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WHEN THE BLUE DOOR OPENS, WINTER WILL COME TO FELS.
11-year old Jo has finally managed to make a friend at her new Rani, the girl who runs like the wind. Together, Jo and Rani are planning the perfect winter cookie baking, caroling, and ice skating at the local pond.
But when the Fels Christmas market is vandalized and strange symbols are found on the stalls, Jo starts to worry that the chilling prophecy made by the monster who kidnapped her brother in the fall might be coming true after all, threatening the safety of all of
“The price for peace in blood is paid, pay it now or pay it soon, only higher if you wait…”
To protect her family, Rani, and her no-longer-quite-so-boring hometown of Fels, Germany, Jo turns to the Strawberry Circle, the secret order monitoring supernatural activity in the area. Together, can they chase off the spirits that haunt the time between the years? Or will Fels pay the blood price after all?
Join Jo on a frosty and frightening adventure and explore the rich winter lore of Germany in the sequel to BBNYA finalist Bad Grains!
11-year old Jo has finally managed to make a friend at her new Rani, the girl who runs like the wind. Together, Jo and Rani are planning the perfect winter cookie baking, caroling, and ice skating at the local pond.
But when the Fels Christmas market is vandalized and strange symbols are found on the stalls, Jo starts to worry that the chilling prophecy made by the monster who kidnapped her brother in the fall might be coming true after all, threatening the safety of all of
“The price for peace in blood is paid, pay it now or pay it soon, only higher if you wait…”
To protect her family, Rani, and her no-longer-quite-so-boring hometown of Fels, Germany, Jo turns to the Strawberry Circle, the secret order monitoring supernatural activity in the area. Together, can they chase off the spirits that haunt the time between the years? Or will Fels pay the blood price after all?
Join Jo on a frosty and frightening adventure and explore the rich winter lore of Germany in the sequel to BBNYA finalist Bad Grains!
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2024
10 people want to read
About the author
Susanne Schmidt
5 books38 followersSusanne Schmidt grew up in Germany and fell in love with the English language reading Sabriel and the Earthsea Chronicles. She spent a year in New Zealand during high school and later studied in Spain and the US, eventually earning a B.A. in Journalism from Saint Louis University.
She created her first poems in fourth grade, and has been hooked on writing ever since. Currently, she is working on a epic fantasy vampire trilogy, a short and spooky Middle Grade series centered around Germany and German folklore, and a long, epic, genre-blending story about two immortals fighting each other in a brutal reality show.
When she isn't staring down a blank screen, she is learning how to set up a garden, takes care of two spoiled guinea pigs, and watches too much Netflix with her husband.
She created her first poems in fourth grade, and has been hooked on writing ever since. Currently, she is working on a epic fantasy vampire trilogy, a short and spooky Middle Grade series centered around Germany and German folklore, and a long, epic, genre-blending story about two immortals fighting each other in a brutal reality show.
When she isn't staring down a blank screen, she is learning how to set up a garden, takes care of two spoiled guinea pigs, and watches too much Netflix with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 11, 2024
I read this book with my daughter, Peighton (8 years old). We both enjoyed it so much that we read it super quick over 2 days! We never realised it was book 2 in the series so we had dived straight in at book 2. When I asked Peighton what she liked about the book she said:
“I liked everything about this book! It was my first supernatural and horror book and it was so good. I liked that it was a bit spooky and I loved looking at the little pictures in the book. The map was really cool too. Oh and thank you to the author for the book mark and map! I’m going to ask Santa for the first book so we start it from the beginning again”.
As a parent, reading this with my daughter… I found the storyline was very intriguing, exciting and kept us both hooked right through. There was one night Peighton had fallen asleep and I just could not put it down and so I kept on reading and then had to re-read a chapter the next day all over again with her! I loved the cosy, creepy feelings it gave and it was the perfect book these cold winter nights! Definitely going to be talking to Santa about bringing us book 1!
“I liked everything about this book! It was my first supernatural and horror book and it was so good. I liked that it was a bit spooky and I loved looking at the little pictures in the book. The map was really cool too. Oh and thank you to the author for the book mark and map! I’m going to ask Santa for the first book so we start it from the beginning again”.
