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Tales of Midwinter Haven #1
Winterfrost Market
A tea-loving mortal with a warm heart. A worldly fae prince in disguise. Midwinter is brewing something magical…
At the enchanting Winterfrost Market, renowned for its Midwinter celebrations, Elsie is run off her feet at her family’s cozy traveling tea house.
But the quaint town’s festivities lose their luster when her mother fails to return from her journey to Midwinter Haven—a fairytale land in the north, rumored to be inhabited by elves, witches, and fae.
With Elsie’s worry as dark as her strongest tea, she enlists the help of the captivating tracker, Kit, to guide her northward.
Stepping beyond her comfort zone, Elsie’s eyes are opened to magic she never thought possible. But she quickly discovers that Kit has secrets and suspects he may be one of the clever fae her sister warned her about.
Is Kit her dream prince, or an enemy in disguise? To find her mother, she must be willing to gamble her heart.
Grab a hot cup of tea, snuggle up, and embark on a magical journey to Midwinter Haven…
Winterfrost Market is a cozy fantasy with clean holiday romance and a generous sprinkling of magic!
At the enchanting Winterfrost Market, renowned for its Midwinter celebrations, Elsie is run off her feet at her family’s cozy traveling tea house.
But the quaint town’s festivities lose their luster when her mother fails to return from her journey to Midwinter Haven—a fairytale land in the north, rumored to be inhabited by elves, witches, and fae.
With Elsie’s worry as dark as her strongest tea, she enlists the help of the captivating tracker, Kit, to guide her northward.
Stepping beyond her comfort zone, Elsie’s eyes are opened to magic she never thought possible. But she quickly discovers that Kit has secrets and suspects he may be one of the clever fae her sister warned her about.
Is Kit her dream prince, or an enemy in disguise? To find her mother, she must be willing to gamble her heart.
Grab a hot cup of tea, snuggle up, and embark on a magical journey to Midwinter Haven…
Winterfrost Market is a cozy fantasy with clean holiday romance and a generous sprinkling of magic!
329 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2024
229 people are currently reading
5809 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Sandiford
7 books96 followersJenny grew up in small town New Zealand on a steady diet of fairytales and fantasy books. She lived in Mongolia for nine years with her husband where they spent the unfrozen months of the year living on the edge of the Gobi Desert mining gold. When she isn’t writing, Jenny enjoys hiking, meeting new animals, and loves to curl up in a sunny corner with a cup of tea, a cat, and a book. She lives in Darwin, Australia, with her husband and their two street cats from Mongolia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
December 3, 2024
➸ 4.5 stars
࣪ ❅ dedication: for anyone in need of a hot cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a magical escape.
𓍢⊹ 🫖 𖧧 ࣪ traveling tea houses
𓍢⊹ ❄️ 𖧧 ࣪ cozy winter wonderland vibes
𓍢⊹ 🪻 𖧧 ࣪ tea loving mortal x fae prince in disguise
𓍢⊹ 🫖 𖧧 ࣪ magical markets
𓍢⊹ ❄️ 𖧧 ࣪ heartwarming romance
𓍢⊹ 🪻 𖧧 ࣪ opposite worlds
this was the most perfect cozy wintery read!! it was so atmospheric and i absolutely fell in love with this world! i read this book so quickly and had such a fun time reading it <3
the romance in this book was so so sweet and heartwarming, i love elsie and kit so much!!! their meet cute was the literal cutest ever and so funny, i was smiling ear to ear when they were interacting!!! pepper is also the most sweetest doggo ever and such a loyal sidekick!! i loved how she immediately loved elsie and that led to elsie and kit meeting under some funny assumptions!
“But the one thing that kept popping to the forefront of his mind was Elsie. He couldn’t shake the persistent feeling that he wanted to be near her.”
i absolutely loved how caring and considerate kit was towards elsie! from the very beginning he was unsure of her but still drawn to her and then this man could not take his eyes off her!! it was the cutest and i loved how protective he was at time and sometimes a little jealous and i found that adorable!! some of my favorite moments were when her hands were freezing cold and he warmed them up for with with his hands and when she was freezing he took off his coat for her!!!! ahhhh they are the absolute cutest i love them so much!!!!
“He enjoyed being with her as Kit and liked her treating him like any other person, scolding him for being an idiot, showing him how to make tea properly, playing with Pepper. If he was being honest with himself, he just enjoyed being with her—her spark for life, her generosity, her loyalty.”
“It is very clear you care for her, Kit. I’ve seen the way you look at her, and she you.”
watching them fall in love was such a joy!! i was constant smiling and giggling over how heartwarming they were! i was literally squealing when they first kissed
“You’re so perfect.”
“Isn’t this dress amazing?”
“She is amazing.”
“You are a vision of beauty.”
this book was kind of grumpy x sunshine and i was obsessed with kit obsession over elsie IT WAS SO CUTE!!!
“I love you, Elsie. The only place I want to be in this world is by your side.”
their trust was slow to build, and with everything happening plot-wise, this book had me jumping in my seat from anticipation! everything working out in the end made my heart feel so warm and joyful!
“She was everything he wanted, everything he needed to survive. She was the most thoughtful, generous, and warm-hearted person he had ever met. His blood rushed joy at the very thought of holding her in his arms.”
one thing that tied everything together for me was the bracelet kit gifted elsie towards the beginning, a bracelet to find one’s heart in hopes of elsie finding her mom…
“You said this bracelet was to ‘find one’s heart.’ I believe it brought you to me.”
I would absolutely love to read more books in this world and hope it happens!! a story between marie and thomas would be adorable and i am so curious about kit’s brother and would absolutely love to know more about him!!
this book is a new favorite of mine and gave me such a warm feeling!
“Wherever you are is my home, Kit. And you, Pepper. Let’s make a home in Midwinter Haven.”
“You must take risks to find out what the heart truly wants. Only then can you live with no regrets.”
࣪ ❅ dedication: for anyone in need of a hot cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a magical escape.
𓍢⊹ 🫖 𖧧 ࣪ traveling tea houses
𓍢⊹ ❄️ 𖧧 ࣪ cozy winter wonderland vibes
𓍢⊹ 🪻 𖧧 ࣪ tea loving mortal x fae prince in disguise
𓍢⊹ 🫖 𖧧 ࣪ magical markets
𓍢⊹ ❄️ 𖧧 ࣪ heartwarming romance
𓍢⊹ 🪻 𖧧 ࣪ opposite worlds
this was the most perfect cozy wintery read!! it was so atmospheric and i absolutely fell in love with this world! i read this book so quickly and had such a fun time reading it <3
the romance in this book was so so sweet and heartwarming, i love elsie and kit so much!!! their meet cute was the literal cutest ever and so funny, i was smiling ear to ear when they were interacting!!! pepper is also the most sweetest doggo ever and such a loyal sidekick!! i loved how she immediately loved elsie and that led to elsie and kit meeting under some funny assumptions!
“But the one thing that kept popping to the forefront of his mind was Elsie. He couldn’t shake the persistent feeling that he wanted to be near her.”
i absolutely loved how caring and considerate kit was towards elsie! from the very beginning he was unsure of her but still drawn to her and then this man could not take his eyes off her!! it was the cutest and i loved how protective he was at time and sometimes a little jealous and i found that adorable!! some of my favorite moments were when her hands were freezing cold and he warmed them up for with with his hands and when she was freezing he took off his coat for her!!!! ahhhh they are the absolute cutest i love them so much!!!!
“He enjoyed being with her as Kit and liked her treating him like any other person, scolding him for being an idiot, showing him how to make tea properly, playing with Pepper. If he was being honest with himself, he just enjoyed being with her—her spark for life, her generosity, her loyalty.”
“It is very clear you care for her, Kit. I’ve seen the way you look at her, and she you.”
watching them fall in love was such a joy!! i was constant smiling and giggling over how heartwarming they were! i was literally squealing when they first kissed
“You’re so perfect.”
“Isn’t this dress amazing?”
“She is amazing.”
“You are a vision of beauty.”
this book was kind of grumpy x sunshine and i was obsessed with kit obsession over elsie IT WAS SO CUTE!!!
“I love you, Elsie. The only place I want to be in this world is by your side.”
their trust was slow to build, and with everything happening plot-wise, this book had me jumping in my seat from anticipation! everything working out in the end made my heart feel so warm and joyful!
“She was everything he wanted, everything he needed to survive. She was the most thoughtful, generous, and warm-hearted person he had ever met. His blood rushed joy at the very thought of holding her in his arms.”
one thing that tied everything together for me was the bracelet kit gifted elsie towards the beginning, a bracelet to find one’s heart in hopes of elsie finding her mom…
“You said this bracelet was to ‘find one’s heart.’ I believe it brought you to me.”
I would absolutely love to read more books in this world and hope it happens!! a story between marie and thomas would be adorable and i am so curious about kit’s brother and would absolutely love to know more about him!!
this book is a new favorite of mine and gave me such a warm feeling!
“Wherever you are is my home, Kit. And you, Pepper. Let’s make a home in Midwinter Haven.”
