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Notting Hill in the Snow
Escape to Notting Hill this Christmas…From the bestselling author of Covent Garden in the Snow, this is the most romantic and charming book you’ll read this Christmas…
A Notting Hill nativity… what could go wrong?
Viola Smith plays the viola in an orchestra (yes really!) but this year she's been asked to stretch her musical talents to organising Notting Hill's local nativity.
Nate Williams isn't looking forward to Christmas but as his small daughter, Grace, has the starring role in the show, he's forced to stop being a Grinch and volunteer with Viola.
With the sparks between them hotter than the chestnuts roasting in Portobello market, Nate and Viola can't deny their feelings. And as the snow starts to fall over London, they find themselves trapped together in more ways than one…
This is a gorgeously heartwarming and uplifting Christmas romance, perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Isabelle Broom or any Hugh Grant romcom… From Four Weddings and a Funeral to Notting Hill!
Praise for Covent Garden in the Snow…‘Had me laughing from the first page!’ Rachel’s Random Reads
‘Buy this book, put up a do not disturb sign and enjoy indulging in every page – you won't be disappointed!’ Gem’s Quiet Corner
‘A romantic and hilarious novel with a beautiful and snowy Christmas atmosphere’ Chicklit Club
‘Oh I absolutely loved Tilly! What a fun, festive book, and a beautiful cover’ LoveReading.com
A Notting Hill nativity… what could go wrong?
Viola Smith plays the viola in an orchestra (yes really!) but this year she's been asked to stretch her musical talents to organising Notting Hill's local nativity.
Nate Williams isn't looking forward to Christmas but as his small daughter, Grace, has the starring role in the show, he's forced to stop being a Grinch and volunteer with Viola.
With the sparks between them hotter than the chestnuts roasting in Portobello market, Nate and Viola can't deny their feelings. And as the snow starts to fall over London, they find themselves trapped together in more ways than one…
This is a gorgeously heartwarming and uplifting Christmas romance, perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Isabelle Broom or any Hugh Grant romcom… From Four Weddings and a Funeral to Notting Hill!
Praise for Covent Garden in the Snow…‘Had me laughing from the first page!’ Rachel’s Random Reads
‘Buy this book, put up a do not disturb sign and enjoy indulging in every page – you won't be disappointed!’ Gem’s Quiet Corner
‘A romantic and hilarious novel with a beautiful and snowy Christmas atmosphere’ Chicklit Club
‘Oh I absolutely loved Tilly! What a fun, festive book, and a beautiful cover’ LoveReading.com
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2019
429 people are currently reading
1415 people want to read
About the author
Jules Wake
18 books295 followersJule Wake's first book, Talk to Me, was published in 2014. Since then, she has written a further eighteen books, with another two in the pipeline. She has sold translation rights to various countries throughout Europe, she's had two best sellers with Covent Garden in the Snow reaching the heady height of No 2 in the Amazon Kindle chart, something she never thought she’d see and The Little Café in Copenhagen becoming a big hit in Sainsbury’s. In January 2021 The Saturday Morning Park Run was her first book to gather over 3,000 reviews on Amazon. Running and romance is a great combination!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
February 14, 2020
Kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
What a beautiful present in time for Christmas. Although I know Christmas is a good three months away this really managed to put me in the pre-christmas spirit. The story was lovely plot with amazing characters with flaws on their own an the ending was the perfect bow on top of the pretty parcel. Grace stole my heart and Viola was simply a sweetheart. What made it great was the fact everyone was human. No one blamed anyone unnecessarily, they manned up to their mistakes. My heart genuinely broke for Viola when she came to find Elaine back but that part needed to happen. It broke for grace when she figured her family wasn’t what she wanted and it broke more when she finally figured what was the best for her and Nate. The little girl was more adult than anyone could be.
Beautiful story, with beautiful humane characters to remind us that Christmas is indeed a beautiful time all around.
What a beautiful present in time for Christmas. Although I know Christmas is a good three months away this really managed to put me in the pre-christmas spirit. The story was lovely plot with amazing characters with flaws on their own an the ending was the perfect bow on top of the pretty parcel. Grace stole my heart and Viola was simply a sweetheart. What made it great was the fact everyone was human. No one blamed anyone unnecessarily, they manned up to their mistakes. My heart genuinely broke for Viola when she came to find Elaine back but that part needed to happen. It broke for grace when she figured her family wasn’t what she wanted and it broke more when she finally figured what was the best for her and Nate. The little girl was more adult than anyone could be.
