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Secrets in the Snow #0.5
Winter Arrives
An alternate cover edition of ASIN B00H2WE94C can be found here
Everybody has something to hide
Jude Winters is confident in one thing - she has no idea how to run a ski school. But a missing husband and mounting bills mean she's going to have to find out fast. The hard way.
Mike Cole has skied nearly everywhere in the world. Now it's time to tick Scotland off his list, before he kicks the snow from his boots and carries on with his Kiwi version of walkabout.
But things aren't always what they seem. And even wanderlust can sometimes be sated.
"Winter Arrives" is the first novella from the 'Secrets in the Snow' series about a Scottish snowsports school.
Episodes 2-5 and 3 short stories are also available. The series will complete in 2015 with Episode 6.
Everybody has something to hide
Jude Winters is confident in one thing - she has no idea how to run a ski school. But a missing husband and mounting bills mean she's going to have to find out fast. The hard way.
Mike Cole has skied nearly everywhere in the world. Now it's time to tick Scotland off his list, before he kicks the snow from his boots and carries on with his Kiwi version of walkabout.
But things aren't always what they seem. And even wanderlust can sometimes be sated.
"Winter Arrives" is the first novella from the 'Secrets in the Snow' series about a Scottish snowsports school.
Episodes 2-5 and 3 short stories are also available. The series will complete in 2015 with Episode 6.
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2013
37 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Roz Marshall
61 books75 followersUSA Today bestselling author Roz Marshall pens romantic women's fiction, contemporary fantasy, and clean small-town romance. She loves writing uplifting stories set in her native Scotland, with strong heroines and page-turning plot lines.
A software engineer turned ski instructor turned author, she spends her spare time on horseback exploring the glorious Scottish countryside, or with her hubby and their talkative cat and squirrel-obsessed Jack Russell :-)
She also writes Cozy Mystery set in the Scottish Highlands as R.B. Marshall: https://books2read.com/rl/RBMarshall
and Historical Romance telling the story of Mary Queen of Scots, as Belle McInnes: https://books2read.com/rl/MarysLadies
A software engineer turned ski instructor turned author, she spends her spare time on horseback exploring the glorious Scottish countryside, or with her hubby and their talkative cat and squirrel-obsessed Jack Russell :-)
She also writes Cozy Mystery set in the Scottish Highlands as R.B. Marshall: https://books2read.com/rl/RBMarshall
and Historical Romance telling the story of Mary Queen of Scots, as Belle McInnes: https://books2read.com/rl/MarysLadies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 14, 2019
3.5 stars!
So this was a cute sounding story, set in a snowsports school in Scotland (I love winter stories!) and an interesting array of characters to kick off this series called Secrets In The Snow. This series is written into a collection of short episodes around 80 pages each in length. As of now, I will be keeping an eye out for the next instalments when I’m browsing for e-books to read. Main character Jude has a lot of issues on her plate. Running the school isn’t easy, bills need to be paid and her husband is gone away to a mysterious place. When a travelling skier Mike Cole arrives at the school, he is determined to help out and help start a recruitment drive to get more instructors involved. It was a good setup, however, some of the characters weren’t the nicest towards each other and the ending felt a little abrupt!
So this was a cute sounding story, set in a snowsports school in Scotland (I love winter stories!) and an interesting array of characters to kick off this series called Secrets In The Snow. This series is written into a collection of short episodes around 80 pages each in length. As of now, I will be keeping an eye out for the next instalments when I’m browsing for e-books to read. Main character Jude has a lot of issues on her plate. Running the school isn’t easy, bills need to be paid and her husband is gone away to a mysterious place. When a travelling skier Mike Cole arrives at the school, he is determined to help out and help start a recruitment drive to get more instructors involved. It was a good setup, however, some of the characters weren’t the nicest towards each other and the ending felt a little abrupt!
May 27, 2017
Winter has a double meaning; the winter season arrives for a woman whose family runs a ski school in Scotland, and she needs to get organised. We also see a winter of the heart, as her husband is away working in New Zealand, unaccountably failing to pay into the bank account and seldom in touch with his wife and young teen daughter. Creditably our heroine Jude, a graphic artist, decides to take on the work of running the ski school, although she isn't very confident nor used to business decisions.