October 14, 2024
~Romance, Fantasy, Cozy, Magic, and more!~
Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford is a cozy romance fantasy following Elsie, who helps run her family's traveling tea shop with her sister and Mother in the town of Winterfrost. After Elise's mom doesn't return from her journey to Midwinter Haven, a dangerous place rumored to be overrun with magical creatures, Elise is willing to do anything to get her back, even traveling there herself. With the help of Kit, a tracker who is strangely knowledgeable about the town of Midwinter Haven, Elsie makes the journey to find her mother. But all is not as it seems as Elsie realizes maybe the rumors aren't all true and, there is beauty to magic, and there may be more to her traveling companion Kit than meets the eye.
3.5| This was a cozy and quick read I finished in one sitting. The story itself was good, a quick read that grabs your attention and keeps you reading more. Though I didn't find the story super memorable I did have a good time reading it. This book would have been rated higher if it included a few things. I was desperate for more world-building. It seems like we are just placed into this world without explaining why things are run the way they are. I would have loved some more backstory to explain everything. I hope things are described in more detail throughout the series. Another significant point I wanted more of was Elsie's relationship with her mom. We got little to no backstory of their dynamic, so it was hard to connect with the characters. I'm not usually a fan of flashback scenes, but they would have significantly enhanced the story here. The story is fast-paced, but sadly, that came at the expense of depth. I enjoyed Kit and Elsie's dynamic so much, but I did wish we had gotten more scenes when they were traveling to Midwinter Haven. It seemed like a lot of that relationship-building was skipped.
My main qualm is Elsie's mom's explanation. It seemed like an afterthought. I wanted a more prolonged reason. It was far too rushed for my liking and didn't seem realistic. One aspect I loved was the description of the scenery. I love a good atmospheric book, and this is delivered in that aspect. This is a series, so I won't judge harshly, but I did want a better tie-up towards the end. I look forward to that explanation in the next book. I enjoyed Elsie's character; she was optimistic but not naive, which is hard to pull off. I loved her wonder in exploring this new world she was taught to fear. She was smart, and I was amused by her and Kit's witty back and forth. I also enjoyed Elsie's relationship with her sister and wished I had seen more of them together.
Overall, this was a cozy and fast read. It was interesting and fun to read. My issue is how one-dimensional the book felt. It seemed far too rushed at specific points. I enjoyed the characters and the descriptions, and I definitely look forward to the next book in the series. I just hope things are fleshed out more. I did enjoy the writing and the concept and am excited for more!
Expected publication October 24, 2024
*I received this book through Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op via NetGalley as an eARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book*
Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford is a cozy romance fantasy following Elsie, who helps run her family's traveling tea shop with her sister and Mother in the town of Winterfrost. After Elise's mom doesn't return from her journey to Midwinter Haven, a dangerous place rumored to be overrun with magical creatures, Elise is willing to do anything to get her back, even traveling there herself. With the help of Kit, a tracker who is strangely knowledgeable about the town of Midwinter Haven, Elsie makes the journey to find her mother. But all is not as it seems as Elsie realizes maybe the rumors aren't all true and, there is beauty to magic, and there may be more to her traveling companion Kit than meets the eye.
3.5| This was a cozy and quick read I finished in one sitting. The story itself was good, a quick read that grabs your attention and keeps you reading more. Though I didn't find the story super memorable I did have a good time reading it. This book would have been rated higher if it included a few things. I was desperate for more world-building. It seems like we are just placed into this world without explaining why things are run the way they are. I would have loved some more backstory to explain everything. I hope things are described in more detail throughout the series. Another significant point I wanted more of was Elsie's relationship with her mom. We got little to no backstory of their dynamic, so it was hard to connect with the characters. I'm not usually a fan of flashback scenes, but they would have significantly enhanced the story here. The story is fast-paced, but sadly, that came at the expense of depth. I enjoyed Kit and Elsie's dynamic so much, but I did wish we had gotten more scenes when they were traveling to Midwinter Haven. It seemed like a lot of that relationship-building was skipped.
My main qualm is Elsie's mom's explanation. It seemed like an afterthought. I wanted a more prolonged reason. It was far too rushed for my liking and didn't seem realistic. One aspect I loved was the description of the scenery. I love a good atmospheric book, and this is delivered in that aspect. This is a series, so I won't judge harshly, but I did want a better tie-up towards the end. I look forward to that explanation in the next book. I enjoyed Elsie's character; she was optimistic but not naive, which is hard to pull off. I loved her wonder in exploring this new world she was taught to fear. She was smart, and I was amused by her and Kit's witty back and forth. I also enjoyed Elsie's relationship with her sister and wished I had seen more of them together.
Overall, this was a cozy and fast read. It was interesting and fun to read. My issue is how one-dimensional the book felt. It seemed far too rushed at specific points. I enjoyed the characters and the descriptions, and I definitely look forward to the next book in the series. I just hope things are fleshed out more. I did enjoy the writing and the concept and am excited for more!
Expected publication October 24, 2024
*I received this book through Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op via NetGalley as an eARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book*
October 17, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Jenny Sandiford for providing me with an ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What to expect:
- Cozy romantasy
- Hidden identity
- Only one room
- Quest to save her mother
- LGBTQ+ representation
- Witches, fae, vampires, exc.
- Young adult
- Standalone
My thoughts:
Man, this book was so good. I honestly have no problems with it. The characters were chef’s kiss. The mmc, Kit, is a fae in disguise who was sent on a quest per his father’s orders. The tiny details the author includes make him such a fleshed out character. I mean he has a dog, shoutout to Pepper, and he likes birdwatching/sketching!?! It was super refreshing from the typical romantasy mmc.
Elsie, our fmc, was also great. She was unique and a breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed! Elsie is a sweet yet strong character, she knows when to pick her fights and acts her age. Their relationship was flawless! Standalones typically aren’t something that I read, especially fantasy books. To me the world building seems to be underdone and the relationships are sometimes rushed. But this book had a perfect balance. I was always eager to pick it up and never once felt the relationship was being rushed!
Totally recommend!
What to expect:
- Cozy romantasy
- Hidden identity
- Only one room
- Quest to save her mother
- LGBTQ+ representation
- Witches, fae, vampires, exc.
- Young adult
- Standalone
My thoughts:
Man, this book was so good. I honestly have no problems with it. The characters were chef’s kiss. The mmc, Kit, is a fae in disguise who was sent on a quest per his father’s orders. The tiny details the author includes make him such a fleshed out character. I mean he has a dog, shoutout to Pepper, and he likes birdwatching/sketching!?! It was super refreshing from the typical romantasy mmc.
Elsie, our fmc, was also great. She was unique and a breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed! Elsie is a sweet yet strong character, she knows when to pick her fights and acts her age. Their relationship was flawless! Standalones typically aren’t something that I read, especially fantasy books. To me the world building seems to be underdone and the relationships are sometimes rushed. But this book had a perfect balance. I was always eager to pick it up and never once felt the relationship was being rushed!
Totally recommend!
November 7, 2024
4.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, Velikor Publishing and Jenny Sandiford for the ARC.
Winterfrost Market is a cozy fantasy and a tea lovers dream..
You are submerged into this story with easy world building as you watch a romance between Fae and mortal blossom while on a search and rescue mission with plenty of action and adventure on the way, including encounters with witches, elves, vampires, sprites and more!
The way the FMC so effortlessly crafts and brews all of her unique teas just added to such a perfect setting. ‘Their famous tea with the secret ingredient was known for its unique spicy warmth, perfect sweetness, and the calming, euphoric feeling that came after drinking it.’
The writing was lovely to read, descriptive and whimsical. Such a heartwarming, romantic fantasy that I truly adored! Highly recommend!!
When in doubt, make tea!
Thank you to NetGalley, Velikor Publishing and Jenny Sandiford for the ARC.
Winterfrost Market is a cozy fantasy and a tea lovers dream..
You are submerged into this story with easy world building as you watch a romance between Fae and mortal blossom while on a search and rescue mission with plenty of action and adventure on the way, including encounters with witches, elves, vampires, sprites and more!
The way the FMC so effortlessly crafts and brews all of her unique teas just added to such a perfect setting. ‘Their famous tea with the secret ingredient was known for its unique spicy warmth, perfect sweetness, and the calming, euphoric feeling that came after drinking it.’
The writing was lovely to read, descriptive and whimsical. Such a heartwarming, romantic fantasy that I truly adored! Highly recommend!!
When in doubt, make tea!
October 25, 2025
A secret fey royal, festive setting, and hidden truths being revealed at each turn. I loved this book. It was an absolute page turner for me. Kit is a sweet character who acts all grumpy until he’s around Elsie. Elsie has a heart of gold and a no nonsense attitude when there is something standing between her and something she’s after. All the characters in this book felt really detailed and individual. I’m almost sad to have read it so quickly because now I have to wait until the next book is released. It was cozy and gave the butterflies in the stomach feeling that I just love in a book. This was a spectacular book!