Beautiful story, with beautiful humane characters to remind us that Christmas is indeed a beautiful time all around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
‘I’d offer you a biscuit … but the biscuit burglar has been to visit this week and all the chocolate ones have gone.’ Grace was suddenly very studious with her drawing, nodding in agreement. ‘I hate it when that happens,’ I said. ‘And why do they always steal the good biscuits and leave the custard creams behind?’ Nate laughed. ‘You have the same burglar.’
She came running into the kitchen. ‘I’m starvacious.’
My Review:
I had never noticed this wily author until falling upon this marvelous book but I am completely enamored and besotted with her craftiness while selfishly coveting all her clever arrangements of words. Goodreads lists thirteen books to her credit and I want them all! I was instantly pulled into her vortex like a house of cards in a tornado, and smirked and grinned my way through her brilliantly crafted tale while savoring each perfectly chosen and highly amusing word. The characters were lovable, the storylines were delightfully engaging, and the writing sparkled with perceptive insights and smartly observed and well-paced levity.
In addition to gleeful entertainment, Ms. Wake provided me with two new items for my Brit Word List with: fill your boots – which is an invitation to eat as much of whatever is offered as you want and take some home with you; and LOL dolls – which are apparently highly prized collections of small dolls with big eyes.
‘I’d offer you a biscuit … but the biscuit burglar has been to visit this week and all the chocolate ones have gone.’ Grace was suddenly very studious with her drawing, nodding in agreement. ‘I hate it when that happens,’ I said. ‘And why do they always steal the good biscuits and leave the custard creams behind?’ Nate laughed. ‘You have the same burglar.’
She came running into the kitchen. ‘I’m starvacious.’
My Review:
I had never noticed this wily author until falling upon this marvelous book but I am completely enamored and besotted with her craftiness while selfishly coveting all her clever arrangements of words. Goodreads lists thirteen books to her credit and I want them all! I was instantly pulled into her vortex like a house of cards in a tornado, and smirked and grinned my way through her brilliantly crafted tale while savoring each perfectly chosen and highly amusing word. The characters were lovable, the storylines were delightfully engaging, and the writing sparkled with perceptive insights and smartly observed and well-paced levity.
In addition to gleeful entertainment, Ms. Wake provided me with two new items for my Brit Word List with: fill your boots – which is an invitation to eat as much of whatever is offered as you want and take some home with you; and LOL dolls – which are apparently highly prized collections of small dolls with big eyes.
Read
December 8, 2021Viola meets Nat, a charming, good-looking man, on her way to work. But Nat has a little daughter. As luck would have it, Viola becomes very close to the little daughter through work and in private. She recognises herself in Grace and Nat too, puts her feelings on cloud nine. But happiness doesn't last long, because Nat's wife is back on the doorstep just before Christmas....
October 21, 2019
Captivating, romantic, and festive!
Notting Hill in the Snow is a delightfully heartwarming novel set in the idyllic Notting Hill in wintertime that takes us into the lives of two main characters. Viola, a young woman who is thoughtful, hardworking and always ready to help out, and Nate, a loving father who tries to spend as much time as he can raising his daughter while his wife is away and his career is booming.
The writing is warm and light. The characterization is spot on with a cast of characters that are dependable, kindhearted, sentimental and endearing. And the plot is an irresistible blend of heart, humour, family, friendship, tension, attraction, chemistry, support, understanding, tender moments, and spirited shenanigans.
Overall, Notting Hill in the Snow is an enchanting, humourous, magical treat by Wake that I absolutely devoured, highly recommend, and is hands down one of my favourite holiday reads of the year!
Thank you to Jules Wake, HarperImpulse, and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
Notting Hill in the Snow is a delightfully heartwarming novel set in the idyllic Notting Hill in wintertime that takes us into the lives of two main characters. Viola, a young woman who is thoughtful, hardworking and always ready to help out, and Nate, a loving father who tries to spend as much time as he can raising his daughter while his wife is away and his career is booming.