A Kiwi arrives in town in time to apply for an instructor's job while we also meet a local or two and a lively bunch of potential ski and snowboard instructors. Most of the sport occurs on a plastic slope, enough that non-skiers can learn, but the tale ends with the first snowfall of winter. The only criticism I have is that the end comes just as we are really getting started, so don't expect too much of romance, suspense or action from this novella. Now the scene and characters are established a series follows. The writing style is pleasant and descriptive, and I enjoyed the read. I also liked reading a tale set in contemporary Scotland which isn't a crime story.
The author made this book available as a free download. This is an unbiased review.
A Kiwi arrives in town in time to apply for an instructor's job while we also meet a local or two and a lively bunch of potential ski and snowboard instructors. Most of the sport occurs on a plastic slope, enough that non-skiers can learn, but the tale ends with the first snowfall of winter. The only criticism I have is that the end comes just as we are really getting started, so don't expect too much of romance, suspense or action from this novella. Now the scene and characters are established a series follows. The writing style is pleasant and descriptive, and I enjoyed the read. I also liked reading a tale set in contemporary Scotland which isn't a crime story.
The author made this book available as a free download. This is an unbiased review.
March 14, 2018
Do you really have any idea of what you are truly capable of doing? Do any of us? There can be little doubt that we all have our own unique comfort zones and loathe the idea of stepping outside of them. However, what if we are not given a choice? Will we step up to the challenge…or sink back into the familiar shadows? In her short story, Winter Arrives: Secrets in the Snow, Roz Marshall presents just such a conundrum. If you are a fan of the underdog, then this book may be a great fit for you!
Essentially, the story begins by introducing the main character, Jude, whose husband has left her home alone in Scotland as he pursues work in New Zealand. The real problem however is that he has seemed to disappear and has not been depositing money into their bank account. The bills are mounting and the debt collectors are starting to gather. To make things worse, the ski season is set to begin and without her husband to run their family ski school, Jude is faced with a huge predicament. She is a graphic artist and knows nothing about managing and operating a ski school! Further, she lacks the confidence and self-esteem to believe that she could ever be capable of performing such a task. However, with the bill collectors at the door, her back is literally against the wall. Will she rise to the occasion and discover an inner strength which she did not know existed? Or will this all end in complete folly and disaster?
Winter Arrives is an episodic series, so be forewarned if this is not your type of reading preference. The author certainly does have a great command of the written language and the story has a very nice flow to it. The plot is well laid out and believable for the most part. Although some parts do tend to be a bit on the predictable side. The theme of overcoming one’s own fears and self-doubt is a powerful motif however and runs throughout the novella.
It is often said that a story is only as good as its characters. Whether that is actually true or not is debateable. However, Roz Marshall does present an interesting crew of characters. The main character, Jude is quite believable as the underappreciated and underestimated housewife. Also, the stranger Mike who comes in to literally save the day, begins to develop as an empathetic and strong secondary player. There are distinct sparks between the two which become all that more obvious when a glimpse into the true personality of Jude’s husband is presented. A call from out of the blue shows him to be unsympathetic, selfish and patronizing all at the same time! The other host of characters come in the form of the new ski instructors. Although many of them seem interesting and have potential, not enough time is devoted to their development to truly engage the reader.
Winter Arrives has all the main elements of a top-notch story. Descriptive writing which flows, an interesting plot, and intriguing characters. However, it was all a bit too abrupt for me personally. I did not find myself fully able to engage…particularly with the characters. I also found bits of the plot (such as the disappearance of Jude’s husband and paycheque without even a call to the authorities) to be unrealistic and predictable. More time developing the plot and characters would have greatly enhanced the book considering all the elements of a solid story exist. This can be one of the downfalls of episodic stories. They can build up for the next story but leave the reader feeling somehow left out in the current one. Overall, the novella is quite suitable for any age group. It would seem to fit particularly well with the Young Adult range of reader and up.
3 Snowy Stars for this one! ***
Essentially, the story begins by introducing the main character, Jude, whose husband has left her home alone in Scotland as he pursues work in New Zealand. The real problem however is that he has seemed to disappear and has not been depositing money into their bank account. The bills are mounting and the debt collectors are starting to gather. To make things worse, the ski season is set to begin and without her husband to run their family ski school, Jude is faced with a huge predicament. She is a graphic artist and knows nothing about managing and operating a ski school! Further, she lacks the confidence and self-esteem to believe that she could ever be capable of performing such a task. However, with the bill collectors at the door, her back is literally against the wall. Will she rise to the occasion and discover an inner strength which she did not know existed? Or will this all end in complete folly and disaster?
