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Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge
“Delightful and charming—a breath of lovely mountain air!” —Jenny Colgan, author of The Bookshop on the Corner and The Christmas Bookshop
Mark the days till Christmas with this feel-good romantic mystery set at a cozy family inn in the snowy mountains of Norway—structured as an advent calendar for your daily reading pleasure.
An old mystery. A tragic accident. Secrets. Confessions. A new beginning.
After a traumatic climbing accident, well-known Alpinist Ingrid Berg has returned to the quaint Norwegian village that her family has called home for generations. She’s now ready to put away her ice axe and take over the management of the Glitter Peak Lodge from her aging grandmother, who's no longer up to the task. With Christmas rapidly approaching, guests are expected from both Norway and abroad, and Ingrid is welcomed as the inn's savior.
But within short order of Ingrid’s return, complications arise. Leaking pipes. Last-minute cancellations. The resurfacing of a long-buried mystery. And the return of two men from Ingrid's past. Will Ingrid be able to keep the inn alive, or will her family's legacy be lost forever?
The ultimate feel-good holiday treat, Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge explores the healing power of family and home, and the magical bonds of community and traditions. Set up like an advent calendar with twenty-four chapters, each set on a different day in December leading up to Christmas, it can be enjoyed one chapter a day or devoured in one sitting.
Mark the days till Christmas with this feel-good romantic mystery set at a cozy family inn in the snowy mountains of Norway—structured as an advent calendar for your daily reading pleasure.
An old mystery. A tragic accident. Secrets. Confessions. A new beginning.
After a traumatic climbing accident, well-known Alpinist Ingrid Berg has returned to the quaint Norwegian village that her family has called home for generations. She’s now ready to put away her ice axe and take over the management of the Glitter Peak Lodge from her aging grandmother, who's no longer up to the task. With Christmas rapidly approaching, guests are expected from both Norway and abroad, and Ingrid is welcomed as the inn's savior.
But within short order of Ingrid’s return, complications arise. Leaking pipes. Last-minute cancellations. The resurfacing of a long-buried mystery. And the return of two men from Ingrid's past. Will Ingrid be able to keep the inn alive, or will her family's legacy be lost forever?
The ultimate feel-good holiday treat, Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge explores the healing power of family and home, and the magical bonds of community and traditions. Set up like an advent calendar with twenty-four chapters, each set on a different day in December leading up to Christmas, it can be enjoyed one chapter a day or devoured in one sitting.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2022
148 people are currently reading
7166 people want to read
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October 1, 2024
Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge
Written by Kjerski Herland Johnsen
Translated by Olivia Lasky
3.5 ⭐️
This is being marketed as a feel-good mystery set in the snowy mountains of Norway, at a cozy, historic family inn-structured as an advent calendar, 24 chapters, one read each day, beginning with Dec. 1 and ending with Dec. 24.
So, let’s discuss the story and the concept.
The Story:
After a traumatic climbing accident, well-known Alpinist Ingrid Berg has returned home with HOPE of a fresh start. She will be taking over the management of the Glitter Peak Lodge from her aging grandmother.
The Inn has been in her family for 130 years, despite many attempts at takeovers from larger hotel chains, and Ingrid is hoping to keep the family legacy alive, while finding new purpose in her own life.
But soon after Ingrid’s return, complications arise-everything from leaky pipes, to the early arrival of some guests, and the very last-minute cancellations from others.
A long-buried mystery also resurfaces, and Ingrid discovers that the challenges may be too great to bear alone-she may need the help of the whole village-and a bit of Christmas magic!
As her Nana Borghild always says: “Joy Shared is Joy Doubled, and Sorrow Shared is Sorrow Halved”.
The story itself wasn’t particularly riveting, instead it mostly paints a picture of the days leading up to Christmas beginning with “Kakelinne” (a term used to describe mild weather in December that in earlier times was blamed on all of the holiday baking.)
It mostly described the foods eaten, and the traditions enjoyed, and these things could have been revealed one chapter at a time, to more closely follow an Advent calendar but I didn’t really feel like that happened with the Kindle copy. It does look like the physical copy presents more that way because illustrations are included.