As a parent, reading this with my daughter… I found the storyline was very intriguing, exciting and kept us both hooked right through. There was one night Peighton had fallen asleep and I just could not put it down and so I kept on reading and then had to re-read a chapter the next day all over again with her! I loved the cosy, creepy feelings it gave and it was the perfect book these cold winter nights! Definitely going to be talking to Santa about bringing us book 1!
November 6, 2024
I loved this book. The books itself is so cute!! The chapter pictures really give you winter feeling. The glossary is amazing helped a lot. The recipes at the back if the book was such a cute, amazing addiction. I will definitely be trying out some of them.
The story itself was amazing I found it hard to put down it had me hooked from the start. I am so glad for the ending but I am hoping for a book 3 to the series as it was such an amazing cliff hanger!!
If you like cosy, hard to put down, cute but a book that makes you think a little then this is the book for you!!
Thank you for letting me be apart of your tour
The story itself was amazing I found it hard to put down it had me hooked from the start. I am so glad for the ending but I am hoping for a book 3 to the series as it was such an amazing cliff hanger!!
If you like cosy, hard to put down, cute but a book that makes you think a little then this is the book for you!!
Thank you for letting me be apart of your tour
November 13, 2024
4.5 stars! I enjoyed this one even more than the first one. I found the idea very original and hauntingly beautiful. And this time the friendship Jo shared with Rani added an extra layer to the story that upped the stakes for me. There’s also more exploration of family in this one, and I found the complex relationship Jo had with her mum really interesting. The ending was so bittersweet and I really hope that in the next story Jo can get back what she lost. Gorgeous storytelling! And the recipes at the end of the book are definitely going to be some that I try out!!!
May 9, 2025
I've often said I don't read Young Adult books because I have a hard time relating to the issues young adults often seem to consider important. More recently, I've come to realise it's probably more because I just don't know anything about kids. It kind of amounts to the same thing, but there's a shift in attitude that's worth noticing - especially when I'm going to comment on a YA book.
In fairness, this might even be a children's book, depending on where the lines are drawn. Jo, our main character is eleven years old.
It should also be mentioned that I'm no aficionado of Horror. I like the idea of it, in theory, but I'm often too much of a chicken to knowingly pick up a horror story and start reading. This too deserves mentioning here, since Whiteout is also a horror book.
So here's me, a grumpy old fart who likes to sit in his comfort zone and complain about the world outside, and I'm reviewing a children's horror story. You'd be forgiven for raising your eyebrow and questioning my judgement.
You'd be right, of course, but in light of how good Whiteout is, all my prejudices and reservations are torn away by the howling winter gale.
Whiteout is the second book in The Order of the Strawberry Circle, and the first book, Bad Grains, is one of the books from last year's SFINCS competition that left a strong enough impression that I picked up its sequel a year later (it wasn't released yet when I finished Bad Grains).
So what's it about, and what makes it so good? Why do I think you should read it?
Sure, valid questions.
Whiteout begins a few weeks after Bad Grains ended. Christmas is just around the corner, and Fels is even more grey and rainy than it was back during Halloween. It's colder too. There are school tests to study for, bullies to avoid, Christmas cookies to bake, and an impending invasion of fairytale monsters to be seriously worried about. As always in stories, there are complications.
What elevates Whiteout (and Bad Grains) above other contemporary fantasy and YA (I've not read enough horror to compare) is the mood and the atmosphere. Fels, the little Bawarian town where the story plays out, is described as an almost painfully ordinary place, where everything is normal, boring, and nothing upsetting ever happens. Not an exciting place, but a place that prides itself on being safe and reliable - not weird.
Despite this, the author manages to infuse the pages with a wintry chill and a Christmas spirit real enough to reach out and touch - and I read this sitting in the sun on my balcony in early May. Perhaps it's because Fels is very much like the tiny town in southern Sweden where I grew up, but it's all so tangible I can smell it. From the rain to the darkness to the lights in the windows.
The horror/fantasy aspect of the story is also compelling. What we get here is both familiar and a little bit twisted. I'm not well versed in the details of German folklore, and the author admits in the foreword that they took some liberties with the old stories, but at the same time, it's clear where the roots are.
I won't say more. Read it yourself and see.