Winter Arrives is an episodic series, so be forewarned if this is not your type of reading preference. The author certainly does have a great command of the written language and the story has a very nice flow to it. The plot is well laid out and believable for the most part. Although some parts do tend to be a bit on the predictable side. The theme of overcoming one’s own fears and self-doubt is a powerful motif however and runs throughout the novella.
It is often said that a story is only as good as its characters. Whether that is actually true or not is debateable. However, Roz Marshall does present an interesting crew of characters. The main character, Jude is quite believable as the underappreciated and underestimated housewife. Also, the stranger Mike who comes in to literally save the day, begins to develop as an empathetic and strong secondary player. There are distinct sparks between the two which become all that more obvious when a glimpse into the true personality of Jude’s husband is presented. A call from out of the blue shows him to be unsympathetic, selfish and patronizing all at the same time! The other host of characters come in the form of the new ski instructors. Although many of them seem interesting and have potential, not enough time is devoted to their development to truly engage the reader.
Winter Arrives has all the main elements of a top-notch story. Descriptive writing which flows, an interesting plot, and intriguing characters. However, it was all a bit too abrupt for me personally. I did not find myself fully able to engage…particularly with the characters. I also found bits of the plot (such as the disappearance of Jude’s husband and paycheque without even a call to the authorities) to be unrealistic and predictable. More time developing the plot and characters would have greatly enhanced the book considering all the elements of a solid story exist. This can be one of the downfalls of episodic stories. They can build up for the next story but leave the reader feeling somehow left out in the current one. Overall, the novella is quite suitable for any age group. It would seem to fit particularly well with the Young Adult range of reader and up.
3 Snowy Stars for this one! ***
March 20, 2014
I picked this book up for a language arts assignment, and it ended up turning out to be more than just an assignment. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I am excited to read more of the White Cairns Ski School books. As I was looking for a fiction novel about skiing, I realized how few books there are on skiing. So, when I found this one, I was very happy.
Although it was a quick read, I felt as though I wanted to keep reading, and I couldn't put it down. For a new author, Marshall did an excellent job crafting this novel.
For those of you who love to ski, as I do, I would highly recommend this novel. And even if you don't know anything about skiing, you should still read it, because you would love it!!
Although it was a quick read, I felt as though I wanted to keep reading, and I couldn't put it down. For a new author, Marshall did an excellent job crafting this novel.
For those of you who love to ski, as I do, I would highly recommend this novel. And even if you don't know anything about skiing, you should still read it, because you would love it!!
March 23, 2014
So, having a serendipitous 'meeting' with the author on-line, I wanted to read some of her work....
Despite the fact that I'm not a fan of novellas, and this wouldn't be the type of story I'd usually read, and don't ski (this is not boding well for a good review, but stick with me).........I rather enjoyed it! Whilst I would agree with an earlier review about the odd sentence being too long, I really got involved! I want to see how the characters develop (am still not sure how I feel about Jude, putting aside the obvious sympathy for the Allan situation), and how the season pans out....and whether the snow will 'stick'!
Am looking forward to the next one!
Despite the fact that I'm not a fan of novellas, and this wouldn't be the type of story I'd usually read, and don't ski (this is not boding well for a good review, but stick with me).........I rather enjoyed it! Whilst I would agree with an earlier review about the odd sentence being too long, I really got involved! I want to see how the characters develop (am still not sure how I feel about Jude, putting aside the obvious sympathy for the Allan situation), and how the season pans out....and whether the snow will 'stick'!
Am looking forward to the next one!
August 6, 2015
Winter Arrives by Roz Marshall is the first installment about a ski school in Scotland. When Jude’s husband decides to ditch her for the winter just as skiing season is starting, she barely keeps from panicking. Jude has next to no experience managing a ski resort and needs help. Jude needs a manager who actually knows what they’re doing, and five more instructors by next Tuesday. Luckily, Mike, a wandering ski instructor, is willing to help out.