But, it was helpful to be reading this on a Kindle, as I was unfamiliar with MANY words, but a quick highlight would explain many of the words for me. Thankfully, the printed book does provide a glossary of terms, and food descriptions. Even some recipes are included.
An Advent Calendar counts the days of Advent beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, which varies from Nov 27 through December 3, but many reusable calendars made of paper or wood, begin on Dec. 1. Advent refers to a 4 week season of remembering and celebrating the arrival of Jesus on Earth. Advent calendars have become popular in recent years as calendars with flaps that open, a day at a time to reveal a picture appropriate for the season, or a small treat and many commercial Advent calendars are now themed.
While I was attracted to the CONCEPT of reading a chapter per day, I DON’T think the execution of this story succeeded in FEELING like an Advent Calendar. Vignettes that were connected or that built upon each other, might have worked better for this format. Or, if each chapter had ended with a cliffhanger.
My advice-if this book interests you-I wouldn’t worry about only reading only one chapter per day.
Where the story DID succeed is it provided ARMCHAIR TRAVEL for readers interested in Norway, who may never get the opportunity to visit in person, wrapped up in a “Hallmark like” Christmas story.
AVAILABLE NOW.
Thank You to HarperVia for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!
Written by Kjerski Herland Johnsen
Translated by Olivia Lasky
3.5 ⭐️
This is being marketed as a feel-good mystery set in the snowy mountains of Norway, at a cozy, historic family inn-structured as an advent calendar, 24 chapters, one read each day, beginning with Dec. 1 and ending with Dec. 24.
So, let’s discuss the story and the concept.
The Story:
After a traumatic climbing accident, well-known Alpinist Ingrid Berg has returned home with HOPE of a fresh start. She will be taking over the management of the Glitter Peak Lodge from her aging grandmother.
The Inn has been in her family for 130 years, despite many attempts at takeovers from larger hotel chains, and Ingrid is hoping to keep the family legacy alive, while finding new purpose in her own life.
But soon after Ingrid’s return, complications arise-everything from leaky pipes, to the early arrival of some guests, and the very last-minute cancellations from others.
A long-buried mystery also resurfaces, and Ingrid discovers that the challenges may be too great to bear alone-she may need the help of the whole village-and a bit of Christmas magic!
As her Nana Borghild always says: “Joy Shared is Joy Doubled, and Sorrow Shared is Sorrow Halved”.
The story itself wasn’t particularly riveting, instead it mostly paints a picture of the days leading up to Christmas beginning with “Kakelinne” (a term used to describe mild weather in December that in earlier times was blamed on all of the holiday baking.)
It mostly described the foods eaten, and the traditions enjoyed, and these things could have been revealed one chapter at a time, to more closely follow an Advent calendar but I didn’t really feel like that happened with the Kindle copy. It does look like the physical copy presents more that way because illustrations are included.
But, it was helpful to be reading this on a Kindle, as I was unfamiliar with MANY words, but a quick highlight would explain many of the words for me. Thankfully, the printed book does provide a glossary of terms, and food descriptions. Even some recipes are included.
An Advent Calendar counts the days of Advent beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, which varies from Nov 27 through December 3, but many reusable calendars made of paper or wood, begin on Dec. 1. Advent refers to a 4 week season of remembering and celebrating the arrival of Jesus on Earth. Advent calendars have become popular in recent years as calendars with flaps that open, a day at a time to reveal a picture appropriate for the season, or a small treat and many commercial Advent calendars are now themed.
While I was attracted to the CONCEPT of reading a chapter per day, I DON’T think the execution of this story succeeded in FEELING like an Advent Calendar. Vignettes that were connected or that built upon each other, might have worked better for this format. Or, if each chapter had ended with a cliffhanger.
My advice-if this book interests you-I wouldn’t worry about only reading only one chapter per day.
Where the story DID succeed is it provided ARMCHAIR TRAVEL for readers interested in Norway, who may never get the opportunity to visit in person, wrapped up in a “Hallmark like” Christmas story.
AVAILABLE NOW.
Thank You to HarperVia for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!
September 15, 2024
I received a free copy of, Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge, by Kjersti Herland Johnsen, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Ingrid Berg has returned home to her family Inn in Norway, after a horrible climbing incident, but nothing is going right. This was a nice holiday read, it had a lot going on.
