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War & Piste
"As of forty-three minutes ago, I am a seasonaire, whatever that means."
When Poppy Connors swaps a life of suits and cappuccinos for a job as a ski rep, she soon finds that resort life on the side of an Austrian alp is more than she bargained for.
Adapting to her new diet of Jägermeister, adrenaline and europop, Poppy throws herself into this strange new world - a world in which 200 foot cliffs, midnight shootings and the intrigues of the megalomaniac resort manager soon start to feel normal. When a growing love for backcountry adventures and the irresistible prospect of an illicit affair start to pull her in different directions, Poppy begins to wonder just how she will ever return to the life she left behind…
Wickedly funny and utterly authentic, this is a novel for anyone with an intense love for melted cheese, neat spirits and deep snow – ideally all served together. This is the diary of a season.
When Poppy Connors swaps a life of suits and cappuccinos for a job as a ski rep, she soon finds that resort life on the side of an Austrian alp is more than she bargained for.
Adapting to her new diet of Jägermeister, adrenaline and europop, Poppy throws herself into this strange new world - a world in which 200 foot cliffs, midnight shootings and the intrigues of the megalomaniac resort manager soon start to feel normal. When a growing love for backcountry adventures and the irresistible prospect of an illicit affair start to pull her in different directions, Poppy begins to wonder just how she will ever return to the life she left behind…
Wickedly funny and utterly authentic, this is a novel for anyone with an intense love for melted cheese, neat spirits and deep snow – ideally all served together. This is the diary of a season.
- GenresFiction
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2011
24 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 3, 2014
Bridget Jones meets Chalet Girl is the easiest way to describe War and Piste, but that synopsis really doesn't do the story justice! The idyllic backdrop of the Austrian Alps instantly draws you into the novel, and, despite the fact that it does not shy away from the less glamorous side of chalet hosting, it manages to make the lifestyle seem incredibly appealing. Alex Thomas knows her stuff about skiing and it shows; her descriptions are a little technical at times but it only serves to demonstrate her expertise and make the story seem all the more authentic. The diary form works well with the plot and the characters are all well defined; I defy anyone not to be in love with Jon by the end, he's an absolute sweetheart! I raced through this book in a matter of days and didn't want it to end. As others have said, I would love to read a sequel telling us what happened to the characters once the season ended!
More at http://lilmissvixreads.blogspot.co.uk/
More at http://lilmissvixreads.blogspot.co.uk/
May 15, 2016
Fun and nostalgic!
While I am not a skier, I picked up this book thinking it would be fun to try. I enjoyed it so much that, while I may not take up skiing, I would consider visiting one of those ski resorts in the Alps! Poppy and her adventures take me back to my college days, and left me feeling nostalgic for the old times. I could easily picture this book as a film, with breathtaking scenery behind it. I would highly recommend it!
While I am not a skier, I picked up this book thinking it would be fun to try. I enjoyed it so much that, while I may not take up skiing, I would consider visiting one of those ski resorts in the Alps! Poppy and her adventures take me back to my college days, and left me feeling nostalgic for the old times. I could easily picture this book as a film, with breathtaking scenery behind it. I would highly recommend it!
October 22, 2013
Brilliant fun! Think Bridget Jones working a season in the Alps, and you won't go far wrong. I really loved this book because I have spent many ski holidays in the Alps and had no trouble identifying the characters. If you've ever been (or are thinking of becoming) a chalet girl, it's a must.
May 17, 2014
Excellent read!
August 15, 2018
Absolutely loved this. I wish there was a sequel. I found I totally fell in love with poppy & Jon’s characters & laughed out loud at parts of the book,
Is it st paddy’s day? Dinosaurs.
The writing is great & witty.
Made me regret not working a season many years ago when i had the opportunity.
Is it st paddy’s day? Dinosaurs.
The writing is great & witty.
Made me regret not working a season many years ago when i had the opportunity.
September 13, 2025
❄️❄️❄️❄️Alex Thomas’ *War and Piste* is a brilliant, laugh-out-loud read for anyone who's ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a ski season. Set in a fictional French ski resort, the novel follows a group of seasonal workers as they navigate the chaos of the winter season, from demanding guests to après-ski antics, all while trying to maintain some sense of normalcy. If you've ever worked in a ski resort or spent a season in the Alps, this one will hit home!
Thomas has a knack for humor, and the dialogue is witty and sharp throughout. The characters are an amusing bunch of misfits, and though some are a bit over the top, they work well within the fun, satirical tone of the book. I loved how Thomas captured the mayhem and camaraderie of seasonaire life, and the chaotic situations they get into feel both absurd and completely realistic at the same time.