Even though Mike planned to stay for only a few weeks to ski for the first time in Scotland, and he had only been planning to work at White Cairns for a few weeks, he agrees to stay for the season when Jude’s husband leaves her hanging. With his help, they are able to hire six new instructors for the season, and Jude gets enough confidence to fax a proposal to a private school looking for ski lessons, and gets a new major client. Even though the school is facing bankruptcy and the owner is away, Jude has hope of making it all work as the snow starts to fall.
I liked this story. It was quick and entertaining. It played out in my head like a movie, especially the part where the new ski instructors were introduced. There was plenty of showing and not a lot of telling, which I prefer, and for the most part the characters were interesting. There were a few things that were predictable though, like when they were choosing the new ski instructors. It was obvious that Debbie, the girl with self-confidence issues was going to be picked, and that Pamela was going to get cut. I also figured that Colin wasn’t going to be gone for good. And, considering that this is the first installment of a series, I think there is a little too much development of the sexual tension and relationships. There’s not a lot of guessing as to who is going to end up with whom.
But I liked it for what it is– an entertaining read. I would even be willing to look into the sequels to see how it all plays out. I think this is a good book for anyone who likes dramas, and I think teenagers would enjoy this book, especially those in favor of Glee, Degrassi, and Gossip Girl (if you’re looking for ways to get your kid to read more ;))
Even though Mike planned to stay for only a few weeks to ski for the first time in Scotland, and he had only been planning to work at White Cairns for a few weeks, he agrees to stay for the season when Jude’s husband leaves her hanging. With his help, they are able to hire six new instructors for the season, and Jude gets enough confidence to fax a proposal to a private school looking for ski lessons, and gets a new major client. Even though the school is facing bankruptcy and the owner is away, Jude has hope of making it all work as the snow starts to fall.
I liked this story. It was quick and entertaining. It played out in my head like a movie, especially the part where the new ski instructors were introduced. There was plenty of showing and not a lot of telling, which I prefer, and for the most part the characters were interesting. There were a few things that were predictable though, like when they were choosing the new ski instructors. It was obvious that Debbie, the girl with self-confidence issues was going to be picked, and that Pamela was going to get cut. I also figured that Colin wasn’t going to be gone for good. And, considering that this is the first installment of a series, I think there is a little too much development of the sexual tension and relationships. There’s not a lot of guessing as to who is going to end up with whom.
But I liked it for what it is– an entertaining read. I would even be willing to look into the sequels to see how it all plays out. I think this is a good book for anyone who likes dramas, and I think teenagers would enjoy this book, especially those in favor of Glee, Degrassi, and Gossip Girl (if you’re looking for ways to get your kid to read more ;))
July 5, 2014
Dickens did it. Stephen King has done it. So I understand that the serial, an episodic series with the full story released a small chunk at a time has a long history and is making a comeback, at least in part because the economics of the ebook market make it more viable than with paper books.
I’m not a fan of the serial for a few reasons. One is a tendency for cliffhanging endings. (Thankfully, that’s not the case with Winter Arrives.) Another complaint I have is that although each episode tends to have a story arc of its own, whatever conflict is brought to a conclusion in a particular episode usually pales in comparison to other story threads that are left unresolved, leaving me wanting more and, if I’m reading the episodes as they’re released, leaves me frustrated.
However, not all readers are the same. I’m sure some enjoy the anticipation of the release of the next installment. For those readers (or someone like me, after the full series is out), Winter Arrives is a promising start.
The main character, Jude, is someone I like and want to see things work out for her. The setting, a ski school in a winter resort town, is unique with many qualities that make for interesting characters and situations. In this episode Jude is thrown into a tough situation, having to hire employees and get the ski school ready to open for the season. Her husband has always done this, but he’s working out of the country and can’t get back in time. This episode takes Jude through this experience, up to when the first flakes of snow start falling. Thus far, it’s a good story with how Jude manages to get the school ready to open as the big conflict while setting up additional conflicts what’s really going on with her husband anyway?
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
I’m not a fan of the serial for a few reasons. One is a tendency for cliffhanging endings. (Thankfully, that’s not the case with Winter Arrives.) Another complaint I have is that although each episode tends to have a story arc of its own, whatever conflict is brought to a conclusion in a particular episode usually pales in comparison to other story threads that are left unresolved, leaving me wanting more and, if I’m reading the episodes as they’re released, leaves me frustrated.