The writing is warm and light. The characterization is spot on with a cast of characters that are dependable, kindhearted, sentimental and endearing. And the plot is an irresistible blend of heart, humour, family, friendship, tension, attraction, chemistry, support, understanding, tender moments, and spirited shenanigans.
Overall, Notting Hill in the Snow is an enchanting, humourous, magical treat by Wake that I absolutely devoured, highly recommend, and is hands down one of my favourite holiday reads of the year!
Thank you to Jules Wake, HarperImpulse, and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2019
5 Christmas armadillo stars!
Could someone please make this into a movie so that I can watch it every year along with my other favourite Christmas movies? And not a cheesy Hallmark movie, it deserves better than that!
There’s so much that I loved about this book! I love all things British and the setting of Notting Hill was perfect for this story. I loved all the British sayings and idioms scattered throughout.
Viola was such a sweet character. A viola player (yes, the irony is not lost on me) for the London Metropolitan Opera, she’s been asked to help out with an outreach project to a local school to assist with music for their annual nativity play. That is how she meets Nate, the single father to one of the students, Grace. What ensues is a very sweet slow burn romance.
I loved everything about Nate; left a single dad after his wife picked up and moved to the other side of the globe, he’s doing his best to make everything about his little girl. Let’s not forget about that little sweetheart, Grace, who stole the show every time that she stepped onto the page.
I loved how Viola and Nate both kept ending up being there for each other in times of need. Viola being able to help with Grace when their nanny had to go and care for her sick mother and Nate being able to help Viola when her heat went out and couldn’t be repaired for a few days. It felt as though once they were imbedded into each other’s lives that fate continued to step in and keep them together.
This is a clean romance, so don’t be expecting to get down and dirty with these characters. I found that, with this story, it wasn’t something that I really missed, there were still plenty of tender, intimate moments to cause my heart to pitter patter.
I’m so glad that I found this book and picked it up. It definitely helped to put me into a Christmas mood! I can see myself enjoying this again in the future. I will definitely be going back to check out other works from this author.
Could someone please make this into a movie so that I can watch it every year along with my other favourite Christmas movies? And not a cheesy Hallmark movie, it deserves better than that!
There’s so much that I loved about this book! I love all things British and the setting of Notting Hill was perfect for this story. I loved all the British sayings and idioms scattered throughout.
Viola was such a sweet character. A viola player (yes, the irony is not lost on me) for the London Metropolitan Opera, she’s been asked to help out with an outreach project to a local school to assist with music for their annual nativity play. That is how she meets Nate, the single father to one of the students, Grace. What ensues is a very sweet slow burn romance.
I loved everything about Nate; left a single dad after his wife picked up and moved to the other side of the globe, he’s doing his best to make everything about his little girl. Let’s not forget about that little sweetheart, Grace, who stole the show every time that she stepped onto the page.
I loved how Viola and Nate both kept ending up being there for each other in times of need. Viola being able to help with Grace when their nanny had to go and care for her sick mother and Nate being able to help Viola when her heat went out and couldn’t be repaired for a few days. It felt as though once they were imbedded into each other’s lives that fate continued to step in and keep them together.
He stepped forward and lifted my chin with his hand, looking down into my eyes. ‘I’d like to look after you. You’ve done so much for us. What have you got to lose?’
This is a clean romance, so don’t be expecting to get down and dirty with these characters. I found that, with this story, it wasn’t something that I really missed, there were still plenty of tender, intimate moments to cause my heart to pitter patter.
I’m so glad that I found this book and picked it up. It definitely helped to put me into a Christmas mood! I can see myself enjoying this again in the future. I will definitely be going back to check out other works from this author.
January 9, 2021
Kvôli Netflixu nebol čas na vianočný príbeh pred Vianocami. Je ale moc fajn takto si Vianoce predĺžiť. Milý a láskyplný príbeh so zvláštnou šablónou. Hviezdičku dávam dole pre veľké množstvo chýb. Korektorka sa buď začítala alebo vôbec nebola... škoda.