What I'll whine about
The ending. It's not that the ending is bad, rather the opposite. It's a slow punch in the gut and you can't believe it actually hit you just where it hurts the most. I did not see this coming.
It's the kind of ending that sticks around in my head and that I keep thinking about. I guess this is part of the horror aspect of the story, and maybe another reason I don't read horror.
There's food for thought in the ending (in the entire rest of the story, too), and I keep asking myself if you can really end a children's book like this. Then again, Tove Jansson did it, and she's the greatest author ever, and no, that's not up for debate.
At the same time, an ending like this makes it abundantly clear that the author is not afraid of following her vision and telling the story as it deserves to be told - without trying to please anyone but herself, and that's worth admiring.
What I'll gush about
I already made my thoughts on the mood and atmosphere of the story clear, so I won't go over that again. Suffice to say it's fantastic and the book is worth reading for that alone.
The adults. Sad as it is to admit, the adults overall are much too relatable. When faced with the possibility of approaching danger, their reaction is to tell themselves and the children it will probably be fine and not to worry too much. They cling to the hope that things will sort themselves out on their own if you just stay safe and do as you're told. Too real.
Final Words
Despite the ending, I'd love to get my niece a copy of this YA/Children's Horror novella, if only she spoke English.
In fairness, this might even be a children's book, depending on where the lines are drawn. Jo, our main character is eleven years old.
It should also be mentioned that I'm no aficionado of Horror. I like the idea of it, in theory, but I'm often too much of a chicken to knowingly pick up a horror story and start reading. This too deserves mentioning here, since Whiteout is also a horror book.
So here's me, a grumpy old fart who likes to sit in his comfort zone and complain about the world outside, and I'm reviewing a children's horror story. You'd be forgiven for raising your eyebrow and questioning my judgement.
You'd be right, of course, but in light of how good Whiteout is, all my prejudices and reservations are torn away by the howling winter gale.
Whiteout is the second book in The Order of the Strawberry Circle, and the first book, Bad Grains, is one of the books from last year's SFINCS competition that left a strong enough impression that I picked up its sequel a year later (it wasn't released yet when I finished Bad Grains).
So what's it about, and what makes it so good? Why do I think you should read it?
Sure, valid questions.
Whiteout begins a few weeks after Bad Grains ended. Christmas is just around the corner, and Fels is even more grey and rainy than it was back during Halloween. It's colder too. There are school tests to study for, bullies to avoid, Christmas cookies to bake, and an impending invasion of fairytale monsters to be seriously worried about. As always in stories, there are complications.
What elevates Whiteout (and Bad Grains) above other contemporary fantasy and YA (I've not read enough horror to compare) is the mood and the atmosphere. Fels, the little Bawarian town where the story plays out, is described as an almost painfully ordinary place, where everything is normal, boring, and nothing upsetting ever happens. Not an exciting place, but a place that prides itself on being safe and reliable - not weird.
Despite this, the author manages to infuse the pages with a wintry chill and a Christmas spirit real enough to reach out and touch - and I read this sitting in the sun on my balcony in early May. Perhaps it's because Fels is very much like the tiny town in southern Sweden where I grew up, but it's all so tangible I can smell it. From the rain to the darkness to the lights in the windows.
The horror/fantasy aspect of the story is also compelling. What we get here is both familiar and a little bit twisted. I'm not well versed in the details of German folklore, and the author admits in the foreword that they took some liberties with the old stories, but at the same time, it's clear where the roots are.
I won't say more. Read it yourself and see.
What I'll whine about
The ending. It's not that the ending is bad, rather the opposite. It's a slow punch in the gut and you can't believe it actually hit you just where it hurts the most. I did not see this coming.
It's the kind of ending that sticks around in my head and that I keep thinking about. I guess this is part of the horror aspect of the story, and maybe another reason I don't read horror.
There's food for thought in the ending (in the entire rest of the story, too), and I keep asking myself if you can really end a children's book like this. Then again, Tove Jansson did it, and she's the greatest author ever, and no, that's not up for debate.
At the same time, an ending like this makes it abundantly clear that the author is not afraid of following her vision and telling the story as it deserves to be told - without trying to please anyone but herself, and that's worth admiring.