However, not all readers are the same. I’m sure some enjoy the anticipation of the release of the next installment. For those readers (or someone like me, after the full series is out), Winter Arrives is a promising start.
The main character, Jude, is someone I like and want to see things work out for her. The setting, a ski school in a winter resort town, is unique with many qualities that make for interesting characters and situations. In this episode Jude is thrown into a tough situation, having to hire employees and get the ski school ready to open for the season. Her husband has always done this, but he’s working out of the country and can’t get back in time. This episode takes Jude through this experience, up to when the first flakes of snow start falling. Thus far, it’s a good story with how Jude manages to get the school ready to open as the big conflict while setting up additional conflicts what’s really going on with her husband anyway?
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
December 20, 2013
Roz Marshall's debut work is the first in a series about White Cairns Ski School, set in the fictional village of White Cairns in the wintery wilds of Scotland.
Within the pages I was taken back to my childhood where we would go on 'skiing holidays' to Aviemore in Scotland (I say that because personally I was of a sledging age, my dad was unable to even stand on skiis and my mum able to do little more than stand upright - I feel they might have benefited from an encounter with the characters in this book!). It was wonderful and nostalgic for me and it has already prompted me to look into booking a holiday there - something I'd sincerely recommend if you are able to, and hopefully this entertaining little read will whet your appetite. Give it a try.
Anyway, we are introduced to a whole host of characters within this first instalment of the series. Marshall writes in a beautifully descriptive way without being overly flowery, with succinct language that flows beautifully, conveying the story and the characters within perfectly without a surplus of language and information. It serves to introduce but not over-describe, and as such left me wanting to read the next story immediately.
I'd sincerely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well-written short read, and for those who don't mind being sucked straight into a series you will want to read more of. Immediately.
Within the pages I was taken back to my childhood where we would go on 'skiing holidays' to Aviemore in Scotland (I say that because personally I was of a sledging age, my dad was unable to even stand on skiis and my mum able to do little more than stand upright - I feel they might have benefited from an encounter with the characters in this book!). It was wonderful and nostalgic for me and it has already prompted me to look into booking a holiday there - something I'd sincerely recommend if you are able to, and hopefully this entertaining little read will whet your appetite. Give it a try.
Anyway, we are introduced to a whole host of characters within this first instalment of the series. Marshall writes in a beautifully descriptive way without being overly flowery, with succinct language that flows beautifully, conveying the story and the characters within perfectly without a surplus of language and information. It serves to introduce but not over-describe, and as such left me wanting to read the next story immediately.
I'd sincerely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well-written short read, and for those who don't mind being sucked straight into a series you will want to read more of. Immediately.
January 17, 2015
Winter Arrives is the first part of a series of books that make up Roz's White Cairns Ski School collection.
The story is about Jude, who is left to run her ski school on her own for the first time. This annoyed me. There's supposed bombshells dropped left and right (you're never really told what happens), Jude has a bit of a sniffle and whine about things and then surprise surprise something or someone appears to fix it. I hate that Jude appears to be so dependent on her husband and while he's away she can't seem to do even the most basic things... like open the business' mail.
The synopsis pretty much sums up the entirety of the book, it's all there for you...
Let's move onto the writing.
It's not the worst I've seen, that's for sure. And the general writing was typo free, it just didn't sit right. I think it'd benefit from a cull of superfluous words and repetition.
I wanted the story to progress faster, but it didn't. I also wanted something to actually happen... but it didn't.
I won't be continuing on with the series. It just didn't hold my attention enough. Sorry Roz.
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review.**
The story is about Jude, who is left to run her ski school on her own for the first time. This annoyed me. There's supposed bombshells dropped left and right (you're never really told what happens), Jude has a bit of a sniffle and whine about things and then surprise surprise something or someone appears to fix it. I hate that Jude appears to be so dependent on her husband and while he's away she can't seem to do even the most basic things... like open the business' mail.
The synopsis pretty much sums up the entirety of the book, it's all there for you...
Let's move onto the writing.
It's not the worst I've seen, that's for sure. And the general writing was typo free, it just didn't sit right. I think it'd benefit from a cull of superfluous words and repetition.
I wanted the story to progress faster, but it didn't. I also wanted something to actually happen... but it didn't.