January 7, 2021
Táto kniha ma roztopila. Už pár rokov nemávam vianočnú náladu, ale hlavná hrdinka Viola ma ňou dokázala nakaziť aj na Troch kráľov. Bolo to skvelé :)
April 10, 2020
After aptly named Viola Smith, a professional viola musician, volunteers to manage the music for a nativity play at a local school, she comes in ready to tackle it head-on. After all, how hard can it be? Unfortunately, she soon realizes the school needs a lot more than accompaniment—things like costumes and makeup … a cast … a script. While the prospect of producing anything initially seems daunting, she soon works out a plan with Nate Williams, one of her new pupil’s father, to get things sorted out. However, the more they work together, the closer they get—sometimes against their best wishes. As opening night draws nearer, the two must face their feelings if they ever want to make it to a successful curtain call.
Viola has spent much of her life always trying to please everyone around her. When her family needs anything—anything—Viola gets the first call. And so, while others might be petrified of tackling an entire nativity almost single-handedly, she lets out an internal scream and charges ahead. Fortunately, author Jules Wake has instilled in her captivating charm, a brilliant sense of humor, and the brains to always somehow pull the impossible together. It’s not that everything she does is effortless. She has plenty of messy and tumultuous situations, and she struggles with not letting everyone walk all over her. The result is a character who feels real and who, in turn, is the perfect guide through Notting Hill.
It’s also this need to never let anyone down that sets the stage for romance and a bit of drama. Viola is tossed together with Nate, a totally charming and complicated man, and there are immediately sparks between them. She’s disappointed to discover that he’s married, but Wake knows how to spin complex storylines. So of course, Nate and his wife are actually separated. There’s a constant battle of whether the two should become involved, and Wake’s success is making them seem like the perfect pair with one caveat: while their feelings are real, acting on them is in limbo. Wake writes to tug at the heartstrings, and she’s more than successful.
Of course, this makes it sounds like a high-drama romance. While there’s plenty of tension and tenderness, Notting Hill in the Snow is also deeply funny. Viola might have been able to move past Nate, but she could never leave his daughter, Grace. Frozen-obsessed and occasionally wicked, she’s the cuteness factor holding everything together. Wake knows how to write children, and there are no overly saccharine displays. Just like every other character, she’s is fully realized person. And there are plenty of opportunities for her to make a star turn, whether during rocky rehearsals or when sharing a private moment with Viola.
Ultimately, Jules Wake has managed a book both perfectly romantic and human. One that doesn’t shy away from pain and how complicated love can really be. Perhaps more impressively, she’s crafted characters who linger long after The End.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
Viola has spent much of her life always trying to please everyone around her. When her family needs anything—anything—Viola gets the first call. And so, while others might be petrified of tackling an entire nativity almost single-handedly, she lets out an internal scream and charges ahead. Fortunately, author Jules Wake has instilled in her captivating charm, a brilliant sense of humor, and the brains to always somehow pull the impossible together. It’s not that everything she does is effortless. She has plenty of messy and tumultuous situations, and she struggles with not letting everyone walk all over her. The result is a character who feels real and who, in turn, is the perfect guide through Notting Hill.
It’s also this need to never let anyone down that sets the stage for romance and a bit of drama. Viola is tossed together with Nate, a totally charming and complicated man, and there are immediately sparks between them. She’s disappointed to discover that he’s married, but Wake knows how to spin complex storylines. So of course, Nate and his wife are actually separated. There’s a constant battle of whether the two should become involved, and Wake’s success is making them seem like the perfect pair with one caveat: while their feelings are real, acting on them is in limbo. Wake writes to tug at the heartstrings, and she’s more than successful.
Of course, this makes it sounds like a high-drama romance. While there’s plenty of tension and tenderness, Notting Hill in the Snow is also deeply funny. Viola might have been able to move past Nate, but she could never leave his daughter, Grace. Frozen-obsessed and occasionally wicked, she’s the cuteness factor holding everything together. Wake knows how to write children, and there are no overly saccharine displays. Just like every other character, she’s is fully realized person. And there are plenty of opportunities for her to make a star turn, whether during rocky rehearsals or when sharing a private moment with Viola.
Ultimately, Jules Wake has managed a book both perfectly romantic and human. One that doesn’t shy away from pain and how complicated love can really be. Perhaps more impressively, she’s crafted characters who linger long after The End.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
October 2, 2019
I have fallen in love...