What I'll gush about
I already made my thoughts on the mood and atmosphere of the story clear, so I won't go over that again. Suffice to say it's fantastic and the book is worth reading for that alone.
The adults. Sad as it is to admit, the adults overall are much too relatable. When faced with the possibility of approaching danger, their reaction is to tell themselves and the children it will probably be fine and not to worry too much. They cling to the hope that things will sort themselves out on their own if you just stay safe and do as you're told. Too real.
Final Words
Despite the ending, I'd love to get my niece a copy of this YA/Children's Horror novella, if only she spoke English.
October 30, 2025
Having finished Bad Grains, I had to read this one as well.
In this Jo has made friends with the other loner in her school, Rani. It’s almost Christmas and Jo and Daniel are now part of The Order of the Strawberry Circle, who warns them that whatever sacrifice they interrupted when they rescued Hektor could open the Blue door they saw and unleash the Wild Hunt upon Fels.
Hektor remembers nothing, and no one but Jo and the rest of the strawberry circle knows what happened. But they’re watchful since the time before and during Christmas is the most dangerous.
Jo and Rani are attacked by a beast and Rani also gets to meet and is inducted into the Order. Jo is envious of Rani’s proficiency in physical training and the ease with which she gets along with everyone, but she has no room for anything but fear when the Snow Mother pays her a visit and wants to claim her in return for helping her rescue Hektor.
The Order advises Jo to stay indoors, but when Rani goes missing, Jo decides, once again, that it’s up to her to rescue her friend. But what she faces is much more dangerous this time around, and she stands to lose more than a friend if she fails.
Again, loved Jo. Loved even her petty envy of Rani, which is so relatable in a child that age, and also, how that doesn’t prevent her from trying to save her. She’s guilty about her jealousy and able to put things in perspective when she learns of Rani’s home situation.
This was like the first one, more an adventure than strictly horror and the horror elements come from the atmosphere and the local lores that permeates Fels. Once again, I found the German traditions quite interesting, and the recipes at the end of the book were really needed because I may not be able to get everything to make them here, but I still wanna try!
Eagerly awaiting the rest of this amazing series. If you and your child love books, don’t miss out on these ones!
In this Jo has made friends with the other loner in her school, Rani. It’s almost Christmas and Jo and Daniel are now part of The Order of the Strawberry Circle, who warns them that whatever sacrifice they interrupted when they rescued Hektor could open the Blue door they saw and unleash the Wild Hunt upon Fels.
Hektor remembers nothing, and no one but Jo and the rest of the strawberry circle knows what happened. But they’re watchful since the time before and during Christmas is the most dangerous.
Jo and Rani are attacked by a beast and Rani also gets to meet and is inducted into the Order. Jo is envious of Rani’s proficiency in physical training and the ease with which she gets along with everyone, but she has no room for anything but fear when the Snow Mother pays her a visit and wants to claim her in return for helping her rescue Hektor.
The Order advises Jo to stay indoors, but when Rani goes missing, Jo decides, once again, that it’s up to her to rescue her friend. But what she faces is much more dangerous this time around, and she stands to lose more than a friend if she fails.
Again, loved Jo. Loved even her petty envy of Rani, which is so relatable in a child that age, and also, how that doesn’t prevent her from trying to save her. She’s guilty about her jealousy and able to put things in perspective when she learns of Rani’s home situation.
This was like the first one, more an adventure than strictly horror and the horror elements come from the atmosphere and the local lores that permeates Fels. Once again, I found the German traditions quite interesting, and the recipes at the end of the book were really needed because I may not be able to get everything to make them here, but I still wanna try!
Eagerly awaiting the rest of this amazing series. If you and your child love books, don’t miss out on these ones!
November 13, 2024
This is an incredible book about a strong, brave, and determined girl who journeys through myth and legend to save the people she loves.
Whiteout is the second book in The Order of the Strawberry Circle series, following Jo as she discovers that her sleepy German town is home to a secret society fighting supernatural monsters that have haunted the town for generations.
To call this simply a middle-grade book would understate just how good it is. Susanne Schmidt skillfully draws on German and Scandinavian legends and fairy tales, weaving them into a brilliant Christmas-themed horror story that both kids and parents will enjoy.