I won't be continuing on with the series. It just didn't hold my attention enough. Sorry Roz.
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review.**
January 2, 2014
This is an intriguing episode in what I assume will be an ongoing series, with each subsequent novella centring on different characters involved in the White Cairns Ski School. I have to be honest and say that I found central character extremely irritating until the final 10% of the story, when I started to develop some sympathy for her - whether that's misplaced or not...well I guess I'll have to read the next instalment to find out!
All in all a nice little read - not sure that the technical detail on the skiing and boarding added to the story, but it's hard to say when it's the first part of a series. Certainly worth a read and I will be reading more of Roz Marshall's work.
All in all a nice little read - not sure that the technical detail on the skiing and boarding added to the story, but it's hard to say when it's the first part of a series. Certainly worth a read and I will be reading more of Roz Marshall's work.
May 13, 2014
Jude's husband runs a ski school and is delayed in returning home. It's up to her to get things up and going. I'm a homemaker, too, and the thought of going into unknown territory to keep things going would scare me to death. Jude didn't let fear stop her--she plunged in and went for it.
What I really enjoyed about this novella is the way that it sets things up. The reader is introduced to the key characters and gets to know a little bit about each one. I felt that this was the perfect setup for the future books in the series. I already have a few characters that stand out as favorites and I'm excited to see where this series will go.
Content: Clean.
What I really enjoyed about this novella is the way that it sets things up. The reader is introduced to the key characters and gets to know a little bit about each one. I felt that this was the perfect setup for the future books in the series. I already have a few characters that stand out as favorites and I'm excited to see where this series will go.
Content: Clean.
April 8, 2014
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Having read "A Dream for Hogmanay", one of the series' short stories, I was very eager to read the series from the beginning and see how things had developed up to that point. "Winter Arrives" certainly did not disappoint. In terms of the story-line, not too much happens in this episode but it nicely introduces the main characters and creates an outline of the bigger picture that makes you eager to know what happens next.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to most readers.
Having read "A Dream for Hogmanay", one of the series' short stories, I was very eager to read the series from the beginning and see how things had developed up to that point. "Winter Arrives" certainly did not disappoint. In terms of the story-line, not too much happens in this episode but it nicely introduces the main characters and creates an outline of the bigger picture that makes you eager to know what happens next.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to most readers.
April 14, 2014
Jude and her husband own a ski school. Only problem, her husband is m.i.a. And she has never had to run the whole school before. This is a short story that gives you enough plot to want more, but not feel left out. You also are given enough to grow attatched to the characters. I was suprised how much I enjoyed this short story, I usually find them too abrupt for my taste. I know absolutely nothing about skiing and still found the book to be highly enjoyable. WaAR
January 10, 2015
Lets just say what Roz Marshall has created with White Cairns Ski School and her characters is not only engaging but welcoming. Each "episode" invites you to get to know the characters better. I don't know who I like best! I can see this as a TV show or Hallmark mini-series.
I received 1-3 as a gift and can't wait to read the rest!
LOVE, LOVE LOVE!!!!
I received 1-3 as a gift and can't wait to read the rest!
LOVE, LOVE LOVE!!!!
January 30, 2017
I received a copy of Winter Arrives by Roz Marshall in exchange for an honest review.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
What would you do if you got up one morning and the house was cold because there was no fuel for the heater and you find the bank account is overdrawn? What would you do if your husband was still in Australia working instead of in Scotland where he is supposed to be opening up the ski school that has been in your family for 30 years? That's what Jude Winters is facing at the beginning of Winter Arrives. She has been trying to get hold of her husband for days, but voicemail isn't working and he isn't answering her texts. Winter is almost here and it's time to open the school, but there isn't any snow. Luckily, Jude has a great friend in Fiona who convinces her to act a part when she gets nervous. Jude decides on Lady Di and acts her way through situations she didn't know she could handle.
Mike Cole Helps too. He has skied all over the world and is looking for some work in Scotland and has all of the credentials needed to help run the school with Jude, Fiona, and the rest of the staff. Only there isn't any rest of the staff.
Will Fiona and the others be able to staff and run the school until the missing husband shows up with the money he has not been putting in their joint account? Will Fiona's teenage daughter help or hinder things? And if hubby doesn't show, will Mike stay?