...not with the the simply amazing story that really does sum up London and Notting Hill in the snow
...not with the simply fabulous sounding Nativity that Viola helps to put on
... not with Viola's family who frankly were driving me mad, but equally amused me
... not with Nate the incredibly sexy and wonderful man
... but with Nate's daughter Grace, who has crept completely under my skin and is key to the whole story. She is old beyond her years, and doesn't seem to know how to relax and just be a child. Which is of course due to her high flying mother and Elaine's need for perfection and appearances.
Grace was in some ways so wise, but in others so insecure and adorable. As Viola spends more time with Grace and Nate, it starts to feel like they are a family unit, but they also know nothing could ever happen between them.
It was wonderful to see a familiar setting and faces from Covent Garden in the Snow, but if you haven't read that then don't worry, this will easily work as a standalone novel.
Written with Jules Wake's trademark warmth, wit and incredibly relatable to characters, this is a sure fire hit book for me. I loved every second of it, and just couldn't seem to read it fast enough.
I thought it was incredibly clever to have so many references to Frozen 2, not in detail but just to help show just how excited children this winter will be for the film, and I desperately want to see it myself. I loved all the Frozen references, although I have just had to look up LOL dolls. It is clear Jules has definitely researched well what children will be enjoying this Christmas.
Oh and the nativity, and the children in Grace's class, so adorable, I loved George the innkeeper. Some incredibly touching moments throughout this book.
This is a wonderfully heartwarming story to read this winter. I adored it!
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
...not with the the simply amazing story that really does sum up London and Notting Hill in the snow
...not with the simply fabulous sounding Nativity that Viola helps to put on
... not with Viola's family who frankly were driving me mad, but equally amused me
... not with Nate the incredibly sexy and wonderful man
... but with Nate's daughter Grace, who has crept completely under my skin and is key to the whole story. She is old beyond her years, and doesn't seem to know how to relax and just be a child. Which is of course due to her high flying mother and Elaine's need for perfection and appearances.
Grace was in some ways so wise, but in others so insecure and adorable. As Viola spends more time with Grace and Nate, it starts to feel like they are a family unit, but they also know nothing could ever happen between them.
It was wonderful to see a familiar setting and faces from Covent Garden in the Snow, but if you haven't read that then don't worry, this will easily work as a standalone novel.
Written with Jules Wake's trademark warmth, wit and incredibly relatable to characters, this is a sure fire hit book for me. I loved every second of it, and just couldn't seem to read it fast enough.
I thought it was incredibly clever to have so many references to Frozen 2, not in detail but just to help show just how excited children this winter will be for the film, and I desperately want to see it myself. I loved all the Frozen references, although I have just had to look up LOL dolls. It is clear Jules has definitely researched well what children will be enjoying this Christmas.
Oh and the nativity, and the children in Grace's class, so adorable, I loved George the innkeeper. Some incredibly touching moments throughout this book.
This is a wonderfully heartwarming story to read this winter. I adored it!
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 23, 2019
Sigh. I loved it.
October 19, 2019
If you love Christmas novels you will adore this one. Notting Hill in the snow is a well written happy Christmas romance.
This hilarious novel will sweep you away to London and Notting Hill during the festive period.
Viola the main character who is a musician for the London Opera house is “volunteered” to help organize a nativity play. She is left in the lurch by a another teacher and only has the occasional help of Nate a school governor whose daughter Grace is in the play.
Nate’s wife is taking a break from their relationship and living in New York and Grace is desperate for her mother’s attention.
Viola a nice person who can’t say no begins to help out with Grace and Nate and you guessed it a romance starts to bud.
Lots of perfect festive moments you would expect from a Christmas romp. Warm mugs of hot chocolate, mince pies, Christmas tree decoration and Christmas preparation.
Absolutely a fun read that you will fly though on a cosy sofa day. A hug in a book ideal for a duvet day or a glass of red under a blanket. Jules Wake writing at her best.
Thank you Net galley for this ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.
This hilarious novel will sweep you away to London and Notting Hill during the festive period.
Viola the main character who is a musician for the London Opera house is “volunteered” to help organize a nativity play. She is left in the lurch by a another teacher and only has the occasional help of Nate a school governor whose daughter Grace is in the play.
Nate’s wife is taking a break from their relationship and living in New York and Grace is desperate for her mother’s attention.