October 1, 2024
When I came across this one, I thought it would be a great addition to my holiday reading binge. A countdown to Christmas (starting Dec1st), an FMC suffering from PTSD, and beloved friends and family to help her heal in a historical family inn nestled in Norwegian mountains. What a great sounding winter holiday story – right? Meh….. I don’t know where to start with what this story lacked and needed. I’m neither a writer nor an editor nor a publisher; I’m just an avid reader, who found it a struggle getting through this book.
It started out pretty exciting with the FMC, Ingrid, getting caught in an avalanche and being hospitalized for a while and losing a dear friend in the avalanche as well. In the aftermath, Ingrid is suffering from PTSD and has nightmares as well as a fear of climbing now. Not a good thing for a career climber, who is very well known for her climbing expeditions and accomplishments. She also ends her relationship with fellow celebrity climber, Preben, who she felt was to blame for the avalanche.
Ingrid goes back home to Glitter Peak Lodge, where she was raised by her maternal grandmother, Nana Borghild, who has managed the family lodge for more than 50yrs. However, well into her 80’s now, it’s time for her to pass on the management of the lodge because she is struggling to keep it in the family. Nana is so pleased to be turning the lodge over to Ingrid to manage and to hold onto it and keep it in the family, where it has been for more than 130yrs.
Ingrid is struggling to keep reservations up and repairs and upkeep down in the old lodge and enlists the help of a marketing friend to incorporate 21st century promotion and marketing, especially on social media. Just in time for the Christmas holiday, social media influencer, Pia P, enters and well, things are not going well, for Ingrid or the lodge. The arrival of an obnoxious and nosey American couple, who will be guests in the lodge during the Christmas holiday, has Nana fretting over a 60yr old scandal. None of this is a spoiler since it was revealed early in the story.
The second half was a little better than the first half. By that I mean, you just have to plod through the first half with its kind of boring snail’s pace; it does pick up a little in the second half. The same can be said for the storyline and writing too. While the character development for Ingrid and a few other characters was good, the rest of the characters were pretty thin. If I were rating this by parts, the first half would be 2.5 and the second half a 3.0 for an overall rating of 2.75, that I am rounding up to a 3star review. I want to thank NetGalley and HarperVia sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #HarperVia #ChristmasatGlitterPeakLodge
It started out pretty exciting with the FMC, Ingrid, getting caught in an avalanche and being hospitalized for a while and losing a dear friend in the avalanche as well. In the aftermath, Ingrid is suffering from PTSD and has nightmares as well as a fear of climbing now. Not a good thing for a career climber, who is very well known for her climbing expeditions and accomplishments. She also ends her relationship with fellow celebrity climber, Preben, who she felt was to blame for the avalanche.
Ingrid goes back home to Glitter Peak Lodge, where she was raised by her maternal grandmother, Nana Borghild, who has managed the family lodge for more than 50yrs. However, well into her 80’s now, it’s time for her to pass on the management of the lodge because she is struggling to keep it in the family. Nana is so pleased to be turning the lodge over to Ingrid to manage and to hold onto it and keep it in the family, where it has been for more than 130yrs.
Ingrid is struggling to keep reservations up and repairs and upkeep down in the old lodge and enlists the help of a marketing friend to incorporate 21st century promotion and marketing, especially on social media. Just in time for the Christmas holiday, social media influencer, Pia P, enters and well, things are not going well, for Ingrid or the lodge. The arrival of an obnoxious and nosey American couple, who will be guests in the lodge during the Christmas holiday, has Nana fretting over a 60yr old scandal. None of this is a spoiler since it was revealed early in the story.
The second half was a little better than the first half. By that I mean, you just have to plod through the first half with its kind of boring snail’s pace; it does pick up a little in the second half. The same can be said for the storyline and writing too. While the character development for Ingrid and a few other characters was good, the rest of the characters were pretty thin. If I were rating this by parts, the first half would be 2.5 and the second half a 3.0 for an overall rating of 2.75, that I am rounding up to a 3star review. I want to thank NetGalley and HarperVia sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #HarperVia #ChristmasatGlitterPeakLodge
December 20, 2024
Sentence structure laborious and not that interesting. Full on diversity checklist bingo. Even a gay bestie. Exited at 10%. 🪂
June 16, 2024
Ingrid has returned home to her families inn. While home it seems that nothing is going smoothly. A quick holiday read.