Jo's character development from the first book to this one is empowering. She finds joy in her friendship with Rani, and Schmidt portrays their relationship with a warmth that feels full of happiness. Jo also faces challenges in her relationships with various family members, something that will resonate with any reader.
The setting of Whiteout feels like a fairy tale in itself. Schmidt never lets readers forget what makes Fels distinctly German, incorporating German words and cultural elements with care. A glossary of terms helps readers unfamiliar with the language. Fels is a quaint town, and Schmidt brings it to life—capturing the cozy charm of the Christmas market and the raw, biting cold.
Susanne Schmidt’s writing style is incredibly engaging and cozy. The story flows quickly, never lingering too long in one place. I loved how she blended elements of H.C. Andersen’s tales, especially The Little Matchstick Girl, into Jo’s story. As a longtime fan of fairy tales, I know anyone who loves them will find joy in this book.
Whiteout is the second book in The Order of the Strawberry Circle series, following Jo as she discovers that her sleepy German town is home to a secret society fighting supernatural monsters that have haunted the town for generations.
To call this simply a middle-grade book would understate just how good it is. Susanne Schmidt skillfully draws on German and Scandinavian legends and fairy tales, weaving them into a brilliant Christmas-themed horror story that both kids and parents will enjoy.
Jo's character development from the first book to this one is empowering. She finds joy in her friendship with Rani, and Schmidt portrays their relationship with a warmth that feels full of happiness. Jo also faces challenges in her relationships with various family members, something that will resonate with any reader.
The setting of Whiteout feels like a fairy tale in itself. Schmidt never lets readers forget what makes Fels distinctly German, incorporating German words and cultural elements with care. A glossary of terms helps readers unfamiliar with the language. Fels is a quaint town, and Schmidt brings it to life—capturing the cozy charm of the Christmas market and the raw, biting cold.
Susanne Schmidt’s writing style is incredibly engaging and cozy. The story flows quickly, never lingering too long in one place. I loved how she blended elements of H.C. Andersen’s tales, especially The Little Matchstick Girl, into Jo’s story. As a longtime fan of fairy tales, I know anyone who loves them will find joy in this book.
November 18, 2024
" [...] People need to blame someone for the vandalism, and it has to be someone they consider different, because if it was someone like them, they wouldn’t be able to feel safe anymore. [...]"
This time I'll start from the end. At the end of the book "Whiteout" by Susanne Schmidt, I found some interesting Christmas recipes that I plan to try for Christmas. After reading them, my mouth is watering. Thank you very much for them.
Returning to the book, I met friends from the previous part entitled "Bad Grains", including: Jo, her brother Hector and Rani. This time the author placed them in a beautiful winter and Christmas scenery. Christmas is approaching and evil does not intend to let up either. It will hit the town of Fels when it least expects it. Will Jo and her friends save the town from the ice lady called Frau Holle?
Here, the friendship of Jo and Rani will be put to a huge test. It is worth reading this story to find out what exactly happened.
There were moments when I was terrified. There were tears and shivers. A perfect emotional story, not only for younger readers. As you can see, adults can also find something for themselves here.
Plus for the author for including local German folklore in her dark novel. "Whiteout" is a perfect youth horror in a winter climate.
I saw a lot of references to two fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen here. You will learn their titles while reading this novel.
After the poignant ending of this story, I am eagerly awaiting the third volume.
I will tell you one thing, it is worth reading Susanne Schmidt's novels.
This time I'll start from the end. At the end of the book "Whiteout" by Susanne Schmidt, I found some interesting Christmas recipes that I plan to try for Christmas. After reading them, my mouth is watering. Thank you very much for them.
Returning to the book, I met friends from the previous part entitled "Bad Grains", including: Jo, her brother Hector and Rani. This time the author placed them in a beautiful winter and Christmas scenery. Christmas is approaching and evil does not intend to let up either. It will hit the town of Fels when it least expects it. Will Jo and her friends save the town from the ice lady called Frau Holle?
Here, the friendship of Jo and Rani will be put to a huge test. It is worth reading this story to find out what exactly happened.
There were moments when I was terrified. There were tears and shivers. A perfect emotional story, not only for younger readers. As you can see, adults can also find something for themselves here.
Plus for the author for including local German folklore in her dark novel. "Whiteout" is a perfect youth horror in a winter climate.