A great short story packed full of all kinds of people, skiing, and events! Roz Marshall has done it again.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
What would you do if you got up one morning and the house was cold because there was no fuel for the heater and you find the bank account is overdrawn? What would you do if your husband was still in Australia working instead of in Scotland where he is supposed to be opening up the ski school that has been in your family for 30 years? That's what Jude Winters is facing at the beginning of Winter Arrives. She has been trying to get hold of her husband for days, but voicemail isn't working and he isn't answering her texts. Winter is almost here and it's time to open the school, but there isn't any snow. Luckily, Jude has a great friend in Fiona who convinces her to act a part when she gets nervous. Jude decides on Lady Di and acts her way through situations she didn't know she could handle.
Mike Cole Helps too. He has skied all over the world and is looking for some work in Scotland and has all of the credentials needed to help run the school with Jude, Fiona, and the rest of the staff. Only there isn't any rest of the staff.
Will Fiona and the others be able to staff and run the school until the missing husband shows up with the money he has not been putting in their joint account? Will Fiona's teenage daughter help or hinder things? And if hubby doesn't show, will Mike stay?
A great short story packed full of all kinds of people, skiing, and events! Roz Marshall has done it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
There was definite promise but the story was very choppy. There were also a lot of things alluded to and while not expecting the issues to be resolved since it is part of a series we weren't given enough information for a lot of the actions. It was also difficult since the book is only eighty nine pages long.
Jude seemed nice but her husband leaves a lot to be desired. She's doing the best she can with a business he's supposed to be running in Scotland but he's off in New Zealand. There's no money and no heat and they have a teenage daughter. He seems totally irresponsibly especially since he's off the grid for so long. I also didn't like the way he belittled her and that she didn't try to be more forceful given the dire straits she was left in.
Mike, who comes to her rescue for the business, seems nice but I'm sure there's a story there too along with the newly hired instructors. Fiona wasn't totally revealed either. There was an abrupt ending but hopefully things will be revealed in the next books. There was an extract from the next book in the series, Fear of Falling, which only left me with more confusion.
Ms. Marshall is a new to me author. I may or may not try some of her other books.
Jude seemed nice but her husband leaves a lot to be desired. She's doing the best she can with a business he's supposed to be running in Scotland but he's off in New Zealand. There's no money and no heat and they have a teenage daughter. He seems totally irresponsibly especially since he's off the grid for so long. I also didn't like the way he belittled her and that she didn't try to be more forceful given the dire straits she was left in.
Mike, who comes to her rescue for the business, seems nice but I'm sure there's a story there too along with the newly hired instructors. Fiona wasn't totally revealed either. There was an abrupt ending but hopefully things will be revealed in the next books. There was an extract from the next book in the series, Fear of Falling, which only left me with more confusion.
Ms. Marshall is a new to me author. I may or may not try some of her other books.
December 14, 2017
Jude Winter's husband is missing, the bills are mounting, He took a job away and has put no money in the account. The new Ski season is about to begin, of course we need snow first but Jude's husband runs the school. Can Jude step up and run it, probably not. She wakes with no heat and no oil delivery at her home, she retreats to the Ski Schools office to find where the money might be going. One of the ski instructors from last season and the main safety officer to stop in to get the new season information from Jude.
In comes a stranger, Mike Cole, he is on a KIWI walkabout from New Zealand, He has come to Scotland to ski here. He is also an instructor, when the officer comes in he jumps in to try to help Jude's mounting anxiety. Does he do the right thing? Not sure but can't wait to read more of the story of Winters Ski instructions.
In comes a stranger, Mike Cole, he is on a KIWI walkabout from New Zealand, He has come to Scotland to ski here. He is also an instructor, when the officer comes in he jumps in to try to help Jude's mounting anxiety. Does he do the right thing? Not sure but can't wait to read more of the story of Winters Ski instructions.
January 8, 2022
A short story prequel about a ski school in the Scottish highlands.
Jude's husband is supposed to be running their ski school, but he hasn't returned from his trip to New Zealand, and he's not answering his emails or phone, leaving his wife to recruit new instructors and run the school herself. Money is running out as well. Along comes an experienced ski instructor from New Zealand to help her.