Viola a nice person who can’t say no begins to help out with Grace and Nate and you guessed it a romance starts to bud.
Lots of perfect festive moments you would expect from a Christmas romp. Warm mugs of hot chocolate, mince pies, Christmas tree decoration and Christmas preparation.
Absolutely a fun read that you will fly though on a cosy sofa day. A hug in a book ideal for a duvet day or a glass of red under a blanket. Jules Wake writing at her best.
Thank you Net galley for this ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.
January 7, 2021
Opäť ďakujem vydavateľstvu Aktuell za zaslanie knihy, ktorá mi navodila oneskorenú vianočnú atmosféru. Tieto Vianoce sme mali úplne na prd počasie a vďaka tejto knihe som si užila aspoň trošku snehu.
Musím uznať, že tento čarovný vianočný príbeh je napísaný tak, aby sme sa ocitli v zasneženom Londýne, po boku sympatického Natea, ktorý hádže očkom po Viole. Od prvej strany nás autorka zasypávala iskrením a sexuálnym napätím medzi hlavnými hrdinami, ktorí proste nemohli byť spolu. Pritom ich to k sebe stále ťahalo, zároveň aj nepredvídateľné okolnosti stále spôsobovali, že sa stretli a trávili spolu čas.
Skvelý rozprávačský talent autorky zatienil pre mňa nelogické rozhodnutia a dialógu hrdinov, kedy si navzájom a niekedy aj sami pre seba obhajovali, prečo nemôžu byť spolu. Toto mi po pravde dosť liezlo na nervy. Taktiež dej bol veľmi predvídateľný a po celý čas som vedela, alebo aspoň tušila, čo sa bude diať ďalej, To je odpustené, pretože čítanie som si dosť užila a príjemne som si pri knihe oddýchla.
Musím uznať, že tento čarovný vianočný príbeh je napísaný tak, aby sme sa ocitli v zasneženom Londýne, po boku sympatického Natea, ktorý hádže očkom po Viole. Od prvej strany nás autorka zasypávala iskrením a sexuálnym napätím medzi hlavnými hrdinami, ktorí proste nemohli byť spolu. Pritom ich to k sebe stále ťahalo, zároveň aj nepredvídateľné okolnosti stále spôsobovali, že sa stretli a trávili spolu čas.
Skvelý rozprávačský talent autorky zatienil pre mňa nelogické rozhodnutia a dialógu hrdinov, kedy si navzájom a niekedy aj sami pre seba obhajovali, prečo nemôžu byť spolu. Toto mi po pravde dosť liezlo na nervy. Taktiež dej bol veľmi predvídateľný a po celý čas som vedela, alebo aspoň tušila, čo sa bude diať ďalej, To je odpustené, pretože čítanie som si dosť užila a príjemne som si pri knihe oddýchla.
October 11, 2019
After a reading slump after having a rubbish head cold I decided on a trusty Jules Wake Christmas romance.
I LOVED IT.
Jules's characters are always realistic and as always very lovely.
I kind of guessed what would happen, but it was still absolutely lovely. The bond between Grace and Viola was just so heartwarming.
Definitely a warm cosy hug in great book. Ideal for a an afternoon under a blanket with a hot chocolate or a glass of red.
I LOVED IT.
Jules's characters are always realistic and as always very lovely.
I kind of guessed what would happen, but it was still absolutely lovely. The bond between Grace and Viola was just so heartwarming.
Definitely a warm cosy hug in great book. Ideal for a an afternoon under a blanket with a hot chocolate or a glass of red.
November 20, 2019
It was fine. Cute, but not super memorable. And I had some issues with the marriage plot.
November 1, 2020
Notting Hill in the Snow
I love novels set in the UK by British authors. First lets talk characters. Julie Wake is a true master when it comes to characterizations and plotting. I loved Viola and Grace, and while my heart ached for Nate, I had serious reservations because he was separated from his wife, but not divorced. The storyline and b-story were well developed. This novel was toted as sweet romance, that’s why I purchased it. But the author pushed sweet beyond the limits for mild swearing, and sexually leading situations. I would love to read more by this author if they stuck within the parameters of sweet romance.