January 18, 2025
A feel good read with some heavy content but wrapped in cute Christmas themes.
I love that this was set up like an advent calendar. I wish I'd had to the time to enjoy this during December, as I think I could have easily fit a day read into each busy day. I found the main character okay and I liked getting to know the town. I did find the story a little stilted by long winded conversations that I'd wished mixed in a little more action or plot movement.
But it was just what I wanted, a light read with some interesting topics tackled. I liked it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I love that this was set up like an advent calendar. I wish I'd had to the time to enjoy this during December, as I think I could have easily fit a day read into each busy day. I found the main character okay and I liked getting to know the town. I did find the story a little stilted by long winded conversations that I'd wished mixed in a little more action or plot movement.
But it was just what I wanted, a light read with some interesting topics tackled. I liked it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
March 19, 2024
Not even the backdrop of a snowy Norwegian lodge could help this book be more than mediocre for me. Very Hallmark movie-esque, with too much lengthy description, not enough plot.
January 5, 2025
I loved that this is set up like an advent calendar and you can read a chapter a day! Alas, I am a binger, so I did not do that, but I love the concept. While a mystery, this one did have a cozy vibe and I enjoyed that the translation didn’t diminish the setting or the traditions that they have in the Norwegian culture. With the translation, now we can enjoy too.
The mystery had a lot to do with family ties, and you kind of spend half the book trying to figure out what the mystery is exactly. You just know that something fishy is afoot. In the meantime, you learn a lot about the characters, the surrounding area, and customs.
Overall, I found this a cozy and informative read!
Thank you Harper Via for the gifted copy.
The mystery had a lot to do with family ties, and you kind of spend half the book trying to figure out what the mystery is exactly. You just know that something fishy is afoot. In the meantime, you learn a lot about the characters, the surrounding area, and customs.
Overall, I found this a cozy and informative read!
Thank you Harper Via for the gifted copy.
September 5, 2024
2.5 Stars rounded up.
If you are looking for a light, comforting Christmas read, this book may not be precisely the type of Christmas book you are looking for. While this is a lovely book describing Norway and all of her holiday customs and food, it is very, very heavy on the narration, and it isn't until the last 40% of the book that anything to make the reader sit up and take notice happens to advance the story. However, don't despair; nearly everyone gets their own happily ever after- or as close to it as possible.
Typically, I fly through holiday reads because of the 'lite' factor, but because this book was much heavier and more profound with many tragedies and possible tragedies, it took me much longer to get into.
I was grateful to find a glossary of foods, holidays, terms, and even recipes at the back of the book.
*The ARC was supplied by HarperVia, the publisher, the author, and NetGalley. It was first published in 2022 in the original Norse language.
If you are looking for a light, comforting Christmas read, this book may not be precisely the type of Christmas book you are looking for. While this is a lovely book describing Norway and all of her holiday customs and food, it is very, very heavy on the narration, and it isn't until the last 40% of the book that anything to make the reader sit up and take notice happens to advance the story. However, don't despair; nearly everyone gets their own happily ever after- or as close to it as possible.
Typically, I fly through holiday reads because of the 'lite' factor, but because this book was much heavier and more profound with many tragedies and possible tragedies, it took me much longer to get into.
I was grateful to find a glossary of foods, holidays, terms, and even recipes at the back of the book.
*The ARC was supplied by HarperVia, the publisher, the author, and NetGalley. It was first published in 2022 in the original Norse language.
March 18, 2024
Thank you to Harpervia and Kjersti Herland Johnsen for the opportunity to read this ARC**
I loved the lay out of the book, with 24 chapters, each a different day leading up to Christmas. If you love Hallmark Christmas movies this story is for you. It’s a cute mystery without all the gore and crime.
I loved the lay out of the book, with 24 chapters, each a different day leading up to Christmas. If you love Hallmark Christmas movies this story is for you. It’s a cute mystery without all the gore and crime.