I'm intrigued to find out what's going on with Jude's husband - why won't he contact her, and where has their money gone? Will she fall in love with the new guy? What's his story? I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Jude's husband is supposed to be running their ski school, but he hasn't returned from his trip to New Zealand, and he's not answering his emails or phone, leaving his wife to recruit new instructors and run the school herself. Money is running out as well. Along comes an experienced ski instructor from New Zealand to help her.
I'm intrigued to find out what's going on with Jude's husband - why won't he contact her, and where has their money gone? Will she fall in love with the new guy? What's his story? I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
November 26, 2017
4 stars
I purchased Winter Arrives by Roz Marshall in November 2016 and this review was given freely.
This is a complex first installment to the Secrets in the snow series providing us with the introduction to the seasons ski and snowboarding instructors as well as the financial and personal problems involving the Winters Ski School owner Jude. IA handy list of characters is available at the end of the book but I would have rather had it first to help learn the characters prior to reading the story.
I purchased Winter Arrives by Roz Marshall in November 2016 and this review was given freely.
This is a complex first installment to the Secrets in the snow series providing us with the introduction to the seasons ski and snowboarding instructors as well as the financial and personal problems involving the Winters Ski School owner Jude. IA handy list of characters is available at the end of the book but I would have rather had it first to help learn the characters prior to reading the story.
December 31, 2017
Left to tun a ski school she has little idea how to do, Jude Winters assembles a ragtag group of young instructors who face hitting the slopes while they deal with their own secrets and insecurities. This novella sets up the players in this serialized story set on the slopes. Anyone who loves romance and fans of skiing and snowboarding will love this story. Can’t wait to read more.
I received a free copy from the author.
I received a free copy from the author.
May 15, 2023
I gave up in the second chapter.
There is no consistency here.
A couple of pages of a woman who is discovering that her bank account is lower than it should be, and the consequences of that and a missing husband, then a couple of pages of a man on a skiing holiday, then back to the lady.
It might not be so bad if each section was a different chapter, but, no! It's all in one chapter, and the theme continues into the next chapter.
This is making it very hard to keep up with any of the story.
There is no consistency here.
A couple of pages of a woman who is discovering that her bank account is lower than it should be, and the consequences of that and a missing husband, then a couple of pages of a man on a skiing holiday, then back to the lady.
It might not be so bad if each section was a different chapter, but, no! It's all in one chapter, and the theme continues into the next chapter.
This is making it very hard to keep up with any of the story.
February 22, 2024
A very interesting starter for this series. Jude writes and illustrates children's books. Her husband, Allan, runs the ski school where they live in Scotland. He went to New Zealand during their summer to make extra money for the family income. Winter has arrived and he hasn't returned. Jude finds out their bank account is overdrawn. She realizes that she'll have to try and run it herself. I love the setting and the characters involved. I'll look forward to reading more in this series.
November 22, 2017
A children’s book illustrator struggles to keep her family’s ski school on track when her husband goes to New Zealand for the season. I enjoyed this book. Nice, realistic characters, with an initial story, and plenty of scope to build upon it. Well done Roz, can’t wait to read the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 2, 2017
I'm hooked and want to find out more about all of these characters. I have some guesses about how things will play out in the rest of the series and need to see if it goes as expected. Oh, and I kind of want to learn how to snow ski now too. What color of cast should I choose? :)
February 8, 2018
SKI school with no instructors and no help. Woman thrown in the mess with no money also. Waiting for the snow, getting help, training to open and figuring out how to pay the bills. A good easy read, good interactions with characters.
March 29, 2018
A wonderful book about jude who runs a ski resort and teaches people to ski.
Her husband is MIA so she tries to keep the place running without his help or money.
She hires some ski instructors and trains them.
Her husband is MIA so she tries to keep the place running without his help or money.
She hires some ski instructors and trains them.
June 12, 2017
This was my first Roz Marshall book and I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters and the White Cairns Ski School and this was a good quick read. I'm looking forward to reading more
January 26, 2018
CUTE READ!!!
A short, easy to follow, fast paced, heart warming read. Good Job Roz.
A short, easy to follow, fast paced, heart warming read. Good Job Roz.
March 19, 2018
My book had too many pages missing for me to understand the storyline. I bought all six books books together, hopefully, the rest won't have blank pages. Never had this happen before!
November 12, 2018
I didn't like how this flowed. For the beginning of a series it was judt too much at once. Can't see me reading any more in the series sorry.
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