I saw a lot of references to two fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen here. You will learn their titles while reading this novel.
After the poignant ending of this story, I am eagerly awaiting the third volume.
I will tell you one thing, it is worth reading Susanne Schmidt's novels.
November 6, 2024
Thank you @indie_visible_services and @wordslikepromises for the copy of this book. It's the second in The Order of the Strawberry Circle series and is out this month!
I absolutely loved reading the second installment in this series. The first book, Bad Grains, reminded me of my childhood favourites: Goosebumps. In the second book, the evil is back and Jo must face it again.
What I loved particularly in this book is that although the cute and cosy vibe is still there, it focuses on the impact of the events from the first book. Jo has significantly developed as a character. She still comes across as young and childlike in some cases, but it's obvious what she went through has taken affect on her mental wellbeing. It's aged her in a way, learning some hard truths about the world.
The scariest thing in both books is the evil's ability to make people forget. You can literally feel Jo's pain screaming out of the pages. The desperation to be heard when people assume she's just being a silly child. The punishment of loneliness when she can't share her experience, and the way she may be put down if she tries.
I really loved grandma and the relationship that Jo has with her father. Also some brotherly love in this one too.
If you want something spooky in a light way (think goosebumps), with great characters, a fun mystery and lots of emotion... this is a great series to get your hands on!
I absolutely loved reading the second installment in this series. The first book, Bad Grains, reminded me of my childhood favourites: Goosebumps. In the second book, the evil is back and Jo must face it again.
What I loved particularly in this book is that although the cute and cosy vibe is still there, it focuses on the impact of the events from the first book. Jo has significantly developed as a character. She still comes across as young and childlike in some cases, but it's obvious what she went through has taken affect on her mental wellbeing. It's aged her in a way, learning some hard truths about the world.
The scariest thing in both books is the evil's ability to make people forget. You can literally feel Jo's pain screaming out of the pages. The desperation to be heard when people assume she's just being a silly child. The punishment of loneliness when she can't share her experience, and the way she may be put down if she tries.
I really loved grandma and the relationship that Jo has with her father. Also some brotherly love in this one too.
If you want something spooky in a light way (think goosebumps), with great characters, a fun mystery and lots of emotion... this is a great series to get your hands on!
November 14, 2024
Book 2 in The Strawberry Circle series explores more of Rani and Jo’s new friendship. The characters are both close to my son’s age so he enjoyed reading about characters he could relate to as they navigate school and home life.
Whiteout is just as atmospheric as book one and even though it’s based around Christmas time it feels just as spooky.
The descriptive writing perfectly evokes the wonder of Christmas. There is lots of fun activities happening in Fels like the Christmas markets, caroling and seeing all the festive lights. Unfortunately Fels also has a much darker side and once again Jo finds herself at the centre of more supernatural encounters. The contrast of the excitement of Christmas with the fear of the more sinister side of Fels makes for an interesting read.
It was great to learn more about the other members of The Strawberry Circle in this book and the events that had happened to them.
Jo’s emotions and frustrations with day to day life, pressures of school, exams and chores as well as her training and needing to protect herself and the town were really well conveyed in her character development.
Whiteout is an eerie and emotional read where normal life meets small town horror.
Whiteout is just as atmospheric as book one and even though it’s based around Christmas time it feels just as spooky.
The descriptive writing perfectly evokes the wonder of Christmas. There is lots of fun activities happening in Fels like the Christmas markets, caroling and seeing all the festive lights. Unfortunately Fels also has a much darker side and once again Jo finds herself at the centre of more supernatural encounters. The contrast of the excitement of Christmas with the fear of the more sinister side of Fels makes for an interesting read.
It was great to learn more about the other members of The Strawberry Circle in this book and the events that had happened to them.
Jo’s emotions and frustrations with day to day life, pressures of school, exams and chores as well as her training and needing to protect herself and the town were really well conveyed in her character development.
Whiteout is an eerie and emotional read where normal life meets small town horror.
November 6, 2024
I loved reading Bad Grains book 1 in the order of the Strawberry Circle series so much that I jumped at the chance to read Whiteout.