October 10, 2024
3.5/5
This was a fun and cozy fantasy. And the festive and wintery atmosphere really emphasized the coziness of this fantasy book, even when stakes got higher. But I would definitely categorize this as a cozy fantasy.
I did find the dialogue to be really simple and clunky at times. The characters tended to only speak one sentence at a time and that feels unnatural to me. But that could just be because I am a yapper, but it still felt weird and stunted.
The characters were sweet and endearing, with hidden identities and a magical land rumored to be full of all sorts of magical fairytale creatures.
There's a fun little adventure and a very loveable group of side characters that really made this book enjoyable. I LOVE a good side character. Will forever be a sucker for a good side character.
This book was very cute and definitely meant to be read in the winter time, all cozy under a fuzzy blanket.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was a fun and cozy fantasy. And the festive and wintery atmosphere really emphasized the coziness of this fantasy book, even when stakes got higher. But I would definitely categorize this as a cozy fantasy.
I did find the dialogue to be really simple and clunky at times. The characters tended to only speak one sentence at a time and that feels unnatural to me. But that could just be because I am a yapper, but it still felt weird and stunted.
The characters were sweet and endearing, with hidden identities and a magical land rumored to be full of all sorts of magical fairytale creatures.
There's a fun little adventure and a very loveable group of side characters that really made this book enjoyable. I LOVE a good side character. Will forever be a sucker for a good side character.
This book was very cute and definitely meant to be read in the winter time, all cozy under a fuzzy blanket.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
December 18, 2024
This was a charming and cosy fantasy adventure with a determined FMC and a grumpy secretive stranger. When Elsie needs a tracker to help find her missing mother she reluctantly partners with the attractive but rude new stranger she bumped into, and they venture off on an interesting journey together.
Elsie knows this stranger holds secrets but she never imagined the trouble they would find themselves in.
Kit meanwhile has his own mission and a need to stay hidden from his father, his plan of using Elsie to help his disguise seemed ideal until he starts falling for her.
It's a cosy standalone adventure with magic, a festive setting, tea making, prison breaks, Fae balls, and a sweet unexpected romance.
Elsie knows this stranger holds secrets but she never imagined the trouble they would find themselves in.
Kit meanwhile has his own mission and a need to stay hidden from his father, his plan of using Elsie to help his disguise seemed ideal until he starts falling for her.
It's a cosy standalone adventure with magic, a festive setting, tea making, prison breaks, Fae balls, and a sweet unexpected romance.
October 19, 2024
Sat down for a nice cup of tea and ended up with an overly sweet cup of mush.
There's a story here, but this feels like a book 2 or a spin off to a series that could explore Midwinter Haven, the stone and the Royal family. Instead it feels like a half story with plot points I wanted more off and others I could have done without.
The characters....Elsie was boring and weak and I enjoyable. Kit lacked any real substance. Anders and Liri were the best, let's have their stories.
And the dialogue. How many times can a person hug someone, isn't there another word for this? And using deity terms over and over; angles, ancient mother, azure sisters. Terms that mean nothing without any reference.
This needed more world building, stronger characters and less convenient additions (oh suddenly her can fly?).
I would grab this book if I had the choice over again, but if you do read it with a pinch of salt to balance out the overly sweet story.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There's a story here, but this feels like a book 2 or a spin off to a series that could explore Midwinter Haven, the stone and the Royal family. Instead it feels like a half story with plot points I wanted more off and others I could have done without.
The characters....Elsie was boring and weak and I enjoyable. Kit lacked any real substance. Anders and Liri were the best, let's have their stories.
And the dialogue. How many times can a person hug someone, isn't there another word for this? And using deity terms over and over; angles, ancient mother, azure sisters. Terms that mean nothing without any reference.
This needed more world building, stronger characters and less convenient additions (oh suddenly her can fly?).
I would grab this book if I had the choice over again, but if you do read it with a pinch of salt to balance out the overly sweet story.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2024
Winterfrost Market is a good cozy fantasy read that's fun for the coming winter season. I enjoyed the setting and the character dynamics, and the worldbuilding has a lot of potential for development in the later books of the series. However, I found the side characters more interesting than the main characters, who were somewhat flat. The dialogue and writing were also very choppy, and the conversations between the characters were really wooden and lacked emotion. I think this book has potential to be the beginning of a good series, but this particular installment wasn't for me.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the eARC!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the eARC!
October 21, 2024
Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford is a cozy, winter themed romantasy that follows Elsie, who runs a travelling tea shop with her family in the town of Winterfrost where humans live away from other creatures. But after Elsie's mom doesn't return from Midwinter Haven, a place full of fae, vampires, and witches, Elsie decides to go find her despite the rumors of how dangerous that place is. With the help of Kit, a traveller that knows maybe too much about magic and Midwinter Haven, Elsie starts her journey of finding her mother. As their journey progresses, she sees that maybe not everything said about Midwinter Haven is true and after all there's beauty to magic. And maybe her travelling companion Kit is not as normal
as he seems to be.
°°°
This book, just as i've described it was the epitome of a cozy time! I must admit that I wasn't expecting to have such a good time. As a fantasy lover that appreciates a good worldbuilding, Jenny did an amazing job at creating these different sceneries with their unique personalities. The book had even a detailed map!! I especially loved Midwinter Heaven with its unique and magic shops and citizens. As Elsie was strolling through the streets, I felt like I was with her walking and being in love with the town. Jenny Sandiford's magical and descriptive writing was an important factor at making me, the reader, feel the magic and coziness. The portrayal of a loving family, strong friendship bonds was also perfectly executed. I also very much appreciated the constant mention of tea, I think it added to help set the perfect atmosphere. The only wish I have would probably be more in depth informations about the different creatures in this world, but I'm sure that we'll be told more in the upcoming stories about Midwinter Haven.
The characters as well es the worldbuilding were created perfectly. I loved Elsie! I loved her warm smile and big heart, how despite being scared of the changes she would go through, she was open to everything. I also think she went through a big character growth which I always love in a character. Kit on the other hand wasn't like your classic fantasy mmc, I was in love with his sweetness, shyness, and especially his interest
in birds and the little book he was putting together! I also loved how vh choose to set himself free from the chains his father mentally had him in.
The cute and wholesome romance between Elsie and Kit was just the perfect warmth this story needed. Big shotout to Pepper, the dog, she was my number one favorite character from the whole book.
Even though being in the more slower and cozy side of fantasy, Winterfost Market was never a boring book. I must admit, the last sixty pages even had me excited and scared! I can't stop but say that if you loved the book "An Enchantment of Ravens" , this book has very similar vibes but set in winter, so give it a chance. I promise you will not regret it.
Wintefrost market has secured its place as one of my favorite standalone fantasies, and I cannot wait to read more about this cozy and magic town.
Release date: October 24th, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Jenny Sandiford for providing me with a digital copy of Winterfrost Market in exchange for an honest review.
as he seems to be.
°°°
This book, just as i've described it was the epitome of a cozy time! I must admit that I wasn't expecting to have such a good time. As a fantasy lover that appreciates a good worldbuilding, Jenny did an amazing job at creating these different sceneries with their unique personalities. The book had even a detailed map!! I especially loved Midwinter Heaven with its unique and magic shops and citizens. As Elsie was strolling through the streets, I felt like I was with her walking and being in love with the town. Jenny Sandiford's magical and descriptive writing was an important factor at making me, the reader, feel the magic and coziness. The portrayal of a loving family, strong friendship bonds was also perfectly executed. I also very much appreciated the constant mention of tea, I think it added to help set the perfect atmosphere. The only wish I have would probably be more in depth informations about the different creatures in this world, but I'm sure that we'll be told more in the upcoming stories about Midwinter Haven.
The characters as well es the worldbuilding were created perfectly. I loved Elsie! I loved her warm smile and big heart, how despite being scared of the changes she would go through, she was open to everything. I also think she went through a big character growth which I always love in a character. Kit on the other hand wasn't like your classic fantasy mmc, I was in love with his sweetness, shyness, and especially his interest
in birds and the little book he was putting together! I also loved how vh choose to set himself free from the chains his father mentally had him in.
The cute and wholesome romance between Elsie and Kit was just the perfect warmth this story needed. Big shotout to Pepper, the dog, she was my number one favorite character from the whole book.
Even though being in the more slower and cozy side of fantasy, Winterfost Market was never a boring book. I must admit, the last sixty pages even had me excited and scared! I can't stop but say that if you loved the book "An Enchantment of Ravens" , this book has very similar vibes but set in winter, so give it a chance. I promise you will not regret it.
Wintefrost market has secured its place as one of my favorite standalone fantasies, and I cannot wait to read more about this cozy and magic town.
Release date: October 24th, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Jenny Sandiford for providing me with a digital copy of Winterfrost Market in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2024
4✨
This is the perfect cozy book to snuggle up with under a blanket while drinking a cup of tea! At least, that's what I did ;)
When Elsie's mom, the owner of a mobile tea room, doesn’t return home after a trip to find a special ingredient for her spiced tea, Elsie, a human, seeks the help of a mysterious man named Kit to guide her to Midwinter Haven and locate her mother. Kit, a fae with an important secret mission assigned by his father, agrees to assist her. Their journey takes them from the mortal world to Midwinter Haven, a place where fae, vampires, werewolves, and humans coexist peacefully. Set in a cozy, wintery landscape, you'll find yourself swept up in their adventure, wishing to join them on their journey! What seems simple at first becomes much more complicated, with secrets to uncover.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its dual POV and numerous plot twists. As a fantasy fan first and a romance lover second, I adore when a fantasy novel offers a well-constructed world (this one even has a map that I loved!) and blends in a subtle yet authentic romance. The portrayal of a loving family and the bond between mother and daughter is perfectly presented and executed. Pepper, the perfect companion for Kit and Elsie, adds a delightful touch to the story, and I especially enjoyed her role as a chaperone for Elsie in more than one scene!
As my first cozy winter/Christmas read, I really appreciated the narrative and the constant presence of tea and how much it added to the atmosphere. Elsie and Kit are well-developed characters, steering clear of the typical clichés you often see in fantasy books (e.g., the overly muscular man obsessed with training or the weak girl who turns into a warrior). I loved everything about this book, though I would have liked to learn more about the other magical creatures in this world, such as vampires and dwarves. Hopefully, the next book will delve deeper into those aspects.
I absolutely recommend reading this! You won’t regret it.
Thank you, Jenny Sandiford, for sending me an eARC of this amazing book!
This is the perfect cozy book to snuggle up with under a blanket while drinking a cup of tea! At least, that's what I did ;)
When Elsie's mom, the owner of a mobile tea room, doesn’t return home after a trip to find a special ingredient for her spiced tea, Elsie, a human, seeks the help of a mysterious man named Kit to guide her to Midwinter Haven and locate her mother. Kit, a fae with an important secret mission assigned by his father, agrees to assist her. Their journey takes them from the mortal world to Midwinter Haven, a place where fae, vampires, werewolves, and humans coexist peacefully. Set in a cozy, wintery landscape, you'll find yourself swept up in their adventure, wishing to join them on their journey! What seems simple at first becomes much more complicated, with secrets to uncover.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its dual POV and numerous plot twists. As a fantasy fan first and a romance lover second, I adore when a fantasy novel offers a well-constructed world (this one even has a map that I loved!) and blends in a subtle yet authentic romance. The portrayal of a loving family and the bond between mother and daughter is perfectly presented and executed. Pepper, the perfect companion for Kit and Elsie, adds a delightful touch to the story, and I especially enjoyed her role as a chaperone for Elsie in more than one scene!
As my first cozy winter/Christmas read, I really appreciated the narrative and the constant presence of tea and how much it added to the atmosphere. Elsie and Kit are well-developed characters, steering clear of the typical clichés you often see in fantasy books (e.g., the overly muscular man obsessed with training or the weak girl who turns into a warrior). I loved everything about this book, though I would have liked to learn more about the other magical creatures in this world, such as vampires and dwarves. Hopefully, the next book will delve deeper into those aspects.
I absolutely recommend reading this! You won’t regret it.
Thank you, Jenny Sandiford, for sending me an eARC of this amazing book!
October 12, 2024
Such a fun cozy winter read! Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Sandiford, and Velikor Publishing for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Plot:
Elsie's mother has been missing for three weeks after she left on a search for a super secret tea ingredient. Last Elsie knew, her mother was headed to the magical Winterfrost Market. In efforts to find her, Elsie enlists the help of a tracker, Kit, and his dog, Pepper. Together they travel to Winterfrost and embark on a few more adventures as Elsie learns more about Kit and why her mother has gone missing.
I destroyed this book. Started and finished it in one day and I loved it. Elsie is a lovely sunshine character and her excited curiosity made me smile. And we all love a stoic counterpart. I appreciated the dual POV so we as the reader could see Kit's softer side through his love of birdwatching and his silent commentary on his travel partner.
The pacing of this book was spot on. The traveling scenes didn't draw out so we could keep the story moving. The scenes throughout the book were described well and I do want to go to Winterfrost Market.
I really hope there is a book two. My only complaint (and I forced myself to come up with one) is that it could have been cozier. There was a strong overarching conflict throughout BUT if we get a second book (pretty please?) I could see a Legends & Lattes -esque feel to it.
Oh, one last thing, GORGEOUS cover. I want to cross stitch it and hang it on my wall.
The Plot:
Elsie's mother has been missing for three weeks after she left on a search for a super secret tea ingredient. Last Elsie knew, her mother was headed to the magical Winterfrost Market. In efforts to find her, Elsie enlists the help of a tracker, Kit, and his dog, Pepper. Together they travel to Winterfrost and embark on a few more adventures as Elsie learns more about Kit and why her mother has gone missing.
I destroyed this book. Started and finished it in one day and I loved it. Elsie is a lovely sunshine character and her excited curiosity made me smile. And we all love a stoic counterpart. I appreciated the dual POV so we as the reader could see Kit's softer side through his love of birdwatching and his silent commentary on his travel partner.
The pacing of this book was spot on. The traveling scenes didn't draw out so we could keep the story moving. The scenes throughout the book were described well and I do want to go to Winterfrost Market.
I really hope there is a book two. My only complaint (and I forced myself to come up with one) is that it could have been cozier. There was a strong overarching conflict throughout BUT if we get a second book (pretty please?) I could see a Legends & Lattes -esque feel to it.
Oh, one last thing, GORGEOUS cover. I want to cross stitch it and hang it on my wall.
November 5, 2024
A quick and enticing, cozy fantasy romance that follows Elsie and Kit as they travel to find her mother who never returned from traveling to get more spices for their tea business. There is not a lot of world building, and you do just get thrown straight into the story of Elsie deciding she needs to find her mother, but the magic system and plot weren't too elaborate so I wasn't really confused at all when it came to this. The banter between Kit and Elsie was great and really helped show the progression of their relationship, but I do wish we got to see more of Elsie's relationship with her family, especially her mother. We know that Elsie is willing to risk her life to travel into unfamiliar and dangerous areas to find her mother and save her, but that's really all we got about their relationship for most of the book. I think this negatively affected how invested I was in Elsie saving her mom, and instead I was more focused on areas of the book where we got to see Kit's backstory or other smaller plot points.
October 13, 2024
Winterfrost Market is the perfect blend of fun fantasy and warm coziness! I received an ARC of this book and just couldn’t put it down!
There was a great balance of character and world building, so that neither aspect felt neglected. I was drawn into the world right from the first page.
I most enjoyed following Elsie and Kit on their journey together and watching them grow closer, and at the same time was intrigued with each side character that was introduced - all of which the reader gets to spend enough time with to care for each one.
I’d be eager to read more in this world, perhaps centring around some of the side characters we came to know. The world is open for exploring and Jenny has set up a great foundation for future stories to be told here.
Overall, I had so much fun reading this book and can’t wait to read more from Jenny!
There was a great balance of character and world building, so that neither aspect felt neglected. I was drawn into the world right from the first page.
I most enjoyed following Elsie and Kit on their journey together and watching them grow closer, and at the same time was intrigued with each side character that was introduced - all of which the reader gets to spend enough time with to care for each one.
I’d be eager to read more in this world, perhaps centring around some of the side characters we came to know. The world is open for exploring and Jenny has set up a great foundation for future stories to be told here.
Overall, I had so much fun reading this book and can’t wait to read more from Jenny!
December 22, 2024
A pleasant, cozy, low stakes fantasy adventure. This made a nice palette cleanser with its likable characters, simple magic system, endearing romance, the sweetest pup ever and lots of tea! Atmospheric and perfect for a snowy day.
October 10, 2024
Winterfrost Market is an enchanting read. It has the right cozy feel to it, just enough mystery, romance and magic to create that special fantasy world and to make you want to keep reading and not put the book down. I love the map at the beginning as it suggests there is going to be a lot more of this magical land opening up in following books. It allows the reader to track Elsie and Kit’s journey. I enjoyed the characters and the way they interacted, there was enough going on in the book to create interest and anticipation of what would happen next. I am looking forward to the next book.
December 2, 2024
The perfect winter fantasy read! I adored Kit. He and Elsie were such lovable characters. This is a standalone but I’d love another story in this cozy winter world if one were to be written! ❄️✨❄️
December 4, 2024
I was given an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for something festive and magical this Christmas, you've found it. Winterfrost Market is like Emily Wilde meets Legends and Lattes - a perfect mix of peril, fantasy, and cosiness.
When Elsie's mother goes missing while collecting ingredients for their tea shop, Elsie jumps at the opportunity to go after her, even if it means running off with an aloof and abrasive tracker (and his admittedly adorable dog). This leads her into a world she never dared to explore: a world of magic, mystery, and the fae.
I loved how well the novel combined a Christmassy and comforting feeling with a strong plot and element of mystery. The enemies to lovers storyline was really well done, and both characters made for highly entertaining narrators. I would have loved to see a little more of the worldbuilding, but I appreciate that it's difficult going too far into the background of the fae without losing the softness that makes this story special.
By the end, I wanted nothing more than to be in the story with them, and was immersed in the world Sandiford created. This was definitely the calming winter read I was hoping for!
Books with similar vibes - Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett, Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree, Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne, and Midnight in Everwood by M A Kuzniar.
If you're looking for something festive and magical this Christmas, you've found it. Winterfrost Market is like Emily Wilde meets Legends and Lattes - a perfect mix of peril, fantasy, and cosiness.
When Elsie's mother goes missing while collecting ingredients for their tea shop, Elsie jumps at the opportunity to go after her, even if it means running off with an aloof and abrasive tracker (and his admittedly adorable dog). This leads her into a world she never dared to explore: a world of magic, mystery, and the fae.
I loved how well the novel combined a Christmassy and comforting feeling with a strong plot and element of mystery. The enemies to lovers storyline was really well done, and both characters made for highly entertaining narrators. I would have loved to see a little more of the worldbuilding, but I appreciate that it's difficult going too far into the background of the fae without losing the softness that makes this story special.
By the end, I wanted nothing more than to be in the story with them, and was immersed in the world Sandiford created. This was definitely the calming winter read I was hoping for!
Books with similar vibes - Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett, Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree, Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne, and Midnight in Everwood by M A Kuzniar.
October 22, 2024
This is an easy breezy cozy winter magic romance.
The writing was fine, but the dialogue is a little wooden with the MC just speaking one sentence back and forth at each other. The FMC was fairly nondescript, I can't really recall much detail about her except that she loves her family. The MMC has a lot more detail told you at you, but there's not much to write home about him for him either. The side characters were more interesting, and the MMC's brother is presumably the mc of the next in the series.
I liked the winter snowy magical setting but how the world building was pretty thin. I don't think this is meant to be a heavy fantasy book, however, so I don't mind too much. I don't think I will remember much about this, but there're just sooo many fae fantasy books like this now. I don't imagine I'll read the next in the series but this was a good break amongst some heavier books I was reading.
Thank you, Velikor Publishing, for the arc!
The writing was fine, but the dialogue is a little wooden with the MC just speaking one sentence back and forth at each other. The FMC was fairly nondescript, I can't really recall much detail about her except that she loves her family. The MMC has a lot more detail told you at you, but there's not much to write home about him for him either. The side characters were more interesting, and the MMC's brother is presumably the mc of the next in the series.
I liked the winter snowy magical setting but how the world building was pretty thin. I don't think this is meant to be a heavy fantasy book, however, so I don't mind too much. I don't think I will remember much about this, but there're just sooo many fae fantasy books like this now. I don't imagine I'll read the next in the series but this was a good break amongst some heavier books I was reading.
Thank you, Velikor Publishing, for the arc!
Read
December 29, 2024Poorly written with some bad run-on or clunky sentences, lacklustre prose, lazy worldbuilding (fae magic immediately translates to modern conveniences), hammed on 'romantic tension'.
Stopped at the part Elsie chooses to get mad at Kit (for hiding he's a fae, for valid reason) when he's angry her mother has been taking a sacred/endangered mushroom to the fae. That's insensitive??? And Kit chooses to sidestep that to regain her trust. The narrative seems to say them hiding their secrets (their personal reasons) from each other is wrong??
What I especially dislike about that, is that it looks like the usual 'the woman is always right in a fight' moment prevalent in romance fiction especially nowadays.
Stopped at the part Elsie chooses to get mad at Kit (for hiding he's a fae, for valid reason) when he's angry her mother has been taking a sacred/endangered mushroom to the fae. That's insensitive??? And Kit chooses to sidestep that to regain her trust. The narrative seems to say them hiding their secrets (their personal reasons) from each other is wrong??
What I especially dislike about that, is that it looks like the usual 'the woman is always right in a fight' moment prevalent in romance fiction especially nowadays.
November 25, 2024
The book felt like A Court of Thornes and Roses for a much younger audience. The book was much longer than it needed to be and dragged at certain points. There was a sense of unrealism in the fact that Kit’s father did not immediately kill Elsie’s mother or make an example of her. By Kit’s father’s characterization, I expected him to publicly execute Elsie and her mother in the ballroom. It also seemed unrealistic that Kit and Elsie fell for each other in a matter of days. There was a complete lack of chemistry between the two (I was really hoping for some chemistry). I also think they pulled off their plan a little too well. I expected some obstacles to their plan that they would have to cleverly overcome, but they pulled off their plan rather easily. It was a bit of a letdown and not a great plot climax.
October 20, 2024
Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford
Rating: Going back and forth between 3.75/5 and 4/5
Summary:
A tea-loving mortal with a warm heart. A worldly fae prince in disguise. Midwinter is brewing something magical…
At the enchanting Winterfrost Market, Elsie is run off her feet at her family’s cosy travelling tea house. But her holiday spirit dims when her mother fails to return from a journey to Midwinter Haven—a legendary land in the north rumoured to be home to elves, witches, and fae. Desperate to find her, Elsie enlists the help of Kit, a charming tracker with secrets of his own. As they travel north, Elsie’s world opens to magic and wonder, but also danger. She quickly suspects that Kit might be one of the clever fae her sister warned her about. Is he her dream prince, or an enemy in disguise? To find her mother, Elsie will have to gamble her heart.
Plot & Pacing:
The plot offers some truly delightful elements, with plenty of intrigue and moving pieces that make the story engaging. The steady plot progression kept me turning the pages, but there were moments when it felt like a lot was happening without enough depth. The first half had a great pace—I flew through it in one sitting! However, the second half slowed down unexpectedly, even as the plot intensified. The romance, in particular, could have benefited from more breathing room, allowing the connection between Elsie and Kit to develop more naturally.
Characters:
The characters were charming, especially the side characters—and I have to give a special mention to the dog! Elsie and Kit were both likeable, with Elsie’s tea-making skills and big heart, and Kit’s honour and quiet strength adding warmth to their personalities. However, I felt we only began to scratch the surface with them. I would have loved to see more depth and complexity revealed through showing rather than telling, as it would have allowed for a more organic discovery of their unique traits. Occasionally, the dialogue felt a bit clunky, which disrupted the flow for me at times, especially as a reader with dyslexia. But overall, there’s a lot of potential here, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these characters evolve in future books.
Romance:
The romance has some wonderful elements, but it felt a bit rushed in places. I wanted to see more of Elsie and Kit’s connection build slowly, with more moments to let the relationship breathe and grow. That said, I loved Kit’s protective side and Elsie’s stubbornness. Their dynamic is fun, and I look forward to seeing how their relationship evolves in the future.
Writing Style:
The writing has a cozy, warm quality that suits the story perfectly. I appreciated the lovely prose and the immersive atmosphere, especially in the first half, which drew me right in. For the most part, it was accessible, which I really valued as a reader with dyslexia. Occasionally, the narrative leaned more towards telling rather than showing, which limited some of the depth, and there were moments when the dialogue felt a bit stilted. However, the overall tone remains comforting and adds a delightful charm to the cosy, magical setting.
World-Building:
The world-building is one of the highlights, with charming and whimsical elements that create a cosy, warm, and magical atmosphere. I enjoyed exploring the different magical groups, and the overall vibe was perfect for a winter read. While I appreciated the magical touches, I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in the magic system. A deeper dive into the rules and limitations could further enrich this world, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in its unique details.
Final Thoughts:
Winterfrost Market is a warm, cosy read that’s perfect for autumn and winter. It’s the kind of book you want to curl up with, a hot cup of tea in hand. Although there were a few moments where the pacing in the second half slowed down and some parts leaned more towards telling than showing, the story has plenty of charm and potential. With its enchanting world and delightful characters, this book lays the groundwork for what could be a truly cosy series. I’m excited to see where it goes next!
Rating: Going back and forth between 3.75/5 and 4/5
Summary:
A tea-loving mortal with a warm heart. A worldly fae prince in disguise. Midwinter is brewing something magical…
At the enchanting Winterfrost Market, Elsie is run off her feet at her family’s cosy travelling tea house. But her holiday spirit dims when her mother fails to return from a journey to Midwinter Haven—a legendary land in the north rumoured to be home to elves, witches, and fae. Desperate to find her, Elsie enlists the help of Kit, a charming tracker with secrets of his own. As they travel north, Elsie’s world opens to magic and wonder, but also danger. She quickly suspects that Kit might be one of the clever fae her sister warned her about. Is he her dream prince, or an enemy in disguise? To find her mother, Elsie will have to gamble her heart.
Plot & Pacing:
The plot offers some truly delightful elements, with plenty of intrigue and moving pieces that make the story engaging. The steady plot progression kept me turning the pages, but there were moments when it felt like a lot was happening without enough depth. The first half had a great pace—I flew through it in one sitting! However, the second half slowed down unexpectedly, even as the plot intensified. The romance, in particular, could have benefited from more breathing room, allowing the connection between Elsie and Kit to develop more naturally.
Characters:
The characters were charming, especially the side characters—and I have to give a special mention to the dog! Elsie and Kit were both likeable, with Elsie’s tea-making skills and big heart, and Kit’s honour and quiet strength adding warmth to their personalities. However, I felt we only began to scratch the surface with them. I would have loved to see more depth and complexity revealed through showing rather than telling, as it would have allowed for a more organic discovery of their unique traits. Occasionally, the dialogue felt a bit clunky, which disrupted the flow for me at times, especially as a reader with dyslexia. But overall, there’s a lot of potential here, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these characters evolve in future books.
Romance:
The romance has some wonderful elements, but it felt a bit rushed in places. I wanted to see more of Elsie and Kit’s connection build slowly, with more moments to let the relationship breathe and grow. That said, I loved Kit’s protective side and Elsie’s stubbornness. Their dynamic is fun, and I look forward to seeing how their relationship evolves in the future.
Writing Style:
The writing has a cozy, warm quality that suits the story perfectly. I appreciated the lovely prose and the immersive atmosphere, especially in the first half, which drew me right in. For the most part, it was accessible, which I really valued as a reader with dyslexia. Occasionally, the narrative leaned more towards telling rather than showing, which limited some of the depth, and there were moments when the dialogue felt a bit stilted. However, the overall tone remains comforting and adds a delightful charm to the cosy, magical setting.
World-Building:
The world-building is one of the highlights, with charming and whimsical elements that create a cosy, warm, and magical atmosphere. I enjoyed exploring the different magical groups, and the overall vibe was perfect for a winter read. While I appreciated the magical touches, I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in the magic system. A deeper dive into the rules and limitations could further enrich this world, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in its unique details.
Final Thoughts:
Winterfrost Market is a warm, cosy read that’s perfect for autumn and winter. It’s the kind of book you want to curl up with, a hot cup of tea in hand. Although there were a few moments where the pacing in the second half slowed down and some parts leaned more towards telling than showing, the story has plenty of charm and potential. With its enchanting world and delightful characters, this book lays the groundwork for what could be a truly cosy series. I’m excited to see where it goes next!
November 2, 2024
Disclaimer: ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest and fair review.
In this enchanting story, the world is divided between mortals and creatures. Each is completely separated from the other and humans are scared to wander into the realm of the creatures. The setting is brimming with mystery, magical forests and glittering courts. This backdrop adds a sense of intrigue and danger as characters navigate through both worlds and their boundaries.
We follow the cozy romance story of Kit and Elsie in this book. Kit is a complex and endearing character, he came across as guarded at first. But beneath his exterior, he has a gentle heart. His role in the story is crucial as he opens the story to the wider world from his travels and is connected to both human and creature worlds. He carries a lot of secrets making his presence in the story more interesting. Elsie is warm-hearted but fierce, with a refreshing no-nonsense attitude - she’s not one to be intimidated easily. Her determination and strength are inspiring. Elsie heard many stories of the north and its creatures, she was tentative to travel at first but found herself taking the road with Kit.
The secondary characters are richly curated, each with unique traits to help the story along but most importantly have their individuality. They add depth to the world, representing different powers and philosophies that highlight the complex dynamics between creatures and humans.
However, with all these wonderful themes, the story would benefit from a more developed antagonist. The lack of depth on this front leaves the conflict feeling somewhat one-dimensional. A villain with a more complex backstory and clear motivations could add even greater tension, sharpening the story’s sense of conflict and stakes.
Overall, this beautifully divided world, its complex dynamic, hidden secrets and fragile alliance made the story pop and intriguing throughout. It created a sense of enchantment and suspense to keep turning the pages to uncover secrets and perhaps wish for a change of course of both worlds. This book has captured the whimsical and cozy feels while delivering adventure and romance.
In this enchanting story, the world is divided between mortals and creatures. Each is completely separated from the other and humans are scared to wander into the realm of the creatures. The setting is brimming with mystery, magical forests and glittering courts. This backdrop adds a sense of intrigue and danger as characters navigate through both worlds and their boundaries.
We follow the cozy romance story of Kit and Elsie in this book. Kit is a complex and endearing character, he came across as guarded at first. But beneath his exterior, he has a gentle heart. His role in the story is crucial as he opens the story to the wider world from his travels and is connected to both human and creature worlds. He carries a lot of secrets making his presence in the story more interesting. Elsie is warm-hearted but fierce, with a refreshing no-nonsense attitude - she’s not one to be intimidated easily. Her determination and strength are inspiring. Elsie heard many stories of the north and its creatures, she was tentative to travel at first but found herself taking the road with Kit.
The secondary characters are richly curated, each with unique traits to help the story along but most importantly have their individuality. They add depth to the world, representing different powers and philosophies that highlight the complex dynamics between creatures and humans.
However, with all these wonderful themes, the story would benefit from a more developed antagonist. The lack of depth on this front leaves the conflict feeling somewhat one-dimensional. A villain with a more complex backstory and clear motivations could add even greater tension, sharpening the story’s sense of conflict and stakes.
Overall, this beautifully divided world, its complex dynamic, hidden secrets and fragile alliance made the story pop and intriguing throughout. It created a sense of enchantment and suspense to keep turning the pages to uncover secrets and perhaps wish for a change of course of both worlds. This book has captured the whimsical and cozy feels while delivering adventure and romance.
October 15, 2024
Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford is a book that truly captures the wonder,and beauty of Winter!❄️ Looking for a Winter inspired cozy,romantic,heartwarming story with found family,and delicious food? Winterfrost Market is the literal definition of Winter Wonderland.❄️
Visualize being in a market surrounded by beautiful shops,and cafe's with snowflakes falling everywhere while drinking a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Welcome to MidWinter Haven a safe place for everyone,and a wonderful reminder that home is where the heart is.
The author Mrs.Sandiford's writing style is beautiful,and it truly made me feel as though I was in the enchanting cozy world of MidWinter Haven,and I never wanted to leave.
Family,and found family both are strong themes throughout the story. The fmc Elsie has a heart of gold,and her unwavering determination to protect her loved one's is truly inspiring.The moments between Elsie,and her mother made me get teary-eyed.
Mrs.Sandiford's stunning world building matches perfectly with her diverse cast of characters.There's witches,vampires,fae,people, and an adorable loyal dog companion. One of my favorite moments is when the fmc Elsie visits a witch dress shop surrounded by beautiful colors,and designs.
The meet cute between Elsie,and Kit is definitely misunderstood at first sight. Elsie is not afraid to speak her mind,and Kit is a true gentleman. From acquaintances to friends to lovers Kit,and Elsie proved that no matter who you are or where you are from love always finds a way.
Winterfrost Market is perfect for readers who love:
1.Found family
2.He falls first
3.Fmc with a heart of gold who is not afraid to speak her mind.
4.Mysterious fae mmc
5. Delicious food
6.Cozy Winter aesthetic vibes
7. Diverse cast of characters
8.Court intrigue
9. All kinds of different Tea
Winterfrost Market releases on October 24th 2024, and is a perfect story for tea lovers. Add Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford to your tbr if a cozy,Winter romantasy sounds like your cup of tea.🍵 Thank you Mrs.Sandiford for the opportunity to read your beautiful book. ✨️
Visualize being in a market surrounded by beautiful shops,and cafe's with snowflakes falling everywhere while drinking a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Welcome to MidWinter Haven a safe place for everyone,and a wonderful reminder that home is where the heart is.
The author Mrs.Sandiford's writing style is beautiful,and it truly made me feel as though I was in the enchanting cozy world of MidWinter Haven,and I never wanted to leave.
Family,and found family both are strong themes throughout the story. The fmc Elsie has a heart of gold,and her unwavering determination to protect her loved one's is truly inspiring.The moments between Elsie,and her mother made me get teary-eyed.
Mrs.Sandiford's stunning world building matches perfectly with her diverse cast of characters.There's witches,vampires,fae,people, and an adorable loyal dog companion. One of my favorite moments is when the fmc Elsie visits a witch dress shop surrounded by beautiful colors,and designs.
The meet cute between Elsie,and Kit is definitely misunderstood at first sight. Elsie is not afraid to speak her mind,and Kit is a true gentleman. From acquaintances to friends to lovers Kit,and Elsie proved that no matter who you are or where you are from love always finds a way.
Winterfrost Market is perfect for readers who love:
1.Found family
2.He falls first
3.Fmc with a heart of gold who is not afraid to speak her mind.
4.Mysterious fae mmc
5. Delicious food
6.Cozy Winter aesthetic vibes
7. Diverse cast of characters
8.Court intrigue
9. All kinds of different Tea
Winterfrost Market releases on October 24th 2024, and is a perfect story for tea lovers. Add Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford to your tbr if a cozy,Winter romantasy sounds like your cup of tea.🍵 Thank you Mrs.Sandiford for the opportunity to read your beautiful book. ✨️
October 23, 2024
"Winterfrost Market" by Jenny Sandiford captured me completely & right from the start, pulling me into Elsie’s world. The pacing kept me engaged without feeling overwhelmed, with a perfect blend of moments of action with slower, more reflective scenes. Certain things were predictable, but many surprised me as well, striking a satisfying balance between the obvious & unexpected.
The central story line — Elsie’s search for her mother — played an important part to keep the pace going, but the wonderful side characters & subplots were the cherry on top 🍒. Allowing room to explore other themes while still staying connected to the main plot, these lighter elements turned out to be the perfect additions. It’s a lighter romantasy, which made it easy to get into & enjoy, even for those who may not be regular fantasy readers.
It's hard not to like Elsie, our darling protagonist 🥺🫶🏻🤍✨. Her warmth, positivity & deep need to care for her loved ones shine through on every single page.
Kit, on the other hand, initially appears much more guarded. His rough & rather arrogant exterior made me want to punch him at times 🙂↕️🙃 (I’m looking at you, "Pepper ate Elsie’s hotdog" scene!), but that only shows how well the author wrote his character 👌🏻👏🏻. His behaviour made sense once his backstory was revealed & the gradual development of his relationship with Elsie felt natural - this is something that could have actually happened in real life. The romance was a perfect balance of warmth & tension, as even the spicier moments were tastefully done without being overly explicit.
The setting gave me strong "Beauty & the Beast" vibes 🥀— a cute, medieval village with charming little shops where everyone knows everyone. The cover, along with the family’s tea shop & festive atmosphere gave the book a warm, magical feel that made it the perfect fall read. The fantasy elements were well incorporated, making it feel magical without the weight of more traditional fantasy novels, which I found refreshing to say the least 🫢.
Trust was the theme that stood out to me most. It wasn’t just about trusting others, but also about trusting yourself & the ability to step out of your comfort zone, which is something Elsie embodied throughout her journey. Her growth, both in confidence & her relationships with others stood out & was beautifully handled.
Overall, I loved "Winterfrost Market" 🩷 - a cozy, magical & heart-warming read with all the elements necessary to become a perfect fall read — tea, magic & a quaint, enchanting setting. Despite initial concerns about the more formal language & interactions in the beginning, I found myself quickly hooked. If you’re looking for a light, cozy fantasy, don’t hesitate to add this to your TBR! 🫶🏻✨
The central story line — Elsie’s search for her mother — played an important part to keep the pace going, but the wonderful side characters & subplots were the cherry on top 🍒. Allowing room to explore other themes while still staying connected to the main plot, these lighter elements turned out to be the perfect additions. It’s a lighter romantasy, which made it easy to get into & enjoy, even for those who may not be regular fantasy readers.
It's hard not to like Elsie, our darling protagonist 🥺🫶🏻🤍✨. Her warmth, positivity & deep need to care for her loved ones shine through on every single page.
Kit, on the other hand, initially appears much more guarded. His rough & rather arrogant exterior made me want to punch him at times 🙂↕️🙃 (I’m looking at you, "Pepper ate Elsie’s hotdog" scene!), but that only shows how well the author wrote his character 👌🏻👏🏻. His behaviour made sense once his backstory was revealed & the gradual development of his relationship with Elsie felt natural - this is something that could have actually happened in real life. The romance was a perfect balance of warmth & tension, as even the spicier moments were tastefully done without being overly explicit.
The setting gave me strong "Beauty & the Beast" vibes 🥀— a cute, medieval village with charming little shops where everyone knows everyone. The cover, along with the family’s tea shop & festive atmosphere gave the book a warm, magical feel that made it the perfect fall read. The fantasy elements were well incorporated, making it feel magical without the weight of more traditional fantasy novels, which I found refreshing to say the least 🫢.
Trust was the theme that stood out to me most. It wasn’t just about trusting others, but also about trusting yourself & the ability to step out of your comfort zone, which is something Elsie embodied throughout her journey. Her growth, both in confidence & her relationships with others stood out & was beautifully handled.
Overall, I loved "Winterfrost Market" 🩷 - a cozy, magical & heart-warming read with all the elements necessary to become a perfect fall read — tea, magic & a quaint, enchanting setting. Despite initial concerns about the more formal language & interactions in the beginning, I found myself quickly hooked. If you’re looking for a light, cozy fantasy, don’t hesitate to add this to your TBR! 🫶🏻✨
October 21, 2024
What to expect:
🫖 Cozy romantasy
🫖 Hidden identity
🫖 Only one room
🫖 Quest to save her mother
🫖 Witches, fae, vampires, and more
🫖 Standalone
Winterfrost is a perfect cozy winter read! A seamlessly magical and captivating read that is perfect for a cold wintery night and a hot cup of tea.
perfect for a cold wintery night and a hot cup of tea.
I adored each of the main characters in this book as well as the side characters. Elsie, the FMC, was so well developed and loveable that I wanted to invite her over for tea and a chat about her adventures. I really enjoyed the fact that once in Midwinter Haven she wasn’t scared or stand-off-ish of the differed magical beings. She has such an excited curiosity and want to learn and understand them. She fully immersed herself into the town and that was something I really loved. I also enjoyed the world building that happened not only at the beginning of the book but throughout the entirety. There are so many magical elements in this book, laying marvelous groundwork for several other books. Author, Jenny Sandiford, truly is a talented magical writer. You can see and feel all of the love and time she put into this book. I will read this book over and over again each winter for many years to come, as well as any other books she decided to write in the future.
Winterfrost Market is so captivating you will want to sit down and read it all in one shot. So, grab your favorite blanket, a pot of tea or in my case a hot cup of Glühwein, and settle in this winter for a magically enchanting read.
This book was the perfect combination of romance, mystery, fantasy and adventure and I am desperately hoping for another book (or books) to follow this magical read.
🫖Thank you so very much Jenny Sandiford for allowing me to be a part of this ARC team. I am blown away by your talent and cannot wait to see what magical reads you write next!🫖
🫖 Cozy romantasy
🫖 Hidden identity
🫖 Only one room
🫖 Quest to save her mother
🫖 Witches, fae, vampires, and more
🫖 Standalone
Winterfrost is a perfect cozy winter read! A seamlessly magical and captivating read that is perfect for a cold wintery night and a hot cup of tea.
perfect for a cold wintery night and a hot cup of tea.
I adored each of the main characters in this book as well as the side characters. Elsie, the FMC, was so well developed and loveable that I wanted to invite her over for tea and a chat about her adventures. I really enjoyed the fact that once in Midwinter Haven she wasn’t scared or stand-off-ish of the differed magical beings. She has such an excited curiosity and want to learn and understand them. She fully immersed herself into the town and that was something I really loved. I also enjoyed the world building that happened not only at the beginning of the book but throughout the entirety. There are so many magical elements in this book, laying marvelous groundwork for several other books. Author, Jenny Sandiford, truly is a talented magical writer. You can see and feel all of the love and time she put into this book. I will read this book over and over again each winter for many years to come, as well as any other books she decided to write in the future.
Winterfrost Market is so captivating you will want to sit down and read it all in one shot. So, grab your favorite blanket, a pot of tea or in my case a hot cup of Glühwein, and settle in this winter for a magically enchanting read.
This book was the perfect combination of romance, mystery, fantasy and adventure and I am desperately hoping for another book (or books) to follow this magical read.
🫖Thank you so very much Jenny Sandiford for allowing me to be a part of this ARC team. I am blown away by your talent and cannot wait to see what magical reads you write next!🫖
January 9, 2025
Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford is a clean Christmas fantasy romance set in a richly imagined world populated by humans, fae, vampires, werewolves, witches, and more. The story centers on Elsie, the human FMC, and Kit, the fae MMC.
Elsie and her family run a tea shop in Winterfrost Market, a human town, but they’re used to moving from place to place due to her mother’s restless tendencies. This time, however, her mother has left on a mysterious trip to the dangerous Midwinter Haven to obtain a secret tea ingredient and hasn’t returned. Worried, Elsie’s family is desperate for answers.
Enter Kit, a handsome and enigmatic stranger with a magical white dog named Pepper. Rumored to be headed toward Midwinter Haven, Kit becomes Elsie’s hope for finding her mother. But instead of agreeing to search alone, Kit challenges Elsie to accompany him—a challenge she unexpectedly accepts.
The story that follows is an adventurous journey filled with growing trust, cultural misunderstandings, and a romance that develops naturally as Elsie and Kit confront their prejudices about each other’s species.
What I liked:
• The central message of breaking stereotypes and learning about other cultures before passing judgment was beautifully woven into the story.
• The romance between Elsie and Kit felt natural and well-paced.
• Pepper, the magical dog, was a delightful addition.
• The hints about Kit’s brother’s intentions were intriguing, and I suspect he’ll play a key role in a future installment.
What I didn’t like:
• Elsie’s naïveté, while understandable due to her youth, was sometimes frustrating.
• Her self-absorption made her a difficult character to root for at times, though I can see how these traits were integral to her character arc.
Overall, Winterfrost Market was a fun and festive read, even if Elsie’s personality occasionally grated on me. Fans of clean fantasy romance with a holiday twist will likely enjoy it!
Spice Scale: Pimiento (100-500 Scoville)
Elsie and her family run a tea shop in Winterfrost Market, a human town, but they’re used to moving from place to place due to her mother’s restless tendencies. This time, however, her mother has left on a mysterious trip to the dangerous Midwinter Haven to obtain a secret tea ingredient and hasn’t returned. Worried, Elsie’s family is desperate for answers.
Enter Kit, a handsome and enigmatic stranger with a magical white dog named Pepper. Rumored to be headed toward Midwinter Haven, Kit becomes Elsie’s hope for finding her mother. But instead of agreeing to search alone, Kit challenges Elsie to accompany him—a challenge she unexpectedly accepts.
The story that follows is an adventurous journey filled with growing trust, cultural misunderstandings, and a romance that develops naturally as Elsie and Kit confront their prejudices about each other’s species.
What I liked:
• The central message of breaking stereotypes and learning about other cultures before passing judgment was beautifully woven into the story.
• The romance between Elsie and Kit felt natural and well-paced.
• Pepper, the magical dog, was a delightful addition.
• The hints about Kit’s brother’s intentions were intriguing, and I suspect he’ll play a key role in a future installment.
What I didn’t like:
• Elsie’s naïveté, while understandable due to her youth, was sometimes frustrating.
• Her self-absorption made her a difficult character to root for at times, though I can see how these traits were integral to her character arc.
Overall, Winterfrost Market was a fun and festive read, even if Elsie’s personality occasionally grated on me. Fans of clean fantasy romance with a holiday twist will likely enjoy it!
Spice Scale: Pimiento (100-500 Scoville)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2024
ARC Review: Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford
This review is 100% my own and is my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🚫🌶️
I loved the vibes of this book with the traditional Christmas markets, the tea shops and all together cozy vibes.
The way the author portrays fae is unique and made the book feel more like a fairytale. The mix of vampires, witches, dwarves and fae was so fun and definitely made the book stand out.
I loved Elsie as a FMC and felt like i could relate to her when it came to her close family relationship and also her love of tea lol. I love that she accepted others and was open minded when it came to magic.
Kit was my favourite character in the book and as the MMC he was amazing. I loved seeing his growth, sacrifice and his love for Elsie. He was selfless, funny and adorable which i loved.
I would have loved to have seen more of Kit's brother, Anders, as i feel his story was one of the most interesting in the book.
I devoured this book however there were a few aspects I didn't like. In the first 1/3 of the book I felt the dialogue was forced and I didn't like the abbreviation of words which reminded me of pirates, this thankfully didn't continue through the book and made it much more enjoyable. I also felt the ending fell slight short, I wish got to see more of a spectacle of Midwinter and then in the very end with Kit and Elsie finally settled.
I did enjoy this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves clean romance, Christmas markets and books that feel like fairytales.
This review is 100% my own and is my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🚫🌶️
I loved the vibes of this book with the traditional Christmas markets, the tea shops and all together cozy vibes.
The way the author portrays fae is unique and made the book feel more like a fairytale. The mix of vampires, witches, dwarves and fae was so fun and definitely made the book stand out.
I loved Elsie as a FMC and felt like i could relate to her when it came to her close family relationship and also her love of tea lol. I love that she accepted others and was open minded when it came to magic.
Kit was my favourite character in the book and as the MMC he was amazing. I loved seeing his growth, sacrifice and his love for Elsie. He was selfless, funny and adorable which i loved.
I would have loved to have seen more of Kit's brother, Anders, as i feel his story was one of the most interesting in the book.
I devoured this book however there were a few aspects I didn't like. In the first 1/3 of the book I felt the dialogue was forced and I didn't like the abbreviation of words which reminded me of pirates, this thankfully didn't continue through the book and made it much more enjoyable. I also felt the ending fell slight short, I wish got to see more of a spectacle of Midwinter and then in the very end with Kit and Elsie finally settled.
I did enjoy this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves clean romance, Christmas markets and books that feel like fairytales.
November 29, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Sandiford and Velikor Publishing for the E-ARC!
Winterfrost Market is the perfect book to get you into the holiday mood. A story filled with magic, romance, and an adorable dog, there's so much to love about this story.
When Elsie's mother doesn't return from her journey to Midwinter Haven, a city only a days walk away from their home but filled with fae, witches, vampires, and more, Elsie knows she can't sit by and wait for her any longer. Unfortunately, she'll need help to not only get to the city but to ensure her safety when within it's walls, as she's only heard horrible rumours about what happens to humans when they step foot there. Meeting up with a grouchy tracker named Kit, she convinces him to take her with him on his journey to Midwinter Haven, despite the risks. When she finally gets there though, she discovers that the rumours she's heard about the fae, witches, elves and vampires might not be as they first seemed.
This book was such an easy read, the quick pacing and language used making it so I was able to fly through it quickly wanting to know more about the world and the mysteries surrounding Kit. The dual POV perspective between Elsie and Kit really helped the story, showing the reader's the difference in the ways of thinking between the two characters and how they view the world. On one hand we have Elsie who has only heard bad things about Midwinter Haven and it's inhabitants, and on the other we have Kit who has lived there for most of his life.
Since the cover of this book says that this book is part of the Tales of Midwinter Haven, I really hope that Jenny Sandiford has more books planned in this world! I would love to learn more about the different lands, following different characters and their journeys.
If you're looking for a cozy fantasy to get you into the holiday spirit, I would highly recommend you pick this up!
Winterfrost Market is the perfect book to get you into the holiday mood. A story filled with magic, romance, and an adorable dog, there's so much to love about this story.
When Elsie's mother doesn't return from her journey to Midwinter Haven, a city only a days walk away from their home but filled with fae, witches, vampires, and more, Elsie knows she can't sit by and wait for her any longer. Unfortunately, she'll need help to not only get to the city but to ensure her safety when within it's walls, as she's only heard horrible rumours about what happens to humans when they step foot there. Meeting up with a grouchy tracker named Kit, she convinces him to take her with him on his journey to Midwinter Haven, despite the risks. When she finally gets there though, she discovers that the rumours she's heard about the fae, witches, elves and vampires might not be as they first seemed.
This book was such an easy read, the quick pacing and language used making it so I was able to fly through it quickly wanting to know more about the world and the mysteries surrounding Kit. The dual POV perspective between Elsie and Kit really helped the story, showing the reader's the difference in the ways of thinking between the two characters and how they view the world. On one hand we have Elsie who has only heard bad things about Midwinter Haven and it's inhabitants, and on the other we have Kit who has lived there for most of his life.
Since the cover of this book says that this book is part of the Tales of Midwinter Haven, I really hope that Jenny Sandiford has more books planned in this world! I would love to learn more about the different lands, following different characters and their journeys.
If you're looking for a cozy fantasy to get you into the holiday spirit, I would highly recommend you pick this up!
October 25, 2024
I uploaded my review to Goodreads and Amazon.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jenny Sandiford for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Winterfrost Market coming out October 24, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
At the enchanting Winterfrost Market, renowned for its Midwinter celebrations, Elsie is run off her feet at her family’s cozy traveling tea house.
But the quaint town’s festivities lose their luster when her mother fails to return from her journey to Midwinter Haven—a fairytale land in the north, rumored to be inhabited by elves, witches, and fae.
With Elsie’s worry as dark as her strongest tea, she enlists the help of the captivating tracker, Kit, to guide her northward.
Stepping beyond her comfort zone, Elsie’s eyes are opened to magic she never thought possible. But she quickly discovers that Kit has secrets and suspects he may be one of the clever fae her sister warned her about.
Is Kit her dream prince, or an enemy in disguise? To find her mother, she must be willing to gamble her heart.
I was excited to receive this book! I love cozy novels a lot. They’re usually mysteries, so I loved that this was a cozy fantasy. I really love seasonal themed books, so the winter market sounded like a really perfect, cozy setting. I would’ve loved to see a little more of the fairytale creatures, but I think a lot of the story was focused on Elsie, her mother and Kit. I loved it though. Elsie was a really strong character and I also loved Kit. There were a lot of secrets. I’m excited to check out the next book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasies!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jenny Sandiford for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Winterfrost Market coming out October 24, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
At the enchanting Winterfrost Market, renowned for its Midwinter celebrations, Elsie is run off her feet at her family’s cozy traveling tea house.
But the quaint town’s festivities lose their luster when her mother fails to return from her journey to Midwinter Haven—a fairytale land in the north, rumored to be inhabited by elves, witches, and fae.
With Elsie’s worry as dark as her strongest tea, she enlists the help of the captivating tracker, Kit, to guide her northward.
Stepping beyond her comfort zone, Elsie’s eyes are opened to magic she never thought possible. But she quickly discovers that Kit has secrets and suspects he may be one of the clever fae her sister warned her about.
Is Kit her dream prince, or an enemy in disguise? To find her mother, she must be willing to gamble her heart.
I was excited to receive this book! I love cozy novels a lot. They’re usually mysteries, so I loved that this was a cozy fantasy. I really love seasonal themed books, so the winter market sounded like a really perfect, cozy setting. I would’ve loved to see a little more of the fairytale creatures, but I think a lot of the story was focused on Elsie, her mother and Kit. I loved it though. Elsie was a really strong character and I also loved Kit. There were a lot of secrets. I’m excited to check out the next book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasies!
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