December 25, 2025
really fun holiday read! i loved everything in this book from the characters to the setting but the one thing that really lacked for me was that any time there were stakes or a situation that was supposed to increase the intensity of the plot, i didn’t feel the urgency necessary to really hook me. that being said, the cozier scenes where the characters were just interacting in the setting were an absolute dream.
December 21, 2025
Love the concept of an advent calendar book!
July 21, 2024
3.5 stars. Beautiful setting. A wonderfully cozy hotel. Norwegian Christmas traditions. The mystery wasn’t really very mysterious. A nice little holiday book. I enjoyed the setting and I liked learning about the traditions of the area.
I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher. I voluntarily wrote this review.
I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher. I voluntarily wrote this review.
April 24, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, HatperVia, for letting me read and review an advanced copy of this book, ‘Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge’ by Kjersti Herland Johnsen.
Ingrid Berg has not had an easy life; losing her parents as a young girl, surviving an avalanche, while climbing, that had deadly consequences, and now running a hotel that has been in the family for years. Everything seems to be hopeless, even though it is the Christmas season. But, Ingrid experiences quite a few surprises that will change the course of her life, and bring her hope at Christmas.
This book has everything a reader needs; a setting in Norway, celebrating the countdown to Christmas, an interesting set of characters, the solving of an old mystery, and a chance of romance.
Ingrid Berg has not had an easy life; losing her parents as a young girl, surviving an avalanche, while climbing, that had deadly consequences, and now running a hotel that has been in the family for years. Everything seems to be hopeless, even though it is the Christmas season. But, Ingrid experiences quite a few surprises that will change the course of her life, and bring her hope at Christmas.
This book has everything a reader needs; a setting in Norway, celebrating the countdown to Christmas, an interesting set of characters, the solving of an old mystery, and a chance of romance.
April 2, 2024
The story itself is very heavy on the narration, light on dialogue and action. As a result, it's hard to develop a connection to the characters and the plot drags on pretty unnecessarily. Yes, there are some heavy elements in the story, but the lighthearted Christmas season and emerging relationships are overshadowed with the narration, which is a shame because there was potential here.
Overall: 2 stars (It was fine)
I'll tell my students about: parental death (past tense), language, violence, alcohol. LGBT+
**Thank you to NetGalley & HarperVia for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**
Overall: 2 stars (It was fine)
I'll tell my students about: parental death (past tense), language, violence, alcohol. LGBT+
**Thank you to NetGalley & HarperVia for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**
September 24, 2024
I received an advance copy of Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge and wanted to share my review before it is released in October! I really enjoyed the setting of the small mountain village of Norway and appreciated this translated version of the story. I found the glossary of terms helpful to refer to while learning about Norwegian Christmas traditions. Advertised as a romantic mystery, I felt it didn't lean too heavily either way and I would have liked either more spice or more thrill. Thank you HarperVia for the ARC!
January 21, 2024
Sød bog med hyggelige vibes, men gad godt læse en romcom målrettet til kvinder nok 40+ der ikke fatshamer. Yet to find it. Den har også den gode repræsentation alá den ene homoseksuelle ven (der naturligvis er lidt ekstravagant) og den ene kvinde, der er flygtet til Norge med sin søn, men det ville jo ikke være en romcom uden, vel?
December 18, 2024
I absolutely loved this one and it is probably my new favorite Christmas book!
I will admit that I am slightly biased because my husband and I visited Norway in August so I had a lot of nostalgia for our trip and could picture the setting and culture very well. I also had studied some Norwegian before the trip so it was fun recognizing words in the book. Even if you haven't been to Norway, I think this book is so great at showing a little piece of Norway and its culture especially with regard to Christmas traditions! I loved being immersed in this setting and reading an original Norwegian book via translation (great job to the translator as well!)
Some things I loved apart from the Norway component: the writing was solid, the setting and atmosphere were perfect for Christmas, the story had a compelling plot (though one might argue slightly too many moving pieces that were not fully resolved to my liking...), I loved the characters so much, and just overall appreciated how much there was going on in this story. This is the opposite of those cheesy, substance-less Christmas romance books I can't stand (sorry not sorry!) and I was so excited to find such a substantial and enjoyable Christmas-themed book to read.