I absolutely loved this series and though it's aimed at teens, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Whiteout took me on a journey of the aftermath of what happened in book 1, I liked how Jo developed and how strong she was in the face of the danger she now finds herself in. Her friendship with Rani was heartwarming and without giving too much a way I really felt emotional.
This series is written exceptionally well, I could picture everything that was laid before me and I was engaged in the story so much that I couldn't put it down. This series is reminiscent of the Point Horror/Goosebumps series, as a 90s kid growing up with these books, this is most welcome as I was obsessed. I loved reading Whiteout and the direction the series is going. I can't wait to read more.
I absolutely loved this series and though it's aimed at teens, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Whiteout took me on a journey of the aftermath of what happened in book 1, I liked how Jo developed and how strong she was in the face of the danger she now finds herself in. Her friendship with Rani was heartwarming and without giving too much a way I really felt emotional.
This series is written exceptionally well, I could picture everything that was laid before me and I was engaged in the story so much that I couldn't put it down. This series is reminiscent of the Point Horror/Goosebumps series, as a 90s kid growing up with these books, this is most welcome as I was obsessed. I loved reading Whiteout and the direction the series is going. I can't wait to read more.
November 9, 2024
White Out is the second book in the order of the strawberry circle series, I really enjoyed the first book so I was excited to read White Out.
I loved this book from start to finish. The story itself was both detailed and interesting. Reading it gave a wintry cosy feeling. The character development and the storyline throughout the book has you gripped and needing to know more.
This was a fun and enjoyable book to read and I'm looking forward to more from the series. For me this was a five-star read which I highly recommend.
I loved this book from start to finish. The story itself was both detailed and interesting. Reading it gave a wintry cosy feeling. The character development and the storyline throughout the book has you gripped and needing to know more.
This was a fun and enjoyable book to read and I'm looking forward to more from the series. For me this was a five-star read which I highly recommend.
November 5, 2024
Whiteout by Susanne Schmidt.
The Order of the Strawberry Circle 2.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I did like the illustrations in the book. This was a quick and easy read for me. I did like Jo and Rani. I liked the pace of the story as it kept me reading until the end. I wanted to know what happened next. I also liked the plot and characters. I liked the writing style. I was surprised by the ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
The Order of the Strawberry Circle 2.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I did like the illustrations in the book. This was a quick and easy read for me. I did like Jo and Rani. I liked the pace of the story as it kept me reading until the end. I wanted to know what happened next. I also liked the plot and characters. I liked the writing style. I was surprised by the ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
December 4, 2024
To see a full review check it out here.
This was delightful. It is one of my top winter horror books!
Plus cookie recipies.
This was delightful. It is one of my top winter horror books!
Plus cookie recipies.
November 20, 2024
This was a great book. I can’t wait for my daughter to get a little older because I know this is a series she would love and enjoy.
The book gave me Goosebumps and RL Stine Fear Street vibes and I am here for it. They being me back to my childhood. I didn't read book 1 but definitely have it in my cart to start the collection for my kid. Jo is a phenomenal character and she brings this story to life, the are great, the characters are amazing her relationship with Rani was very emotional and interesting. I also enjoyed the pictures in the book.
The book gave me Goosebumps and RL Stine Fear Street vibes and I am here for it. They being me back to my childhood. I didn't read book 1 but definitely have it in my cart to start the collection for my kid. Jo is a phenomenal character and she brings this story to life, the are great, the characters are amazing her relationship with Rani was very emotional and interesting. I also enjoyed the pictures in the book.
March 18, 2025
The second book in The Order of the Strawberry Circle and things get cold and scary!
I am so glad I could read this one pretty soon after that first one, now I need to wait until next year, and I am not sure if I will remember. Thankfully, I got these reviews~
In this book it is time for Christmas in Fels and our MC is looking forward to doing all the events. But well, we know what happened in the previous book and so there is something wrong/off going on from the start. It is very cold. But then the vandalism starts. Which our MC and of course the order know will probably be supernatural stuff, but sadly the town thinks otherwise and so we get a more realistic bit in the book, namely racism/judging people on where they live/who they are. And sadly, that person is Rani’s brother. Yup. Our MC’s best friend’s brother is in trouble and we see that this affects her hard. I just wanted to jump in at times and give Rani a big hug.
Things get really spooky and for a lot of the book I was on the edge of my seat. However, there were sadly too many instances that pissed me off. I could understand that the dad was angry/worried when things happened with Jo, but to take away the chance to see her mom at the airport, to welcome her home? That was just horrible and terrible. Ground her if you want. But this girl hasn’t seen her mom in MONTHS, you cannot take that away from her. That moment. There were also other moments that had me shaking my head. I just wanted ONE person to care for Jo and listen to her or actually see her. Even the order were pieces of poop in this one. I get that they wanted to keep Jo save, but she has proven that she can do things. Holding her away from things, hiding things, while on the other hand having two other kids having free reign is just not cool. I was not happy. And yeah, I knew what would happen. I mean, if everyone acted like this to me? I would have gone out of my way to do things myself as well. I would have found a way.
Plus, I was SO unhappy with the Rani situation at the end. Jo already felt like shit the whole time and then this happens and it was all made to be Jo’s fault. While Jo didn’t have any fault. At least in my eyes. She didn’t know something was watching and saying that would mean that. Plus, she had to make a decision instantly and this way there is a chance to still do something. Otherwise it would all have been lost.
Now that I have said most I wanted about how badly I didn’t like things, let’s go to the good stuff. I love the German folklore, loved the things our MC and her family did during the days before and during Christmas (though I didn’t know that there were still families adding REAL CANDLES to their trees), the spooky stuff was fantastic there were so many moments that had me terrified as there were just some things lurking in the shadows that made me go nope nopenope, there were so many layers to everything, I loved the order even if they were asses at times, I loved the archives and wish by all I could wish that I could also check them out, and there are some backstories! Oh, and I love the cover!
All in all, I am still very happy I read this one and I flew through it. Now I am just sad I have to wait this long for the next book, arggh!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I am so glad I could read this one pretty soon after that first one, now I need to wait until next year, and I am not sure if I will remember. Thankfully, I got these reviews~
In this book it is time for Christmas in Fels and our MC is looking forward to doing all the events. But well, we know what happened in the previous book and so there is something wrong/off going on from the start. It is very cold. But then the vandalism starts. Which our MC and of course the order know will probably be supernatural stuff, but sadly the town thinks otherwise and so we get a more realistic bit in the book, namely racism/judging people on where they live/who they are. And sadly, that person is Rani’s brother. Yup. Our MC’s best friend’s brother is in trouble and we see that this affects her hard. I just wanted to jump in at times and give Rani a big hug.
Things get really spooky and for a lot of the book I was on the edge of my seat. However, there were sadly too many instances that pissed me off. I could understand that the dad was angry/worried when things happened with Jo, but to take away the chance to see her mom at the airport, to welcome her home? That was just horrible and terrible. Ground her if you want. But this girl hasn’t seen her mom in MONTHS, you cannot take that away from her. That moment. There were also other moments that had me shaking my head. I just wanted ONE person to care for Jo and listen to her or actually see her. Even the order were pieces of poop in this one. I get that they wanted to keep Jo save, but she has proven that she can do things. Holding her away from things, hiding things, while on the other hand having two other kids having free reign is just not cool. I was not happy. And yeah, I knew what would happen. I mean, if everyone acted like this to me? I would have gone out of my way to do things myself as well. I would have found a way.
Plus, I was SO unhappy with the Rani situation at the end. Jo already felt like shit the whole time and then this happens and it was all made to be Jo’s fault. While Jo didn’t have any fault. At least in my eyes. She didn’t know something was watching and saying that would mean that. Plus, she had to make a decision instantly and this way there is a chance to still do something. Otherwise it would all have been lost.
Now that I have said most I wanted about how badly I didn’t like things, let’s go to the good stuff. I love the German folklore, loved the things our MC and her family did during the days before and during Christmas (though I didn’t know that there were still families adding REAL CANDLES to their trees), the spooky stuff was fantastic there were so many moments that had me terrified as there were just some things lurking in the shadows that made me go nope nopenope, there were so many layers to everything, I loved the order even if they were asses at times, I loved the archives and wish by all I could wish that I could also check them out, and there are some backstories! Oh, and I love the cover!
All in all, I am still very happy I read this one and I flew through it. Now I am just sad I have to wait this long for the next book, arggh!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
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