
Ko nepakartosi knygose tai traukos, apibusės simpatijos, kibirkščių tarp veikėjų. Čia viskas buvo taip natūralu ir intymu, ne kartą šiurpuliukai keliavo kūnu. Užteko žvilgsnio, lengvo prisilietimo ir tai pasakydavo daugiau nei žodžiai.
Nebuvo dirbtinų dramų, net faktas, kad abu iš skirtingų šalių jų negąsdino, jie tiesiog kalbėjosi ir sprendė situaciją pagal galimybes. Nors vyrukas pasirodė gerietis ir tikrai žavus, mano simpatijas pavergė Mina. Mergina net ir po liūdnai nepasisekusios staigmenos sugebėjo į viską žvelgti pozityviai. Kiekvienoje situacijoje stengėsi rasti galimybes, o ne priežastis kažko nedaryti. O jos aistra maisto gamybai... mmm buvo taip skanu vien tik klausant 😍
Šįkart buvau maloniai nustebinta gana plačia žinių gausą apie Šveicariją. Apie pačią šalį, apie jos tradicijas, lankytinas vietas, maistą, vietinių įpročius.
Tai buvo tikras saldainis meilės romanų gerbėjams, kelionių entuziastams, maisto mylėtojams.
January 26, 2021
I would just like to say a very big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for very kindly forwarding me a copy of this book for my Kindle, in return for an honest review.
This is book number seven in the Romantic Escapes series of books but can definitely be read as a standalone with no problems or loss of understanding.
I loved the author’s style of writing, it transported me to the gorgeous Swiss Alps with all their beautiful snowiness!!
The main characters Mina and Luke were really likeable and I loved their instant attraction.
Overall it was a very heartwarming story and everything that I love in a book, including lots of snow!
This is book number seven in the Romantic Escapes series of books but can definitely be read as a standalone with no problems or loss of understanding.
I loved the author’s style of writing, it transported me to the gorgeous Swiss Alps with all their beautiful snowiness!!
The main characters Mina and Luke were really likeable and I loved their instant attraction.
Overall it was a very heartwarming story and everything that I love in a book, including lots of snow!
November 25, 2022
I liked this book for the most part but I'd say it was nothing extraordinary - just your average romance with average characters. What set it apart from other books was the description of the beautiful setting of the book. It was truly magical to read the book and find myself in the Swiss Alps, one could vividly imagine all the details and that made the book infinitely better in my eyes.
March 30, 2024
Klassischer Julie Caplin, fürs Herz ❤️
August 26, 2024
Cosy alpine guesthouse nestled in the heart of Switzerland with hot chocolate, cake and a magical winter wonderland… what more could you need?
January 6, 2021
This was so beautiful and heartwarming.
Mina, the main character, captured my heart as she reminded me of me at a time when I used to do impulsive acts. When an impromptu proposal to her boyfriend uncovered a betrayal, Mina was devastated, especially when the video of the disastrous act was splashed on Facebook and global media picked up on it. Work had become torturous as her ex had set her up to come across as manipulative. She had to escape it.
The Swiss Alps beckoned and so did her godmother whose invitation to the Swiss Chalet awaited her. A two week holiday she took but was pulled in by Luke, into the train and into his life.
He was exactly what she needed, and I loved how author Julie Caplin made the whole meet-cute come alive.
The narrator was sweet and her voice soothed me. Humor was weaved into their conversations, and the landscapes were vibrant and called to me.
And the chocolates, Mina was crazy about them, and though not a chocolate lover, I found myself craving one. A beautiful, romance this was an easy breezy read/listen that made my heart dance with joy and brought light to the darkened shadows. A perfect wintery read, I would say.
Mina, the main character, captured my heart as she reminded me of me at a time when I used to do impulsive acts. When an impromptu proposal to her boyfriend uncovered a betrayal, Mina was devastated, especially when the video of the disastrous act was splashed on Facebook and global media picked up on it. Work had become torturous as her ex had set her up to come across as manipulative. She had to escape it.
The Swiss Alps beckoned and so did her godmother whose invitation to the Swiss Chalet awaited her. A two week holiday she took but was pulled in by Luke, into the train and into his life.
He was exactly what she needed, and I loved how author Julie Caplin made the whole meet-cute come alive.
The narrator was sweet and her voice soothed me. Humor was weaved into their conversations, and the landscapes were vibrant and called to me.
And the chocolates, Mina was crazy about them, and though not a chocolate lover, I found myself craving one. A beautiful, romance this was an easy breezy read/listen that made my heart dance with joy and brought light to the darkened shadows. A perfect wintery read, I would say.
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