There were a few criticisms I had throughout the book, my biggest I already touched on. I felt like some of the various plot points were somewhat lackluster or not resolved to my liking and felt the author was trying to do a lot but not everything was necessary or felt relevant/needed. I also predicted a lot of what happened, but I don't think it's a big deal as this is not some kind of thriller/murder mystery book where I am relying on a big twist. That pretty much encompasses all of the critiques I had without giving anything away about the plot.
Absolutely recommend this for a cozy, Christmas, insight into Norway, overall wonderful read!
I will admit that I am slightly biased because my husband and I visited Norway in August so I had a lot of nostalgia for our trip and could picture the setting and culture very well. I also had studied some Norwegian before the trip so it was fun recognizing words in the book. Even if you haven't been to Norway, I think this book is so great at showing a little piece of Norway and its culture especially with regard to Christmas traditions! I loved being immersed in this setting and reading an original Norwegian book via translation (great job to the translator as well!)
Some things I loved apart from the Norway component: the writing was solid, the setting and atmosphere were perfect for Christmas, the story had a compelling plot (though one might argue slightly too many moving pieces that were not fully resolved to my liking...), I loved the characters so much, and just overall appreciated how much there was going on in this story. This is the opposite of those cheesy, substance-less Christmas romance books I can't stand (sorry not sorry!) and I was so excited to find such a substantial and enjoyable Christmas-themed book to read.
There were a few criticisms I had throughout the book, my biggest I already touched on. I felt like some of the various plot points were somewhat lackluster or not resolved to my liking and felt the author was trying to do a lot but not everything was necessary or felt relevant/needed. I also predicted a lot of what happened, but I don't think it's a big deal as this is not some kind of thriller/murder mystery book where I am relying on a big twist. That pretty much encompasses all of the critiques I had without giving anything away about the plot.
Absolutely recommend this for a cozy, Christmas, insight into Norway, overall wonderful read!
August 29, 2024
After reading a series of “Nordic Noir” thrillers, “Christmas at Glitter Peak” is more of a “Nordic Sparkle” type of book for me, one that lets you enjoy the scenery of wintry Norway while still delivering a sort of romantic mystery — a “romcozy”…
I read this as an advanced copy (thank you, Harper Via!) rather than savoring it. Author Johnsen divides the chapters into the 24 days before Christmas (I’m sure each chapter mentions food), like a tasty Advent calendar. If you get this book a month prior to the holiday, do consider reading a chapter a day on the corresponding dates to prolong the experience. And the inclusion of a glossary explaining the food holidays and recipes is invaluable! You could make many of them throughout the four weeks before Christmas for a true Scandinavian feast.
There is a story to be told as well: Ingrid Berg, once an acclaimed mountain climber, has come back to her elderly grandmother’s lodge after an accident that has left her injured and reluctant to tackle the outdoors again. She’s 33 and at a crossroads — should she eventually consider selling the lodge? Does she have any possibilities for a future partner or career? A long-buried mystery bothers her as does the return of two men. Should she be the inn’s savior?
Translated by Olivia Laskey, this is a lovely book full of holiday spirit and family drama, that was a comfy, quick read. As I mentioned, you could read a chapter a day in December, and your final gift is a rewarding tale. 4 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Preben has green eyes
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): YES/NO
Thank you to Harper Via and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
I read this as an advanced copy (thank you, Harper Via!) rather than savoring it. Author Johnsen divides the chapters into the 24 days before Christmas (I’m sure each chapter mentions food), like a tasty Advent calendar. If you get this book a month prior to the holiday, do consider reading a chapter a day on the corresponding dates to prolong the experience. And the inclusion of a glossary explaining the food holidays and recipes is invaluable! You could make many of them throughout the four weeks before Christmas for a true Scandinavian feast.
There is a story to be told as well: Ingrid Berg, once an acclaimed mountain climber, has come back to her elderly grandmother’s lodge after an accident that has left her injured and reluctant to tackle the outdoors again. She’s 33 and at a crossroads — should she eventually consider selling the lodge? Does she have any possibilities for a future partner or career? A long-buried mystery bothers her as does the return of two men. Should she be the inn’s savior?