That said, while the book is full of great laughs, it does lean more towards comedy than in-depth character development. Some characters felt more like caricatures, and I occasionally wished for a bit more substance or emotional depth. However, given the comedic tone, this is a minor issue and doesn’t detract much from the overall enjoyment.
In the end, *War and Piste* is a fun, lighthearted read that perfectly captures the highs and lows of working a ski season. Whether you've lived the seasonaire life or just enjoy a good laugh, this book is definitely worth picking up!
For a humorous and entertaining look at life in the Alps, *War and Piste* hits the mark with its playful tone and lively cast of characters. A perfect après-ski read!
Thomas has a knack for humor, and the dialogue is witty and sharp throughout. The characters are an amusing bunch of misfits, and though some are a bit over the top, they work well within the fun, satirical tone of the book. I loved how Thomas captured the mayhem and camaraderie of seasonaire life, and the chaotic situations they get into feel both absurd and completely realistic at the same time.
That said, while the book is full of great laughs, it does lean more towards comedy than in-depth character development. Some characters felt more like caricatures, and I occasionally wished for a bit more substance or emotional depth. However, given the comedic tone, this is a minor issue and doesn’t detract much from the overall enjoyment.
In the end, *War and Piste* is a fun, lighthearted read that perfectly captures the highs and lows of working a ski season. Whether you've lived the seasonaire life or just enjoy a good laugh, this book is definitely worth picking up!
For a humorous and entertaining look at life in the Alps, *War and Piste* hits the mark with its playful tone and lively cast of characters. A perfect après-ski read!
August 6, 2016
I have read a few books similar to this one but this one was by far the best. It is, as other reviewers say, "Bridget Jones meets Chalet Girl". I love Bridget Jones. I love Chalet Girl. So this book was pretty much a perfect recipe from the start.
I liked the style of writing and as a keen mountain-lover I can identify with Poppy and feel I have met my fair share of the characters in real life. The plot was also engaging which was a pleasant surprise, as I didn't expect much other than lots of diary entries which would be amusing but essentially lead nowhere.
This book is definitely a light, fun, easy read. I read it in the summer although I'd say probably more suited to a ski holiday to get you excited for the season.
Good book, I'd recommend to any skier/mountain lover/seasoned-party-goer.
I liked the style of writing and as a keen mountain-lover I can identify with Poppy and feel I have met my fair share of the characters in real life. The plot was also engaging which was a pleasant surprise, as I didn't expect much other than lots of diary entries which would be amusing but essentially lead nowhere.
This book is definitely a light, fun, easy read. I read it in the summer although I'd say probably more suited to a ski holiday to get you excited for the season.
Good book, I'd recommend to any skier/mountain lover/seasoned-party-goer.
November 9, 2015
I am an American, I don't ski and I've never been to Switzerland; and I loved this book. Bridget Jones Diary without the self doubt and abuse. No one complains about their weight, worries about their alcohol consumption; except perhaps to bemoan the lack there of, and parents are wonderfully absent.
Sure there is romance and heartbreak, fairly predictable bit if I am truthful but it doesn't detract from the book at all.
A lovely bit of fun escapism.
Sure there is romance and heartbreak, fairly predictable bit if I am truthful but it doesn't detract from the book at all.
A lovely bit of fun escapism.
July 26, 2013
Really enjoyed this book though for a great part of it I really wanted to just slap the heroine and tell her to open her eyes! It's a hilarious tale of life in the chalet world and as would be expected is full of hangovers. Good book and I'll be looking for more books by this author.
August 19, 2013
This is a fun story that had me hooked till the end.
Once I had worked out who all the characters were it was a surprisingly entertaining read.
The best character to me was Jon and I would love to read a follow up book of Poppy, Rachel, Jon and Nicks new adventures
Once I had worked out who all the characters were it was a surprisingly entertaining read.
The best character to me was Jon and I would love to read a follow up book of Poppy, Rachel, Jon and Nicks new adventures
May 23, 2016
A surprisingly well written genre romance filled with delightfully fleshed out characters. Shenanigans and adventures against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian alps made this an extremely fun read.
January 14, 2012
I'm happy to finish reading this book as it kept me up all nights!! And now I really miss the characters and the setting... It was a fantastic read!
October 28, 2017
Re read in 2017
December 17, 2013
Other reviewers are right in saying that this is Bridget Jones meets Chalet Girl. Lots of fun and a unique voice. Hoping to see more from this author!
March 16, 2014
Good ski trip read. Enjoyed the characters.
March 31, 2014
Got this for a ski trip. It's fun to read about skiing while skiing, but the writing is terrible. Did hold my attention to the end though.
November 30, 2014
This was a fun read.
October 18, 2015
Chalet girl meets Bridget. Good fun for The beach.
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August 12, 2022Just plain awesomeness.
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February 25, 2016kindle 448
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews