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One Walk in Winter
Nothing’s ever been handed to Olivia Santini, and she’s proud of her work ethic. After seven years as the assistant manager of the Evergreen Resort and Spa, she has ideas to improve the bottom line and increase reservations. When her manager resigns, Olivia puts in her résumé and waits for the interview. The job is practically hers—all she needs is the paperwork.
Hayley Boyd Markham is the youngest Markham, the only girl, and the most spoiled. An artistic soul in a family of business-minded type As, she’s always felt like a bit of a screwup. After an embarrassing party situation, her father puts a hold on her allowance and gives her an ultimatum: Spend the winter as manager of the Evergreen Resort and Spa and show him it can turn a profit. Only then will he reconsider her future (and her inheritance).
A chance encounter in the woods is filled with chemistry and promise, and though neither Olivia nor Hayley is looking for love, they both feel the possibility. Until they get to work…
Hayley Boyd Markham is the youngest Markham, the only girl, and the most spoiled. An artistic soul in a family of business-minded type As, she’s always felt like a bit of a screwup. After an embarrassing party situation, her father puts a hold on her allowance and gives her an ultimatum: Spend the winter as manager of the Evergreen Resort and Spa and show him it can turn a profit. Only then will he reconsider her future (and her inheritance).
A chance encounter in the woods is filled with chemistry and promise, and though neither Olivia nor Hayley is looking for love, they both feel the possibility. Until they get to work…
242 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2019
101 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Beers
61 books1,505 followersLambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
October 9, 2019
3.75 Stars. This was a really nice holiday romance. I was saving this book to read last of the Bold Strokes October releases. My hope was to save the best for last because Beers is a favorite of mine. I was also surprised to see that this was my fifteenth book read by Beers. However, I have not been immune to some talk about how Beers has struggled a bit with some of her recent books. I’m happy to say with how enjoyable her last two books have been, I think we can all relax since the Beers we know and love is back. This was a sweet romance I think anyone would enjoy.
While living in New England, I see enough of snow not to be a snow fan. However, I still really enjoyed the setting of this book. The snow, the resort, the holidays, it just gave the whole book this blanketed warm feeling I got while reading. I do actually wish I had read this in December instead of October, to get me in the mood for the family holidays. I think I might have even liked this book a little more reading it after Halloween since I mostly have ghosts and supernaturals on the brain right now. So if you are considering picking this book up reading it in November or December might be a better idea.
I was really happy with the characters and the sweetness of their romance. The angst and conflict you can see coming, but I liked that Beers switched it up enough that it actually worked for me. The ending was very satisfactory and didn’t feel rushed which is always a big plus.
While there is not a long book, there were a few things little things I thought could have been edited out. For instance the character of Hayley has inner thoughts about how her father is setting her up to fail. Then Hayley talks to someone and tells them her father is setting her up to fail. Then we get a POV of Haley’s father and he tells us he is setting Hayley up to fail. I get it already. As a reader you can tell me something once and I will get it. If it’s really important tell me twice and I will not forget. Tell me something three times and I start to feel like you don’t trust me as a reader to understand simple things.
In the grand scheme of this book my complaints where small and I enjoyed this sweet holiday romance. This is a romance I could picture being one of those Hallmark Christmas movies if they actually shocker had lesbian characters. If you are a Beers fan or a holiday romance fan, I don’t think you can go wrong with this pick.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
While living in New England, I see enough of snow not to be a snow fan. However, I still really enjoyed the setting of this book. The snow, the resort, the holidays, it just gave the whole book this blanketed warm feeling I got while reading. I do actually wish I had read this in December instead of October, to get me in the mood for the family holidays. I think I might have even liked this book a little more reading it after Halloween since I mostly have ghosts and supernaturals on the brain right now. So if you are considering picking this book up reading it in November or December might be a better idea.
I was really happy with the characters and the sweetness of their romance. The angst and conflict you can see coming, but I liked that Beers switched it up enough that it actually worked for me. The ending was very satisfactory and didn’t feel rushed which is always a big plus.
While there is not a long book, there were a few things little things I thought could have been edited out. For instance the character of Hayley has inner thoughts about how her father is setting her up to fail. Then Hayley talks to someone and tells them her father is setting her up to fail. Then we get a POV of Haley’s father and he tells us he is setting Hayley up to fail. I get it already. As a reader you can tell me something once and I will get it. If it’s really important tell me twice and I will not forget. Tell me something three times and I start to feel like you don’t trust me as a reader to understand simple things.
In the grand scheme of this book my complaints where small and I enjoyed this sweet holiday romance. This is a romance I could picture being one of those Hallmark Christmas movies if they actually shocker had lesbian characters. If you are a Beers fan or a holiday romance fan, I don’t think you can go wrong with this pick.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
October 19, 2019
This is a WONDERFUL read :)
With authors like Georgia Beers, it is very rare that you end up disappointed! Her ability to tell a story is amazing! I mean if you read the blurb, there is nothing extraordinary about the story, but yet, you will end up really liking it!
I’ve missed seeing a connection between 2 MCs from the first page! And this is exactly what happened with this book! The connection was incredible and even though they are quite different, I actually could feel how compatible they are at the same time.
I loved the supporting characters and how they added to the storyline..
this is also a book about family since it’s mainly set around thanksgiving/Christmas/NY timings and I liked that part of it.. I would actually love to be invited over to try the meatballs :)
I think this book had the perfect romance, good amount of angst and some drama that just made it the perfect mix for me!
I would highly recommend it.. this one sure did put a big smile on my face :)
My rating is a 4.25
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
With authors like Georgia Beers, it is very rare that you end up disappointed! Her ability to tell a story is amazing! I mean if you read the blurb, there is nothing extraordinary about the story, but yet, you will end up really liking it!
I’ve missed seeing a connection between 2 MCs from the first page! And this is exactly what happened with this book! The connection was incredible and even though they are quite different, I actually could feel how compatible they are at the same time.
I loved the supporting characters and how they added to the storyline..
this is also a book about family since it’s mainly set around thanksgiving/Christmas/NY timings and I liked that part of it.. I would actually love to be invited over to try the meatballs :)
I think this book had the perfect romance, good amount of angst and some drama that just made it the perfect mix for me!
I would highly recommend it.. this one sure did put a big smile on my face :)
My rating is a 4.25
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
September 21, 2019
I want a book that gives me all the feels. When you open up a new book and that delicious anticipation of will this be a good one? Fingers crossed it will be a great one. That is an amazing feeling when it actually comes to fruition. You know pretty early on with Georgia Beers newest book, One Walk in Winter, that you have a special book in your hands.
Hayley Boyd Markham lost her mother two years ago to cancer. Since her mother’s death, she has been lost. No direction, no interests, and far too many nights burning up the Manhattan nightlife to find a band-aid for her pain. Her dad has had enough, after spending thousands on bottle service at NYC club, Hayley has been assigned to take over the manager role of one of the Markham family’s smaller hotels, the Evergreen. Hayley has no interest or experience in the hotel industry. She is an artist at heart. Her father gives her no choice, she is to manage the hotel or be cut-off from her family’s funds for good.
Olivia Santini is the assistant manager of the high-end vacation resort. She works her tail off to provide each and every one of the Evergreen’s customers a world-class experience. She loves the hotel and her staff, and she knows that there is work to be done to make this place even better. What she does not care for is being passed for the manager’s position. She knows it’s not Hayley’s fault she did not get the role, but it stings that once again she has been passed over for a job she has already been doing.
What makes this book rise above the rest is Beers creates an amazing chemistry between the two leads. The feelings, the attraction, the anticipation of an epic romance, it all just jumps off the page. I found myself hanging on every word, feverously turning the page for the next interaction between Hayley and Olivia. This is a delightful romance that made me smile and made my heart happy.
Hayley Boyd Markham lost her mother two years ago to cancer. Since her mother’s death, she has been lost. No direction, no interests, and far too many nights burning up the Manhattan nightlife to find a band-aid for her pain. Her dad has had enough, after spending thousands on bottle service at NYC club, Hayley has been assigned to take over the manager role of one of the Markham family’s smaller hotels, the Evergreen. Hayley has no interest or experience in the hotel industry. She is an artist at heart. Her father gives her no choice, she is to manage the hotel or be cut-off from her family’s funds for good.
Olivia Santini is the assistant manager of the high-end vacation resort. She works her tail off to provide each and every one of the Evergreen’s customers a world-class experience. She loves the hotel and her staff, and she knows that there is work to be done to make this place even better. What she does not care for is being passed for the manager’s position. She knows it’s not Hayley’s fault she did not get the role, but it stings that once again she has been passed over for a job she has already been doing.
What makes this book rise above the rest is Beers creates an amazing chemistry between the two leads. The feelings, the attraction, the anticipation of an epic romance, it all just jumps off the page. I found myself hanging on every word, feverously turning the page for the next interaction between Hayley and Olivia. This is a delightful romance that made me smile and made my heart happy.
November 19, 2019
I’ve been struggling to review this book recently because I can’t honestly put into words how much I loved it. But here goes nothing…
I’ve been keeping this book for when life is a little crazy and I need an escape because let’s face it, it’s Georgia Beers so the guarantee I’ll enjoy it is pretty high. I was not disappointed. I adored this book. I think it is definitely my favourite of Georgia Beers’ books to date and that’s a big thing because she has many books in my all-time favourites list. Olivia and Hayley are both such likeable characters and from the moment they meet out on the snow, I was sucked in on their rollercoaster ride. I loved Olivia with her pure heart and big ideas. She was so sweet and completely lovable, so it wasn’t a shock that Hayley fell for her. Hayley was also an amazing character, but I liked watching her evolve and rise to challenge after challenge and by the end, I liked her just as much as Olivia… She was also (in my mind) incredibly hot.
I can’t not mention Hayley’s father Benton because he ended up being my favourite character of the whole book. Every time I was reading Benton’s POV I was in tears. I could feel his love for his late wife, Kerry so bad it was overwhelming and honestly, I wasn't expecting to be as affected as I was. Chapter seven when we are reading Benton’s thoughts about his wife and daughter, broke my heart. I could really feel his pain at that moment. It was a little disturbing how much I felt his sadness. Watch out for this chapter because you’re going to want to grab the tissues… In fact, just keep them with you throughout. You can thank me later.
WOW! The chemistry is full-on from the first time Hayley and Olivia meet. Even when Olivia is describing Hayley, you feel how affected she is by Hayley’s beauty. It was hot and the buildup to when they get together is truly delicious… Worth the wait!
Phenomenal read that I can’t wait to snuggle down with again soon. Go buy it now… You won’t regret it.
I’ve been keeping this book for when life is a little crazy and I need an escape because let’s face it, it’s Georgia Beers so the guarantee I’ll enjoy it is pretty high. I was not disappointed. I adored this book. I think it is definitely my favourite of Georgia Beers’ books to date and that’s a big thing because she has many books in my all-time favourites list. Olivia and Hayley are both such likeable characters and from the moment they meet out on the snow, I was sucked in on their rollercoaster ride. I loved Olivia with her pure heart and big ideas. She was so sweet and completely lovable, so it wasn’t a shock that Hayley fell for her. Hayley was also an amazing character, but I liked watching her evolve and rise to challenge after challenge and by the end, I liked her just as much as Olivia… She was also (in my mind) incredibly hot.
I can’t not mention Hayley’s father Benton because he ended up being my favourite character of the whole book. Every time I was reading Benton’s POV I was in tears. I could feel his love for his late wife, Kerry so bad it was overwhelming and honestly, I wasn't expecting to be as affected as I was. Chapter seven when we are reading Benton’s thoughts about his wife and daughter, broke my heart. I could really feel his pain at that moment. It was a little disturbing how much I felt his sadness. Watch out for this chapter because you’re going to want to grab the tissues… In fact, just keep them with you throughout. You can thank me later.
WOW! The chemistry is full-on from the first time Hayley and Olivia meet. Even when Olivia is describing Hayley, you feel how affected she is by Hayley’s beauty. It was hot and the buildup to when they get together is truly delicious… Worth the wait!
Phenomenal read that I can’t wait to snuggle down with again soon. Go buy it now… You won’t regret it.
October 7, 2019
A great book to get you excited for the holidays!
I haven't recently had the best reading experience with a few of Beers's books and was a little apprehensive about reading this. To be completely honest I was bracing myself for an all out drama fest like in some of her other books. Instead what I got was a sweet story with believable characters.
Sure both Olivia and Hayley made mistakes and had their idiotic moments but I never once felt like their actions were over the top or forced. I was even taken aback by the amazing character development of someone who normally would be the type to tie a damsel in distress to the railroad tracks while laughing maniacally. Who knew this person could be redeemed?
This turned out to be a really lighthearted read with a tiny dash of angst and reminded me of why I fell in love with Beers's writing in the first place. It would make an excellent book to get lost in especially after reading something with a massive amount of drama like I've been doing recently. Yes, it's predictable at times and I did skim every now and then but that's ok.
Sometimes you just need a feel good book with likable characters and a happy ending with no hidden surprises. Oh and Olivia's adorable dog Walter is also a major bonus. Overall rating is a 3,75*
I haven't recently had the best reading experience with a few of Beers's books and was a little apprehensive about reading this. To be completely honest I was bracing myself for an all out drama fest like in some of her other books. Instead what I got was a sweet story with believable characters.
Sure both Olivia and Hayley made mistakes and had their idiotic moments but I never once felt like their actions were over the top or forced. I was even taken aback by the amazing character development of someone who normally would be the type to tie a damsel in distress to the railroad tracks while laughing maniacally. Who knew this person could be redeemed?
This turned out to be a really lighthearted read with a tiny dash of angst and reminded me of why I fell in love with Beers's writing in the first place. It would make an excellent book to get lost in especially after reading something with a massive amount of drama like I've been doing recently. Yes, it's predictable at times and I did skim every now and then but that's ok.
Sometimes you just need a feel good book with likable characters and a happy ending with no hidden surprises. Oh and Olivia's adorable dog Walter is also a major bonus. Overall rating is a 3,75*
November 3, 2019
4 Stars for this Georgia Beers romance. This may well become an annual holiday re-read for me.
Hayley Boyd Markham is the youngest (much younger than her two half-brothers) and the only daughter of Benton Markham, Founder and CEO of Markham Resorts. An international company with many resorts to its name. Hayley’s mother died a couple years prior and Hayley is floundering. Her father’s business never interested her as her interests lie in her painting, photography, spending and partying. The last two escalating to the point her father takes notice. He cuts her off and puts her in charge of an aging resort in Colorado. Her father gives her the winter season to show Evergreen could turn a profit or she will be permanently cut off. Even though she has a business degree, it may not be not enough with zero experience as well as desire.
Olivia Santini is the assistant manager of Evergreen Resort and Spa. For all intents and purposes, she had been doing the job as the Manager for a number of years because of her incompetent boss. When her boss leaves, Olivia feels the manager job will be hers. That is until the new manager arrives, a Hayley Boyd. Who turns out to be the woman that she met while walking her dog earlier that morning. Both felt an instant attraction, even exchanging numbers to meet again for coffee.
I really liked that Beers had them meet and like each other before meeting at the resort. It avoids the usual storyline of attraction between two adversaries. I also appreciated how Beers wrote Hayley and Olivia. Too often stories with spoiled rich girls, the characters are unlikable until they change. I was rooting for Hayley from the very beginning. She was set up to fail by her father. Some of the resort employees realize that she is in over her head, especially Olivia and certainly Hayley herself. But Olivia, being the person she is and because she loves Evergreen, she teaches Hayley the ropes and continues to keep the resort running while Hayley works very hard to learn. A lesser person would have quit or let Hayley sink.
Overall, a nice romance with likable main and supporting characters. In other words, a classic Georgia Beers romance and that is a very good thing.
An advanced reading copy was sent to me by the publisher Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review
**Sidenote: I visit Evergreen, Colorado once or twice a year, especially at Christmas. Yes, it is a real place. It is a small mountain town, 30 miles from Denver. Some of my family live there. The big thing is ice skating and ice fishing on the lake. Burrr. But no ski resorts! Except for a short stint in Virginia, I lived my whole life in sunny So. California. Colorado is beautiful year-round. But I can only take snow for a couple week visit and they *seem* to have snow for half a year. Evergreen is a mix of year-round residents and visitors or part time residents. The town has gift shops, small restaurants & bars, a lake, golf course, deer, and elk. But no ski resort. They do occasionally get celebrity sightings (a few have vacation homes there) but the natives ignore them. Well, except when I was visiting a couple of years ago and in every shop and the restaurant we visited they asked if we saw Jennifer Lopez and ARod today?
Hayley Boyd Markham is the youngest (much younger than her two half-brothers) and the only daughter of Benton Markham, Founder and CEO of Markham Resorts. An international company with many resorts to its name. Hayley’s mother died a couple years prior and Hayley is floundering. Her father’s business never interested her as her interests lie in her painting, photography, spending and partying. The last two escalating to the point her father takes notice. He cuts her off and puts her in charge of an aging resort in Colorado. Her father gives her the winter season to show Evergreen could turn a profit or she will be permanently cut off. Even though she has a business degree, it may not be not enough with zero experience as well as desire.
Olivia Santini is the assistant manager of Evergreen Resort and Spa. For all intents and purposes, she had been doing the job as the Manager for a number of years because of her incompetent boss. When her boss leaves, Olivia feels the manager job will be hers. That is until the new manager arrives, a Hayley Boyd. Who turns out to be the woman that she met while walking her dog earlier that morning. Both felt an instant attraction, even exchanging numbers to meet again for coffee.
I really liked that Beers had them meet and like each other before meeting at the resort. It avoids the usual storyline of attraction between two adversaries. I also appreciated how Beers wrote Hayley and Olivia. Too often stories with spoiled rich girls, the characters are unlikable until they change. I was rooting for Hayley from the very beginning. She was set up to fail by her father. Some of the resort employees realize that she is in over her head, especially Olivia and certainly Hayley herself. But Olivia, being the person she is and because she loves Evergreen, she teaches Hayley the ropes and continues to keep the resort running while Hayley works very hard to learn. A lesser person would have quit or let Hayley sink.
Overall, a nice romance with likable main and supporting characters. In other words, a classic Georgia Beers romance and that is a very good thing.
An advanced reading copy was sent to me by the publisher Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review
**Sidenote: I visit Evergreen, Colorado once or twice a year, especially at Christmas. Yes, it is a real place. It is a small mountain town, 30 miles from Denver. Some of my family live there. The big thing is ice skating and ice fishing on the lake. Burrr. But no ski resorts! Except for a short stint in Virginia, I lived my whole life in sunny So. California. Colorado is beautiful year-round. But I can only take snow for a couple week visit and they *seem* to have snow for half a year. Evergreen is a mix of year-round residents and visitors or part time residents. The town has gift shops, small restaurants & bars, a lake, golf course, deer, and elk. But no ski resort. They do occasionally get celebrity sightings (a few have vacation homes there) but the natives ignore them. Well, except when I was visiting a couple of years ago and in every shop and the restaurant we visited they asked if we saw Jennifer Lopez and ARod today?
November 6, 2019
I love snow books so a novel set in a ski resort is already a win. Olivia has been the acting manager at Evergreen Resort and Spa ever since the last incompetent manager left. She loves the place but still can’t help but feel bitter when head office sends her a new manager. Hopefully this one will know more than the last. If nothing else, a chance encounter with a woman on her morning walk makes her feel more positive. Hayley Boyd has been sent to Evergreen by her father in the hopes that she’ll straighten out her reckless behaviour and make something of herself.
Olivia and Hayley have great chemistry even when they’re not talking to each other. This is a lovely romance with both character’s having enough interest in their backstories to make it a little different even with my bias for books with artists and snow. As usual, the telling and the build-up is measured and the story well-written.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Olivia and Hayley have great chemistry even when they’re not talking to each other. This is a lovely romance with both character’s having enough interest in their backstories to make it a little different even with my bias for books with artists and snow. As usual, the telling and the build-up is measured and the story well-written.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 12, 2019
Winter and Christmas and New Years, oh my! This very, very descriptive book combines all of the above in almost excruciating detail, but if you are looking for a winter Christmas romance, this is for you. MC Olivia is the assistant manager of a spa who wants/deserves the manager position, however a young seemingly inexperienced Hayley gets the title. Little does Olivia know that Hayley is actually the daughter of the magnate of the spa empire who owns the place and this job is her last chance to prove to pops she isn't just some partying wallflower artist but can take care of her 30 year old self.
The initial meeting and attraction is quick, as in, within the first few pages the sparks fly after the two MCs meet on a walk. In the woods! In winter! Guys, this can happen, and it happened to me, so it gave me the warm fuzzies as I walked down my own memory lane from the day I met my partner. Though it was Halloween and there were people in assless chaps and feather masks a-plenty milling about on the street. *sigh* Good times. Anyway, I digress. Later that day Olivia realizes her insta-crush turns out to be her new manager, and she barely tolerates her lack of experience, yet can't deny the draw this woman has on her.
This is a highly predictable story with a HEA, as Ms. Beers is famous for, and you all know where it will lead. I quite liked Olivia's mom and totally want to try her meatballs. I am surprised Olivia's friends Tessa and Mike's story didn't have an ending, and was disappointed about Though Ms. Beers does northern New York state well, I'd love to see a book by her in a different setting to shake things up.
I found the descriptions to be over the top at times, and this is coming from a Canadian, so folks, I know and love winter but even I felt like "ok enough already, there's snow, there's lights sparkling, the setting is nailed IN, I get it." There is a lot of repetition that could have been edited (ie: how much each character re-lived their initial meeting, re-lived their first make-out session, re-lived Hayley's feeling of failure as a daughter). I didn't feel that the few chapters dedicated to her father's POV to be that necessary, as he just repeats Hayley's own POV about being a disappointment. I get why Ms. Beers did it, though. The chemistry between the two MCs is palpable, the one sex scene is pretty hot, though did anyone else REALLY wish Hayley would have been naked in a tie waiting for Olivia in her office with champagne in the epilogue? Can I get a hell yes? That would have been a delight. :)
*Huge thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The initial meeting and attraction is quick, as in, within the first few pages the sparks fly after the two MCs meet on a walk. In the woods! In winter! Guys, this can happen, and it happened to me, so it gave me the warm fuzzies as I walked down my own memory lane from the day I met my partner. Though it was Halloween and there were people in assless chaps and feather masks a-plenty milling about on the street. *sigh* Good times. Anyway, I digress. Later that day Olivia realizes her insta-crush turns out to be her new manager, and she barely tolerates her lack of experience, yet can't deny the draw this woman has on her.
This is a highly predictable story with a HEA, as Ms. Beers is famous for, and you all know where it will lead. I quite liked Olivia's mom and totally want to try her meatballs. I am surprised Olivia's friends Tessa and Mike's story didn't have an ending, and was disappointed about Though Ms. Beers does northern New York state well, I'd love to see a book by her in a different setting to shake things up.
I found the descriptions to be over the top at times, and this is coming from a Canadian, so folks, I know and love winter but even I felt like "ok enough already, there's snow, there's lights sparkling, the setting is nailed IN, I get it." There is a lot of repetition that could have been edited (ie: how much each character re-lived their initial meeting, re-lived their first make-out session, re-lived Hayley's feeling of failure as a daughter). I didn't feel that the few chapters dedicated to her father's POV to be that necessary, as he just repeats Hayley's own POV about being a disappointment. I get why Ms. Beers did it, though. The chemistry between the two MCs is palpable, the one sex scene is pretty hot, though did anyone else REALLY wish Hayley would have been naked in a tie waiting for Olivia in her office with champagne in the epilogue? Can I get a hell yes? That would have been a delight. :)
*Huge thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 2, 2019
LIKE READING A HALLMARK MOVIE... 🙃
So. I picked this one up because I was feeling Christmas-y and wanted to cute girl-on-girl romance. Sure, this book has both of those things but it just didn't wow me in any way. While reading it I had the distinct feeling that, besides from the queer aspect, I already knew this story from about 4-5 different Hallmark/Lifetime movies... Actually it is also very reminiscent of the Netflix movie Christmas Inheritance. That was a big letdown...
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Characters: Well, first of all, this was a short book. And compared to the length of it there was simply way too many characters! Many of them only made an appearance for a couple of pages and that's it. Made it too complicated for the length. Secondly, the characters are, in humble opinion, flat and lifeless.
Plot: Yes, romance is nice, very nice. But often I am looking for something a bit more. This had no deeper plot to get me excited. Made me quite bored.
Unoriginal: Like I started of saying, I have definitely watched this movie multiple times. It just felt like a cliché wrapped in a queer packaging.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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So. I picked this one up because I was feeling Christmas-y and wanted to cute girl-on-girl romance. Sure, this book has both of those things but it just didn't wow me in any way. While reading it I had the distinct feeling that, besides from the queer aspect, I already knew this story from about 4-5 different Hallmark/Lifetime movies... Actually it is also very reminiscent of the Netflix movie Christmas Inheritance. That was a big letdown...
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Characters: Well, first of all, this was a short book. And compared to the length of it there was simply way too many characters! Many of them only made an appearance for a couple of pages and that's it. Made it too complicated for the length. Secondly, the characters are, in humble opinion, flat and lifeless.
Plot: Yes, romance is nice, very nice. But often I am looking for something a bit more. This had no deeper plot to get me excited. Made me quite bored.
Unoriginal: Like I started of saying, I have definitely watched this movie multiple times. It just felt like a cliché wrapped in a queer packaging.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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September 30, 2019
Georgia Beers is an expert at writing romance stories that just melt your heart as you read them. I always have high expectations for Ms. Beers’ romance novels. Thankfully, One Walk in Winter met all of my expectations and more.
This is the story of Olivia Santini and Hayley Boyd Markham. Olivia has lived in Evergreen all her life and for several years has been the assistant manager of the Evergreen Resort and Spa. When the manager’s position opens up, Olivia is sure she will get the job. She has all the qualifications and the experience at the resort. Hayley is the youngest daughter of the owner of Markham Corporation which Evergreen is a part of. She is admittedly spoiled by her family and often thinks everyone views her as a “screw-up”. After an expensively embarrassing social situation, her father lays down the law. He sends her to Evergreen Resort as the new manager, even though she has no experience working in that position. There are also rules she must follow. She can’t tell anyone she is the daughter of the owner. She must use the name Boyd instead of Markham, and she must show her father she can make the resort profitable.
The two women have a chance meeting on an early morning woodland walk the day that Hayley is to begin her new job. There is an instant attraction between the two, but will that continue when they meet again later?
Ms. Beers uses that great writing rule which says, “Write what you know,” when she creates the setting for this book, and it shows in her writing. Her descriptions let the reader use their senses to be part of the setting. We smell the clean scent of the pine boughs. We feel the cold, crisp air in our lungs. We watch the glide of the falling snowflakes, and we even hear the snowflakes as they hit the snow covered ground. (They actually do sometimes make a puffing sound when they land, but you often can’t hear that unless you are in a very quiet place.) This setting and her description of it is perfect for this novel.
The characters are well developed and easy to like. It was nice to watch the two grow closer in spite of the circumstances surrounding their jobs. There is also just the right amount of angst for the story.
This is a beautiful romance; perfect for a snowy winter evening before the fire with a large cup of hot chocolate…with marshmallows of course. Seriously, it is a great read for any time or place.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
This is the story of Olivia Santini and Hayley Boyd Markham. Olivia has lived in Evergreen all her life and for several years has been the assistant manager of the Evergreen Resort and Spa. When the manager’s position opens up, Olivia is sure she will get the job. She has all the qualifications and the experience at the resort. Hayley is the youngest daughter of the owner of Markham Corporation which Evergreen is a part of. She is admittedly spoiled by her family and often thinks everyone views her as a “screw-up”. After an expensively embarrassing social situation, her father lays down the law. He sends her to Evergreen Resort as the new manager, even though she has no experience working in that position. There are also rules she must follow. She can’t tell anyone she is the daughter of the owner. She must use the name Boyd instead of Markham, and she must show her father she can make the resort profitable.
The two women have a chance meeting on an early morning woodland walk the day that Hayley is to begin her new job. There is an instant attraction between the two, but will that continue when they meet again later?
Ms. Beers uses that great writing rule which says, “Write what you know,” when she creates the setting for this book, and it shows in her writing. Her descriptions let the reader use their senses to be part of the setting. We smell the clean scent of the pine boughs. We feel the cold, crisp air in our lungs. We watch the glide of the falling snowflakes, and we even hear the snowflakes as they hit the snow covered ground. (They actually do sometimes make a puffing sound when they land, but you often can’t hear that unless you are in a very quiet place.) This setting and her description of it is perfect for this novel.
The characters are well developed and easy to like. It was nice to watch the two grow closer in spite of the circumstances surrounding their jobs. There is also just the right amount of angst for the story.
This is a beautiful romance; perfect for a snowy winter evening before the fire with a large cup of hot chocolate…with marshmallows of course. Seriously, it is a great read for any time or place.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
November 3, 2019
This is a great feel good holiday romance. Perfect pace. Lovely winter/Christmas setting. Highly recommended and another winner from Georgia Beers.
October 1, 2019
I have to say, I didn’t want this book to end. You know how I’ve talked about the way I read, masking the page with my hand so my eyes won’t go faster than my brain (#dyspraxia), especially when I’m so involved in what’s happening? I had to make myself stop reading a few times to allow my eyes to reboot, so to speak.
Olivia Santini fell in love with the Evergreen Resort and Spa when she was a teenager and has basically lived and breathed Evergreen ever since. She’s worked her way up to the assistant manager position, thanks to her work ethic and her love for the place. For the last six months, she’s been acting manager and totally deserves the job. But life’s not always fair and someone else is the new manager. Hayley Boyd Markham is the youngest child and the only daughter of Benton Markham, the owner of the Evergreen resort (and many more hotels, most of them bigger and more successful). Unlike her much older half-brothers, she doesn’t really care about the family business. Her happiness comes from painting, a talent she’s inherited from her mother. Since her mother’s death two years ago, Hayley has lost her way, spending too much of her father’s money on nightclubs and parties. Her father’s way of teaching her a lesson (and of punishing her for looking and sounding so much like the love of his life) is to send her to Evergreen, asking the impossible from her.
When they first meet, Olivia and Hayley don’t know they’re going to work together, or that Hayley is reluctantly taking the job Olivia believes should be hers. The attraction is immediate, and the chemistry is obvious from the start. Georgia Beers is excellent at describing those feelings, the way they grow, the hope and the doubts. She’s also done a great job of making the setting part of the story. The walk in winter of the title is not just for show, it’s where the whole story begins.
There’s something magical about snow. There’s also something very romantic about snow and quite a few of my favorite lesfic novels have a totally sweet and sexy snow scene. Kiss the Girl by Melissa Brayden for example has one of the best. In One Walk in Winter, the snow is almost a character in and of itself. It has its own sounds and silences, almost like feelings (I’m all for feelings, they’re why I read).
This is a sweet romance, with a little angst but not so much. Still, I was whispering « No no no » at some point (you’ll probably know when when you read it) and my sigh of relief was a huge one. And don’t even get me started on Hayley’s relationship with her dad. Both are lost in their grief since her mother died and can’t seem to be able to communicate nor understand what the other is going through. This leads to Hayley basically being all alone, without a family, another contrast to Olivia’s life and her very present, warm and loving Italian family.
This book is not perfect but my ratings are not meant to reflect perfection, they reflect how affected I have been by the book I’m rating. This one gave me all the feels so it gets 5 stars.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Olivia Santini fell in love with the Evergreen Resort and Spa when she was a teenager and has basically lived and breathed Evergreen ever since. She’s worked her way up to the assistant manager position, thanks to her work ethic and her love for the place. For the last six months, she’s been acting manager and totally deserves the job. But life’s not always fair and someone else is the new manager. Hayley Boyd Markham is the youngest child and the only daughter of Benton Markham, the owner of the Evergreen resort (and many more hotels, most of them bigger and more successful). Unlike her much older half-brothers, she doesn’t really care about the family business. Her happiness comes from painting, a talent she’s inherited from her mother. Since her mother’s death two years ago, Hayley has lost her way, spending too much of her father’s money on nightclubs and parties. Her father’s way of teaching her a lesson (and of punishing her for looking and sounding so much like the love of his life) is to send her to Evergreen, asking the impossible from her.
When they first meet, Olivia and Hayley don’t know they’re going to work together, or that Hayley is reluctantly taking the job Olivia believes should be hers. The attraction is immediate, and the chemistry is obvious from the start. Georgia Beers is excellent at describing those feelings, the way they grow, the hope and the doubts. She’s also done a great job of making the setting part of the story. The walk in winter of the title is not just for show, it’s where the whole story begins.
There’s something magical about snow. There’s also something very romantic about snow and quite a few of my favorite lesfic novels have a totally sweet and sexy snow scene. Kiss the Girl by Melissa Brayden for example has one of the best. In One Walk in Winter, the snow is almost a character in and of itself. It has its own sounds and silences, almost like feelings (I’m all for feelings, they’re why I read).
This is a sweet romance, with a little angst but not so much. Still, I was whispering « No no no » at some point (you’ll probably know when when you read it) and my sigh of relief was a huge one. And don’t even get me started on Hayley’s relationship with her dad. Both are lost in their grief since her mother died and can’t seem to be able to communicate nor understand what the other is going through. This leads to Hayley basically being all alone, without a family, another contrast to Olivia’s life and her very present, warm and loving Italian family.
This book is not perfect but my ratings are not meant to reflect perfection, they reflect how affected I have been by the book I’m rating. This one gave me all the feels so it gets 5 stars.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2019
A sweet story to pair with the holidays.
Olivia works at the Evergreen resort. She should have been the next in line to become manager but she was passed up for someone new. On a snowy walk one morning, she meets a charming woman taking photographs, Rachel. There is an immediate connection. But that connection becomes challenged as Olivia finds out that Rachel is the person who stole the job from her. And to make matters worse? She really sucks at it.
There are plenty of 'moment's in this book that make the heart sore. Just what I like in a romance. Situations where sparks fly, hearts fill, and tears fall. This book shined with cute fairy trails and swoon worthy Christmas gifts.
I enjoyed the drama between Rachel and her father. We even get to sit in Mr. Markham's head space every now and again. Usually I wouldn't care for that, but it really worked for this story. There was a lot of focus on family. The contrast between Olivia and Rachel's relationships with family members was stark. I felt bad for Rachel and wanted her to experience the love and protection she deserved.
In fact, this was an extremely well rounded book. Some romance, a bit of family drama, some friendship support, chasing dreams, finding purpose, etc.
There were times when this book slowed down a bit. The main characters would spend some time on their own and have internal thoughts that were very similar to each other so it felt a little repetitive.
There was some explicit sex but not a lot. The scenes were fairly quick, which I appreciate.
And I feel a little let down that the chef and the bartender didn't create any moments of their own.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. It would have felt REALLY nice and cozy if read in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Covered in blankets. By a fire.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, holidays, snow, hotel management, photography, family drama, dogs, keeping secrets that undoubtedly come out eventually, and meatballs.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Olivia works at the Evergreen resort. She should have been the next in line to become manager but she was passed up for someone new. On a snowy walk one morning, she meets a charming woman taking photographs, Rachel. There is an immediate connection. But that connection becomes challenged as Olivia finds out that Rachel is the person who stole the job from her. And to make matters worse? She really sucks at it.
There are plenty of 'moment's in this book that make the heart sore. Just what I like in a romance. Situations where sparks fly, hearts fill, and tears fall. This book shined with cute fairy trails and swoon worthy Christmas gifts.
I enjoyed the drama between Rachel and her father. We even get to sit in Mr. Markham's head space every now and again. Usually I wouldn't care for that, but it really worked for this story. There was a lot of focus on family. The contrast between Olivia and Rachel's relationships with family members was stark. I felt bad for Rachel and wanted her to experience the love and protection she deserved.
In fact, this was an extremely well rounded book. Some romance, a bit of family drama, some friendship support, chasing dreams, finding purpose, etc.
There were times when this book slowed down a bit. The main characters would spend some time on their own and have internal thoughts that were very similar to each other so it felt a little repetitive.
There was some explicit sex but not a lot. The scenes were fairly quick, which I appreciate.
And I feel a little let down that the chef and the bartender didn't create any moments of their own.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. It would have felt REALLY nice and cozy if read in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Covered in blankets. By a fire.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, holidays, snow, hotel management, photography, family drama, dogs, keeping secrets that undoubtedly come out eventually, and meatballs.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 9, 2019
What a holiday delight! I love how Beers writes stories about the part of New York that's not NYC. Living in NYC, I can't help but nitpick at things (I have a nitpick, too!), so it's more fun to just imagine the idyllic Evergreen Hills. For the final stretch of this read, the weather's been a little chilly, too. Perfect.
First of all, I'm so, so grateful to Georgia Beers for not letting the drama segment of the story not go over the top. Some romances I've read this year had stakes or betrayals so hurtful that I had bitter feelings at the end. For this, however, I was ready to love again and smile through the epilogue.
This story stars Olivia and Hayley, who manage the Evergreen Resort and Spa. Maybe I'm on Twitter a tad too much, but I was pissed off about Other than that, I just let Beers guide me through their romance. I wasn't a huge fan of the first meeting , but I squealed and giggled through their flirting once they let go of their awkwardness and animosity. I absolutely loved the chapter or so spanning over Christmastime. Their smolder was pretty hot.
My tiny nitpick: Hayley's from NYC and she apparently missed the smells of Manhattan. The smells? The food and scenery, yes. But, the smells? Absolutely not.
Side character question:
I love sweet romance and this really scratched that itch. Lovely. 3.8 stars!
☆ This copy was provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review. ☆
First of all, I'm so, so grateful to Georgia Beers for not letting the drama segment of the story not go over the top. Some romances I've read this year had stakes or betrayals so hurtful that I had bitter feelings at the end. For this, however, I was ready to love again and smile through the epilogue.
This story stars Olivia and Hayley, who manage the Evergreen Resort and Spa. Maybe I'm on Twitter a tad too much, but I was pissed off about Other than that, I just let Beers guide me through their romance. I wasn't a huge fan of the first meeting , but I squealed and giggled through their flirting once they let go of their awkwardness and animosity. I absolutely loved the chapter or so spanning over Christmastime. Their smolder was pretty hot.
My tiny nitpick: Hayley's from NYC and she apparently missed the smells of Manhattan. The smells? The food and scenery, yes. But, the smells? Absolutely not.
Side character question:
I love sweet romance and this really scratched that itch. Lovely. 3.8 stars!
☆ This copy was provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review. ☆
December 30, 2020
4.25 Stars
I really love Georgia Beers style, as I’ve said before, sometimes it really works for me and then sometimes it doesn’t. Luckily, this is one of those instances where it really worked for me. This is more a winter themed story rather than Christmas, but there was a nice Christmas scene…either way it’s a nice read for this time of year.
Olivia is the assistant manager at a resort and is wanting the manager’s position when it becomes available. She’s out for her morning walk when she meets a stranger, Hayley. There’s an immediate attraction and they agree on a coffee date. However, things change when Olivia gets to work and meets the new manager that corporate has sent. It’s none other than Hayley.
There’s a bit of angst and conflict that’s pretty usual and didn’t surprise me. What did surprise me was that it was dealt with very quickly and wasn’t drawn out unnecessarily. “One Walk in Winter” is the perfect fit for lovers of romance.
My only complaint is there is a bit of repetitiveness throughout the story with the inner monologues of both Olivia and Hayley. You definitely know by the middle of the book that Olivia should not be attracted to her boss and that Hayley was set up for failure by her father…it all started getting to be too much.
Overall, I really loved this one. It’s sweet. Both main characters are lovable and realistic with a few flaws and all the secondary characters add a nice touch.
Like I said, I highly recommend to all fans of romance.
I really love Georgia Beers style, as I’ve said before, sometimes it really works for me and then sometimes it doesn’t. Luckily, this is one of those instances where it really worked for me. This is more a winter themed story rather than Christmas, but there was a nice Christmas scene…either way it’s a nice read for this time of year.
Olivia is the assistant manager at a resort and is wanting the manager’s position when it becomes available. She’s out for her morning walk when she meets a stranger, Hayley. There’s an immediate attraction and they agree on a coffee date. However, things change when Olivia gets to work and meets the new manager that corporate has sent. It’s none other than Hayley.
There’s a bit of angst and conflict that’s pretty usual and didn’t surprise me. What did surprise me was that it was dealt with very quickly and wasn’t drawn out unnecessarily. “One Walk in Winter” is the perfect fit for lovers of romance.
My only complaint is there is a bit of repetitiveness throughout the story with the inner monologues of both Olivia and Hayley. You definitely know by the middle of the book that Olivia should not be attracted to her boss and that Hayley was set up for failure by her father…it all started getting to be too much.
Overall, I really loved this one. It’s sweet. Both main characters are lovable and realistic with a few flaws and all the secondary characters add a nice touch.
Like I said, I highly recommend to all fans of romance.
September 10, 2019
It's no secret I'm a big fan of Georgia Beers' bibliography. She made an amazing progress as a writer during years, and it's been a wonderful journey being able to follow it through, reading book by book. This book is no exception. You can actually see the improvement in dialogue's effortlessness, banters, scenery description... Albeit I would have loved to witness more of their relationship early development - somehow, the whole trouble crescendo came all too quickly after their wonderful night together - this is still a very, very good romance book. Especially all those Christmas time snowy depictions makes you wanna curl up by the fire with a good, hug cup of hot coffee, warm blanket, and this book in your hands. smiling on all those cute Olivia - Hayley moments.
October 1, 2019
I love Georgia Beers books. You know 9 out of 10 times you are going to read a quality romance with good, if not great, characters. This one about Hailey, a 30 year old resort heiress whose father tries to teach her lesson, and Olivia, a 29 year old assistant manager at said resort Hailey is being taught a lesson at. The story is nothing new: girl meets girl, instant attraction, discovery that girl is now boss and has something the other girl wants, fought attraction, and so forth and so on. Despite all that, I fell in love with both characters. Sympathizing with Hailey being thrown into something she has no idea how to do. And also sympathizing with Olivia being denied what she sees as her dream job.
I loved the setting and secondary characters really added to the romance of two. I was glad that there was only little drama and not something that dragged on through out the emtire book. Fans of Beers will enjoy this one. Its a happy romance thay will end up putting a nice smile on your face
I loved the setting and secondary characters really added to the romance of two. I was glad that there was only little drama and not something that dragged on through out the emtire book. Fans of Beers will enjoy this one. Its a happy romance thay will end up putting a nice smile on your face
October 1, 2019
4.25 stars - When it comes to Beers’ work, I’ve quickly come to expect a feel good romance with great chemistry between the two MCs and quality writing, and this is exactly what One Walk in Winter delivers!
I wasn’t in the best of places mentally-wise when I picked it up, but this book was everything I needed at the time. It’s a cozy, comforting read that made me smile, laugh and cry.
Olivia Santini has worked her whole life toward her goal of one day managing the Evergreen Resort and Spa. With the manager position recently vacated, Olivia is certain she’s finally getting the job of her dreams. So when Hayley Boyd comes in out of nowhere and get the job instead of her, Olivia is rightfully angry. More so when it becomes painfully obvious that Hayley has no experience managing anything, let alone a hotel.
Beers’ main and side characters are all well-developed and have a certain depth and authenticity to them; they feel like real people you want to get to know and spend more time with. They’re all flawed and over the course of the pages, they grow in realistic ways. I absolutely loved MCs Olivia and Hayley (I have a little crush on her) and found their attraction believable. There’s a tension between them, and you can feel Olivia’s internal conflict, torn between her obvious attraction to Hayley and her resentment towards her.
Of course, every small town romance isn’t complete without at least one adorable pet. Walter seemed like such a little cutie. I wish he had more page presence! He deserved it since he basically brought the leads together.
Even though One Walk in Winter is a typical enemies-to-lovers romance in every way, it’s a really good one that will definitely give you that happy feeling. I highly recommend you pick this up in the days leading up to the winter holidays, curled up on the sofa with a cup of hot cocoa and the Christmas lights on.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review
I wasn’t in the best of places mentally-wise when I picked it up, but this book was everything I needed at the time. It’s a cozy, comforting read that made me smile, laugh and cry.
Olivia Santini has worked her whole life toward her goal of one day managing the Evergreen Resort and Spa. With the manager position recently vacated, Olivia is certain she’s finally getting the job of her dreams. So when Hayley Boyd comes in out of nowhere and get the job instead of her, Olivia is rightfully angry. More so when it becomes painfully obvious that Hayley has no experience managing anything, let alone a hotel.
Beers’ main and side characters are all well-developed and have a certain depth and authenticity to them; they feel like real people you want to get to know and spend more time with. They’re all flawed and over the course of the pages, they grow in realistic ways. I absolutely loved MCs Olivia and Hayley (I have a little crush on her) and found their attraction believable. There’s a tension between them, and you can feel Olivia’s internal conflict, torn between her obvious attraction to Hayley and her resentment towards her.
Of course, every small town romance isn’t complete without at least one adorable pet. Walter seemed like such a little cutie. I wish he had more page presence! He deserved it since he basically brought the leads together.
Even though One Walk in Winter is a typical enemies-to-lovers romance in every way, it’s a really good one that will definitely give you that happy feeling. I highly recommend you pick this up in the days leading up to the winter holidays, curled up on the sofa with a cup of hot cocoa and the Christmas lights on.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review
October 5, 2019
Hey - it's a Georgia Beers. Why are you even reading a review when you know you're likely going to pick it up? One Walk in Winter has all the hallmarks of a good Beers' romance - strong and likable characters, a charming setting, phenomenal chemistry and a really cute dog.
Olivia Santini has a job she loves at the Evergreen Resort and Spa and she's poised to take on the role of manager. Her ambitions are thwarted with the arrival of Hayley Boyd, the new manager appointed by Corporate to oversee the aging resort. Unknown the Olivia, Hayley is the daughter of the owner of Markham Resorts who has been given an ultimatum by her father - shape up and step up to working in the family the business or be cut off.
Honestly, Olivia is a better person than me - if I found myself in the position of having to train and support an obviously inexperienced manager in the job I was so perfectly suited for, I would probably be a bit more snarky and resentful. Instead, Olivia swallows her disappointment and works with Hayley to get her up to speed with he resort and the role of manager - not to say that there isn't a bit of resentment poking through at times - but her love of the resort and desire to see it flourish outweighs it.
Olivia and Hayley are likable and engaging and despite their situation, there's an easy respect and connection in their interactions. The initial attraction, before they find out that Hayley is now Olivia's new boss, still simmers in the background of their interactions and builds the romance. The chemistry definitely crackles between the two.
Hayley struggles realistically with the new role where she has no experience and the fact that her father expects her to fail. She doesn't emerge as a business superstar, but with Olivia's help she's competent enough and willing to push herself to tackle the more difficult tasks. She is self-aware enough to know that she isn't the right person to push the Evergreen from a fading resort to a successful one.
This is a lovely little romance that doesn't cash in on a lot of angst and conflict that might have been an easy (but not satisfying) route. Even the big conflict at the end is handled maturely and, after a good cry, the leads actually talk and don't jump to conclusions, storming away due to easily resolved miscommunication. Definitely an enjoyable read.
Recommended
Olivia Santini has a job she loves at the Evergreen Resort and Spa and she's poised to take on the role of manager. Her ambitions are thwarted with the arrival of Hayley Boyd, the new manager appointed by Corporate to oversee the aging resort. Unknown the Olivia, Hayley is the daughter of the owner of Markham Resorts who has been given an ultimatum by her father - shape up and step up to working in the family the business or be cut off.
Honestly, Olivia is a better person than me - if I found myself in the position of having to train and support an obviously inexperienced manager in the job I was so perfectly suited for, I would probably be a bit more snarky and resentful. Instead, Olivia swallows her disappointment and works with Hayley to get her up to speed with he resort and the role of manager - not to say that there isn't a bit of resentment poking through at times - but her love of the resort and desire to see it flourish outweighs it.
Olivia and Hayley are likable and engaging and despite their situation, there's an easy respect and connection in their interactions. The initial attraction, before they find out that Hayley is now Olivia's new boss, still simmers in the background of their interactions and builds the romance. The chemistry definitely crackles between the two.
Hayley struggles realistically with the new role where she has no experience and the fact that her father expects her to fail. She doesn't emerge as a business superstar, but with Olivia's help she's competent enough and willing to push herself to tackle the more difficult tasks. She is self-aware enough to know that she isn't the right person to push the Evergreen from a fading resort to a successful one.
This is a lovely little romance that doesn't cash in on a lot of angst and conflict that might have been an easy (but not satisfying) route. Even the big conflict at the end is handled maturely and, after a good cry, the leads actually talk and don't jump to conclusions, storming away due to easily resolved miscommunication. Definitely an enjoyable read.
Recommended
December 17, 2019
Hayley Boyd Markham is the spoiled younger daughter of a resort magnate. As part of teaching her a lesson, Hayley’s father sends her to his failing resort, Evergreen Resort and Spa, as manager for the winter season. When she arrives into town, she meets this charming woman and her dog on a walk. They exchange numbers only to realize on her first day at work that the woman is Olivia Santini, the assistant manager. Olivia was born and raised in the town and loves her job, which has been acting manager for the past few years as there was an incompetent manager before Hayley. She deserves the manager job and has all these ideas to make the resort profitable, but no one has been paying attention in corporate. The attraction grows but can it overcome the job and lies by omission?
This was indeed a nice, sweet winter read, or listen in my case. It was the predictable story of one main hiding their identity, and the reader can see the clash coming, but it was very enjoyable nonetheless. Ms Beers was great on the humor and all the little awkward moments. Lori Prince did very well bringing those voices to life. I believe this was my first time listening to Ms Prince, and I look forward to more of her performances. All her voices were likable and the pace of the narration was on point.
I suppose this was also an enemies to lovers romance, but more on the tame side. There was some discord but Olivia was such a nice person, the animosity did not last long. The chemistry between the mains was good and started on that first chance meeting in the trail. I really liked the idea of that event, as they met without any prejudice and had that first attraction to drive the rest of the story.
The secondary characters were lacking for the most part, with no one really shining on their own. The only one that did was perhaps Hayley’s father. He had a small but important part and I did like the development he endured. I was not sure why the story shifted briefly to him, but I was glad, and the author brought him back into the main story flawlessly.
Overall, another Georgia Beers hit. 4.25 stars
This was indeed a nice, sweet winter read, or listen in my case. It was the predictable story of one main hiding their identity, and the reader can see the clash coming, but it was very enjoyable nonetheless. Ms Beers was great on the humor and all the little awkward moments. Lori Prince did very well bringing those voices to life. I believe this was my first time listening to Ms Prince, and I look forward to more of her performances. All her voices were likable and the pace of the narration was on point.
I suppose this was also an enemies to lovers romance, but more on the tame side. There was some discord but Olivia was such a nice person, the animosity did not last long. The chemistry between the mains was good and started on that first chance meeting in the trail. I really liked the idea of that event, as they met without any prejudice and had that first attraction to drive the rest of the story.
The secondary characters were lacking for the most part, with no one really shining on their own. The only one that did was perhaps Hayley’s father. He had a small but important part and I did like the development he endured. I was not sure why the story shifted briefly to him, but I was glad, and the author brought him back into the main story flawlessly.
Overall, another Georgia Beers hit. 4.25 stars
November 19, 2020
This is a super easy book to get into and stick with. Beers has released a handful of workplace romances before and, while One Walk in Winter has elements that were reminiscent of some of them (especially Blend and Calendar Girl), she still delivered something fresh that didn’t feel like a retread of ground she’s already covered.
Full review (TLR): https://www.thelesbianreview.com/one-...
Full review (Lambda Literary): https://www.lambdaliterary.org/2020/0...
Full review (TLR): https://www.thelesbianreview.com/one-...
Full review (Lambda Literary): https://www.lambdaliterary.org/2020/0...
December 8, 2020
One of my favourite winter romances and I'm on my second read. Chemistry, snow, winter holidays. Perfect for this time of year.
October 5, 2019
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for and honest review.
This is a nice romance from Beers. Here, we have MC Olivia, who is an assistant manager at a resort in upstate New York, who has recently been passed over for the manager’s role she thought should be hers (she’s right). She meets the other MC, Haley, while walking in the woods, and they flirt and make plans to get together again, only to discover the next day that Haley is Olivia’s new manager.
Of course, this doesn’t please Olivia, but she’s less pleased by the fact that Haley appears to be a total flake, who is completely unqualified for the role (she is). It also rightfully annoys and confuses Olivia that she’s been passed over for Haley.
Meanwhile, Haley is actually the daughter of the owner, who has been going off the rails with spending in the wake of her mother’s death two years earlier and has now been exiled to the resort with an ultimatum to turn it around within the next four months, even though she’s an artist, and knows nothing about running a resort. She’s also hiding her real identity, so Olivia doesn’t know she’s the boss’s daughter and this was the ‘waiting for the other shoe to drop’ element, which was as annoying as it usually is because I just kept waiting for the reveal.
The secondary characters include Olivia’s two best friends who also work at the resort and her family who all live in town (her mother is a hoot), while Haley’s BFF and one of her brothers appear during brief phone calls. Her main connection is her father, who is also having trouble dealing with her mother’s death and they do not relate to each other at all.
The two MCs spend a lot of time together due to their roles, and early on this is fraught by Haley’s lack of interest in the role and Olivia’s resentment of her. They do become closer though and end up giving in to their mutual attraction. This then leads to the ‘drama’ portion, which actually zigged when I expected a zag, and didn’t bog the story down as I had thought it would, so I was happy that the conflict did not play out at all the way I thought.
My main issue with the story was Haley’s character, she’s 30, and completely dependent on her father to pay her bills, which is kind of... pathetic for a grown ass woman (although I also couldn’t work out if she was being paid to work at the resort). She also half asses her way through her job, does no preparation before arriving, and little once she gets there, it’s at least a month before she really starts doing anything of note, she just lets Olivia do the heavy lifting. She does improve, but it took me awhile to warm to her. Even in the epilogue when she makes a rather large purchase, I had to wonder who actually paid for it.
Anyway, that aside, I enjoyed the setting, the romance between the MCs was sweet, and I give points for not following the usual ‘get them together to break them up’ formula. It’s probably around the 3.75 star mark, but I’m rounding up to 4 because it’s Beers
This is a nice romance from Beers. Here, we have MC Olivia, who is an assistant manager at a resort in upstate New York, who has recently been passed over for the manager’s role she thought should be hers (she’s right). She meets the other MC, Haley, while walking in the woods, and they flirt and make plans to get together again, only to discover the next day that Haley is Olivia’s new manager.
Of course, this doesn’t please Olivia, but she’s less pleased by the fact that Haley appears to be a total flake, who is completely unqualified for the role (she is). It also rightfully annoys and confuses Olivia that she’s been passed over for Haley.
Meanwhile, Haley is actually the daughter of the owner, who has been going off the rails with spending in the wake of her mother’s death two years earlier and has now been exiled to the resort with an ultimatum to turn it around within the next four months, even though she’s an artist, and knows nothing about running a resort. She’s also hiding her real identity, so Olivia doesn’t know she’s the boss’s daughter and this was the ‘waiting for the other shoe to drop’ element, which was as annoying as it usually is because I just kept waiting for the reveal.
The secondary characters include Olivia’s two best friends who also work at the resort and her family who all live in town (her mother is a hoot), while Haley’s BFF and one of her brothers appear during brief phone calls. Her main connection is her father, who is also having trouble dealing with her mother’s death and they do not relate to each other at all.
The two MCs spend a lot of time together due to their roles, and early on this is fraught by Haley’s lack of interest in the role and Olivia’s resentment of her. They do become closer though and end up giving in to their mutual attraction. This then leads to the ‘drama’ portion, which actually zigged when I expected a zag, and didn’t bog the story down as I had thought it would, so I was happy that the conflict did not play out at all the way I thought.
My main issue with the story was Haley’s character, she’s 30, and completely dependent on her father to pay her bills, which is kind of... pathetic for a grown ass woman (although I also couldn’t work out if she was being paid to work at the resort). She also half asses her way through her job, does no preparation before arriving, and little once she gets there, it’s at least a month before she really starts doing anything of note, she just lets Olivia do the heavy lifting. She does improve, but it took me awhile to warm to her. Even in the epilogue when she makes a rather large purchase, I had to wonder who actually paid for it.
Anyway, that aside, I enjoyed the setting, the romance between the MCs was sweet, and I give points for not following the usual ‘get them together to break them up’ formula. It’s probably around the 3.75 star mark, but I’m rounding up to 4 because it’s Beers
October 16, 2019
Olivia Santini is the assistant manager of the Evergreen Resort and Spa and now that the manager post is vacant, she wants the top job badly. Hayley Boyd Markham is the artistic soul of a family of business people but when she gets into trouble for partying too much, her father and owner of the Evergreen Resort sends her there incognito as the new manager. The morning before starting her new job, a chance meeting in the woods with Olivia leave them both wishing for more but when Olivia realises who her new boss is things get complicated…
This is a sweet lesbian workplace romance book, angst-free and an ideal light winter read. Georgia Beers have written a few workplace romances, my favourites ‘Too close to touch’ and ‘Blend’ but this one is by far her sweetest. The author chose the landscape of upstate New York as the background to this story which is where she was born and bred. Her descriptions of the area are beautiful and the winter setting gives the story a cozy feel.
Both main characters are likeable and the reader can tell that they belong together. As usual, Ms. Beers builds the chemistry between them to a sizzling point, their attraction undeniable, the sex scenes hot. While I found the romance part spot-on, the business aspects seemed a bit unrealistic and naive, but having said that, they didn’t affect my enjoyment of the main story.
Overall, a cute and sweet workplace romance, recommended if you are looking for a cozy winter read. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sweet lesbian workplace romance book, angst-free and an ideal light winter read. Georgia Beers have written a few workplace romances, my favourites ‘Too close to touch’ and ‘Blend’ but this one is by far her sweetest. The author chose the landscape of upstate New York as the background to this story which is where she was born and bred. Her descriptions of the area are beautiful and the winter setting gives the story a cozy feel.
Both main characters are likeable and the reader can tell that they belong together. As usual, Ms. Beers builds the chemistry between them to a sizzling point, their attraction undeniable, the sex scenes hot. While I found the romance part spot-on, the business aspects seemed a bit unrealistic and naive, but having said that, they didn’t affect my enjoyment of the main story.
Overall, a cute and sweet workplace romance, recommended if you are looking for a cozy winter read. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2019
A well-executed romance. There’s snow. Lovely dogs. Family matriarchs. And a strange mix of instalove and enemies to lovers (and that is just for the one couple...).
I found this really sweet and charming in parts. And a little bit boring in others. Overall, a nice winter holiday story.
I found this really sweet and charming in parts. And a little bit boring in others. Overall, a nice winter holiday story.
October 6, 2019
One of the sweetest stories Georgia Beers has ever written. This was another amazing read which was not a surprise because her stories never disappoint.
September 28, 2019
This novel takes place from Thanksgiving to New Years and is set in the charming town of Evergreen Hills in northeastern USA so we get a lovely stretch of winter scenes and holidays. The timing and setting are wonderful and make a quaint and special backdrop for a slow-burn romance.
For the first half of the book, our MCs are fighting their mutual attraction and they have a few scenes where things could heat up but nothing too intense happens. Both of them are unwilling to take the next step. Their working relationship makes acting on their attraction difficult, as well as the fact that Olivia is resentful the job she wanted was given to Hayley, who harbors her own secret she can’t reveal to Olivia.
This is a safe, pleasant read with an interesting and diverse cast of characters including Olivia’s dog Walter, who adds a fun touch. This novel won’t rock the foundation of your life but neither will it traumatize you.
Three point five stars.
ARC received from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
For the first half of the book, our MCs are fighting their mutual attraction and they have a few scenes where things could heat up but nothing too intense happens. Both of them are unwilling to take the next step. Their working relationship makes acting on their attraction difficult, as well as the fact that Olivia is resentful the job she wanted was given to Hayley, who harbors her own secret she can’t reveal to Olivia.
This is a safe, pleasant read with an interesting and diverse cast of characters including Olivia’s dog Walter, who adds a fun touch. This novel won’t rock the foundation of your life but neither will it traumatize you.
Three point five stars.
ARC received from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
September 29, 2019
Olivia Sandinista is the assistant manger at Evergreen resort. She is expecting to become the manager because she has been doing the work for the last couple of years. Before going to work, she always takes her dog for a walk. On this morning she comes across a beautiful stranger Hayley Boyd. They are attracted to one another and before they depart one another Hayley asks her on a date. Things are looking up. Hayley Boyd is really in town to take the manager position at the Evergreen. Her father the owner of the resort has forbidden her to give her real last name and has also thrown her into an impossible situation because she has never really worked before and he is planning on either selling or closing the resort in the summer. All of this has come about because Haley has been irresponsible for the past couple of years and spending too much money.
So now that we have got threw that, I overall thought the romance was cute and sweet. I really liked both Olivia and Hayley. I even liked the premise of the story. I only had one problem. It was sort of boring. Sure it was a solid read, but nothing really popped until I got to the angst towards the end. As I was reading, I was just wish there was more of a push and pull between Hayley and Olivia. More passion or longing or something. I still really like Beers writing and like her romances.
Anyway, I am going to give this a 3.75.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
So now that we have got threw that, I overall thought the romance was cute and sweet. I really liked both Olivia and Hayley. I even liked the premise of the story. I only had one problem. It was sort of boring. Sure it was a solid read, but nothing really popped until I got to the angst towards the end. As I was reading, I was just wish there was more of a push and pull between Hayley and Olivia. More passion or longing or something. I still really like Beers writing and like her romances.
Anyway, I am going to give this a 3.75.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
November 4, 2019
I swear this was the equivalent of watching a holiday hallmark film in lesbian book form! Which was, surprisingly, exactly what I needed and a very pleasant experience. I'm not usually into holiday romances or hallmark films for that matter, but somehow this worked for me.
3.7 stars
3.7 stars
July 4, 2021
Dang it. I never got around to writing a review for this one. And it really is too long now to write one. So I'll just put down a few notes to remind myself of this book.
Shesh, I've read a lot of hotel related books recently. Had to reread the book description a few times to remind myself of which specific hotel related book this one was. (There was a Lee Winter book recently, and that Scotland theme park one that wasn't hotel related, but was hospitality related).
Right, so. There's this small village/town in, I think, something like Colorado. Well, the mountains. It's a nice village/town. It has a few resorts. One of the older ones, possibly smallest one, and one that probably needs a bit of work to update it, is called Evergreen Resort. Evergreen Resort is owned by a huge hotel chain that tends to have hotels in the more luxurious end of hotel types. Oddly, while the chain apparently has abilities to run that type of thing, they never really give much thought to Evergreen Resort. Which is how it was run by an idiot for two years (or, wording that differently, how an idiot was manager for two years, while actually being run by the asst manager (and, if I recall correctly, and I'm probably not remembering this right, most hotels have something like a day manager, a night manager, then something like an executive manager - at least if they are a resort type place; this place seems to be run by a thin roster of people at the top (manager/asst manager); though various sections of the hotel (laundry, maintenance, etc) do have their own head, so this isn't as bare bones as it might seem). That idiot manager is gone now, and the asst manager believes they both will be made the manager and should be. They are not. They are, though, one of the two points of view in this book (Olivia Santini).
Enter the other point of view character, Hayley Boyd Markham. You'd think the two would meet bad. Really bad. What with one thinking the other "stole" their job, and the other . . . something something. But know, they meet well, very well. Gloriously about to hump each other well. While on a walk in the forest, with a dog. And snow. Of course there's a reason for this meet gloriously: neither actually knows the other nor what position the other is in their life. But then they learn. And the normal: meet super horribly has its chance to shine. Though just wasn't the "first meeting" experience. Which is actually probably helpful in this situation - Olivia wants to hate Holly, but she also wanted to hump her before she realized she was the new manager. Soooo....
Right, so, as the book description puts it: Olivia had to work hard to get where she currently is in life, while Holly literally had her current job handed to her. By her dad. Who owns and runs the hotel. Though, before you leap any particular direction based on this news: Holly wants nothing to do with running a hotel, being a manager in a hotel, or working in any other position in a hotel. Her dad, though, apparently has much control over her, despite her being in her 30s (if I recall correctly, maybe late 20s?). No, Holly would rather make a career pursuing her artistic inclinations (she's apparently a high level, high quality artist).
Right, so. There's a desk person, who has a child, both of them are characters in this book. As is the head chef, who is best friends with Olivia; and is also friends with the head bartender. The best friends (the chef & bartender) are more filled in than the other side characters, and the chef more so than the bartender. The other side characters are kind of . . . just there, blobs of information. I've no real recollection of the head front desk person, for example, beyond the vague idea she's competent, older, and has a teenager. Name, exact age, body type, interests, dreams, pursuits, nationality, interesting "just them" tidbits . . . not known/remembered. And this is the same for most of the side characters.
Interesting enough book, despite how this all might read. I'm not sure I particularly liked the two main characters, though I don't think I disliked them. So.
Rating: 3...something that lead me to put this on my 3.5 shelf.
July 4 2021
Shesh, I've read a lot of hotel related books recently. Had to reread the book description a few times to remind myself of which specific hotel related book this one was. (There was a Lee Winter book recently, and that Scotland theme park one that wasn't hotel related, but was hospitality related).
Right, so. There's this small village/town in, I think, something like Colorado. Well, the mountains. It's a nice village/town. It has a few resorts. One of the older ones, possibly smallest one, and one that probably needs a bit of work to update it, is called Evergreen Resort. Evergreen Resort is owned by a huge hotel chain that tends to have hotels in the more luxurious end of hotel types. Oddly, while the chain apparently has abilities to run that type of thing, they never really give much thought to Evergreen Resort. Which is how it was run by an idiot for two years (or, wording that differently, how an idiot was manager for two years, while actually being run by the asst manager (and, if I recall correctly, and I'm probably not remembering this right, most hotels have something like a day manager, a night manager, then something like an executive manager - at least if they are a resort type place; this place seems to be run by a thin roster of people at the top (manager/asst manager); though various sections of the hotel (laundry, maintenance, etc) do have their own head, so this isn't as bare bones as it might seem). That idiot manager is gone now, and the asst manager believes they both will be made the manager and should be. They are not. They are, though, one of the two points of view in this book (Olivia Santini).
Enter the other point of view character, Hayley Boyd Markham. You'd think the two would meet bad. Really bad. What with one thinking the other "stole" their job, and the other . . . something something. But know, they meet well, very well. Gloriously about to hump each other well. While on a walk in the forest, with a dog. And snow. Of course there's a reason for this meet gloriously: neither actually knows the other nor what position the other is in their life. But then they learn. And the normal: meet super horribly has its chance to shine. Though just wasn't the "first meeting" experience. Which is actually probably helpful in this situation - Olivia wants to hate Holly, but she also wanted to hump her before she realized she was the new manager. Soooo....
Right, so, as the book description puts it: Olivia had to work hard to get where she currently is in life, while Holly literally had her current job handed to her. By her dad. Who owns and runs the hotel. Though, before you leap any particular direction based on this news: Holly wants nothing to do with running a hotel, being a manager in a hotel, or working in any other position in a hotel. Her dad, though, apparently has much control over her, despite her being in her 30s (if I recall correctly, maybe late 20s?). No, Holly would rather make a career pursuing her artistic inclinations (she's apparently a high level, high quality artist).
Right, so. There's a desk person, who has a child, both of them are characters in this book. As is the head chef, who is best friends with Olivia; and is also friends with the head bartender. The best friends (the chef & bartender) are more filled in than the other side characters, and the chef more so than the bartender. The other side characters are kind of . . . just there, blobs of information. I've no real recollection of the head front desk person, for example, beyond the vague idea she's competent, older, and has a teenager. Name, exact age, body type, interests, dreams, pursuits, nationality, interesting "just them" tidbits . . . not known/remembered. And this is the same for most of the side characters.
Interesting enough book, despite how this all might read. I'm not sure I particularly liked the two main characters, though I don't think I disliked them. So.
Rating: 3...something that lead me to put this on my 3.5 shelf.
July 4 2021
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