Translated by Olivia Laskey, this is a lovely book full of holiday spirit and family drama, that was a comfy, quick read. As I mentioned, you could read a chapter a day in December, and your final gift is a rewarding tale. 4 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Preben has green eyes
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): YES/NO
Thank you to Harper Via and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
December 22, 2025
All and all not that bad of a book. I loved the parts that delve into the Norwegian culture and traditions, especially Christmas traditions, that was interesting and a lot of fun. It was quite an eclectic group of characters, not that I minded they were very likable. I don't know why every book or most to every book has to have at least one comment on politics, but even though that was brought up I did like that the author made a point in saying/showing in the end that despite that character and her families differences they can still talk and come together as a family despite years of not talking due to disagreements. That actually doesn't happen so I did appreciate that just cause you can tell what side of the politics the author is on, it was one part and it played a part in showing how a family became divided but in the end found their way back together (just because we disagree doesn't mean love isn't there). I like how pregnancy was dealt with in this book, one was pregnant and it brought a broken family together again, another wasn't really sure about having a child but wasn't going to abort it (this story was sad due to her loosing the child in another way), and another who was abused but kept they child that resulted from that abuse. Wasn't my favorite but wasn't horrible either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
Ingrid, a mountain climber, has returned to Glitter Peak Lodge after a bad accident to help her aging grandmother run the cozy inn. She grew up at the lodge and for her it's like returning home.
This book has 24 chapters, each following Ingrid in a day at the lodge, that leads up to Christmas. It gives the feeling of this reading like an advent calendar.
I thought the organization of this book would be fun and unique but it ended up being very mundane with just daily chores and routines at the lodge. Nothing gripping or anything that grabbed your attention. I feel like it didn’t translate as well to English as it would have been in its original language. Something was missing and the story line jumped all over and it was hard to get into. Very descriptive, which although was nice, also added unnecessary length. I found myself skimming pages instead of reading each word to try and find some sustenance in the book. I ended up DNF this book after 5 chapters. This was just not my cuppa coffee
This book has 24 chapters, each following Ingrid in a day at the lodge, that leads up to Christmas. It gives the feeling of this reading like an advent calendar.
I thought the organization of this book would be fun and unique but it ended up being very mundane with just daily chores and routines at the lodge. Nothing gripping or anything that grabbed your attention. I feel like it didn’t translate as well to English as it would have been in its original language. Something was missing and the story line jumped all over and it was hard to get into. Very descriptive, which although was nice, also added unnecessary length. I found myself skimming pages instead of reading each word to try and find some sustenance in the book. I ended up DNF this book after 5 chapters. This was just not my cuppa coffee
September 28, 2024
Ingrid Berg has recently returned to Glitter Peak Lodge after a horrible climbing incident where lives were lost. In an attempt to continue her family's legacy, she takes over running the hotel so her eighty year old grandmother can finally rest. Upon her return, she realizes that there are more issues happening while running the hotel that make the future look bleak. Ingrid has to determine if she is able to keep the hotel running or if she wants to sell her interest off and find happiness elsewhere.
There was quite a lot to unpack with this book, so keep that in mind before jumping in. I enjoyed it overall, but I felt like the author was trying to put so many "mysterious" happenings into the book to keep the reader interested, that I lost interest.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received an advanced copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
There was quite a lot to unpack with this book, so keep that in mind before jumping in. I enjoyed it overall, but I felt like the author was trying to put so many "mysterious" happenings into the book to keep the reader interested, that I lost interest.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received an advanced copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
December 23, 2024
Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge by Kjersti Herland Johnsen is the quintessential holiday book. It is meant to be read as an advent calendar, one day at a time but admittedly, I read ahead because it's THAT good. The book is FILLED with the wonders of the holiday: a beautiful lodge in the snowy mountains, incredible food, holiday events, family, found family and friendship. It doesn't shy away from the complications of life OR the holiday, making this even more endearing to real readers going through real things at the holidays. I absolutely loved this book.
December 26, 2024
This was an ok read. I don't think the Advent style reading did the book pacing any favors.
There's so much going on here. Ingrid and her grandmother own a hotel that is struggling. Ingrid is a former climber who was caught in an avalanche and doesn't climb anymore. There's drama with the hotel workers and guests. Current and former love interests are involved. There's a mystery about a girl from the village who disappeared. And more....
Take all the above story lines, mix them in a blender, and section them into 24 days. It eventually all comes together but it takes some time. I think by reading it so slowly, I lost any momentum that the story had and struggled to remember what happened the previous days. I did like the Norwegian setting and glimpse into their culture. I wouldn't be opposed to reading another Advent style book, but I'm not sure fiction is the way to go.
There's so much going on here. Ingrid and her grandmother own a hotel that is struggling. Ingrid is a former climber who was caught in an avalanche and doesn't climb anymore. There's drama with the hotel workers and guests. Current and former love interests are involved. There's a mystery about a girl from the village who disappeared. And more....
Take all the above story lines, mix them in a blender, and section them into 24 days. It eventually all comes together but it takes some time. I think by reading it so slowly, I lost any momentum that the story had and struggled to remember what happened the previous days. I did like the Norwegian setting and glimpse into their culture. I wouldn't be opposed to reading another Advent style book, but I'm not sure fiction is the way to go.
July 13, 2024
Thank you, HarperCollins Readers’ Room and NetGalley, for an ARC of this cozy mystery novel.
I was intrigued by the recommendation to read one chapter per day, like opening doors on an Advent calendar. So, that's exactly what I did. What a cute, cozy way to end each day!
I appreciated the diverse cast of characters, healthy relationships, supportive friendships, and the light romance that did not veer into love-triangle or insta-love territory. The characters’ backstories were a bit too shallow, leaving me feeling emotionally distant. Nana's diary entries, especially, didn’t feel authentic. They read like dry, textbook exposition rather than her personal experiences. I found the plot to be rather understated, with a predictable family secrets type of mystery.
I truly enjoyed the descriptions of Norwegian traditions and holiday delicacies. Those images create such a delightful, cozy atmosphere. The accompanying recipes are the icing on the Christmas cookie.
Recommended for fans of light mysteries with just a touch of romance.
I was intrigued by the recommendation to read one chapter per day, like opening doors on an Advent calendar. So, that's exactly what I did. What a cute, cozy way to end each day!
I appreciated the diverse cast of characters, healthy relationships, supportive friendships, and the light romance that did not veer into love-triangle or insta-love territory. The characters’ backstories were a bit too shallow, leaving me feeling emotionally distant. Nana's diary entries, especially, didn’t feel authentic. They read like dry, textbook exposition rather than her personal experiences. I found the plot to be rather understated, with a predictable family secrets type of mystery.
I truly enjoyed the descriptions of Norwegian traditions and holiday delicacies. Those images create such a delightful, cozy atmosphere. The accompanying recipes are the icing on the Christmas cookie.
Recommended for fans of light mysteries with just a touch of romance.
December 23, 2024
Ingrid returns to her Nanas Inn after a bad skiing accident for a fresh start. Things start happening at the inn that she has to work through. This book is meant to be read a chapter per day . If you like a cozy mystery set in Norway you will like this one.
December 25, 2024
Set up for Advent, with a chapter for each day up to Christmas Eve, this was an okay book. Lots of characters to follow, and I got lost in the individual days and how it would all come together. I enjoyed the interesting info on Norwegian culture.
June 15, 2024
DRC from NetGalley and HarperVia
Ingrid was a famous climber until an avalanche destroyed her faith, her relationship, and killed a friend. Now she has returned to her grandmother's lodge to help her run it. While there, she discovers secrets, family, new friends, and how important traditions are to many. Set up in 24 chapters so that you can read one a day until Christmas, this is a cozy mystery with lots of Norwegian traditions and history. Glossary in the back explains all the terms.
Ingrid was a famous climber until an avalanche destroyed her faith, her relationship, and killed a friend. Now she has returned to her grandmother's lodge to help her run it. While there, she discovers secrets, family, new friends, and how important traditions are to many. Set up in 24 chapters so that you can read one a day until Christmas, this is a cozy mystery with lots of Norwegian traditions and history. Glossary in the back explains all the terms.
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December 24, 2024I thoroughly enjoyed ripping this book to shreds on a daily basis in a group chat.
December 25, 2024
I recommend this as an advent calendar but as an ordinary read, not so much. It’s cute enough and the setting is magical, but beyond that there’s not a whole lot of substance.
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