I love novels set in the UK by British authors. First lets talk characters. Julie Wake is a true master when it comes to characterizations and plotting. I loved Viola and Grace, and while my heart ached for Nate, I had serious reservations because he was separated from his wife, but not divorced. The storyline and b-story were well developed. This novel was toted as sweet romance, that’s why I purchased it. But the author pushed sweet beyond the limits for mild swearing, and sexually leading situations. I would love to read more by this author if they stuck within the parameters of sweet romance.
December 25, 2020
Very enjoyable Christmas romance. Now if only I could teleport to London, that would be lovely.
January 10, 2022
Természetesen én is azok közé tartozom, akiket meg lehet venni angol romantikus történetekkel, főleg ha télen meg mondjuk Notting Hillben játszódnak. Szóval már a címmel és borítóval megismerkedve eldőlt, hogy kíváncsi vagyok Jules Wake történetére, főleg hogy utána olvasva csak pozitívakat olvastam róla. S bár már a karácsony elmúlt, de azért még így is nagyon jó volt kicsit elmerülni az angolok ünnepi készülődésében.
Jules Wake regényében tényleg a karácsonyi készülődésről van szó, nagyon humoros az egész betlehemes előadás készülődése, hogy milyen elvárások vannak a szülők részéről (minden gyerek szerepeljen, tűnjön ki a kosztümében stb.) ami miatt pont a régi történet alapelemei vesznének el. Szerencsére Viola mindezt jól látja és a kezdeti kétségbeesés után talpraesetten kezeli is. Még szerencse, hogy annyira jól bánik a gyerekekkel. A történetnek még ez a másik igazán kellemes vonala: Grace és Viola kapcsolata nagyon hihetőn és okosan van kibontva.
Nekem problémám igazából a végével volt, már alig volt hátra 50 oldal amikor jött a nagy csavar meg még egy lapáttal rátét, hogy aztán minden megoldódjon 5 oldalon. Szóval kicsit aránytalan volt a felépítése a történetnek, a végének hosszabb részt lehetett volna adni, a közepéből pedig pár eseményt elhagyni.
Ennek ellenére nagyon kellemesen szórakoztam és valóban még így januárban is jól esett angol karácsonyi szokásokról, ételekről olvasni és egy kicsit nosztalgiázni.
Julews Wake regénye a Netflix karácsonyi romantikus filmjeihez hasonlóan jólesett: pont ez az, amire szüksége van az embernek az ünnepek előtt/alatt/után és biztos, hogy innentől bérelt helye lesz a decemberi könyvajánlókban.
Részletesen: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
Jules Wake regényében tényleg a karácsonyi készülődésről van szó, nagyon humoros az egész betlehemes előadás készülődése, hogy milyen elvárások vannak a szülők részéről (minden gyerek szerepeljen, tűnjön ki a kosztümében stb.) ami miatt pont a régi történet alapelemei vesznének el. Szerencsére Viola mindezt jól látja és a kezdeti kétségbeesés után talpraesetten kezeli is. Még szerencse, hogy annyira jól bánik a gyerekekkel. A történetnek még ez a másik igazán kellemes vonala: Grace és Viola kapcsolata nagyon hihetőn és okosan van kibontva.
Nekem problémám igazából a végével volt, már alig volt hátra 50 oldal amikor jött a nagy csavar meg még egy lapáttal rátét, hogy aztán minden megoldódjon 5 oldalon. Szóval kicsit aránytalan volt a felépítése a történetnek, a végének hosszabb részt lehetett volna adni, a közepéből pedig pár eseményt elhagyni.
Ennek ellenére nagyon kellemesen szórakoztam és valóban még így januárban is jól esett angol karácsonyi szokásokról, ételekről olvasni és egy kicsit nosztalgiázni.
Julews Wake regénye a Netflix karácsonyi romantikus filmjeihez hasonlóan jólesett: pont ez az, amire szüksége van az embernek az ünnepek előtt/alatt/után és biztos, hogy innentől bérelt helye lesz a decemberi könyvajánlókban.
Részletesen: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
October 1, 2019
I am rating this a 3.5 really. I was absolutely engrossed and could not fly through this fast enough! However, I found Nate to be lacking. His excuse in not helping with the nativity is that he's too busy. But with Viola managing his child, surely he too didn't need to bail on her? He didn't do the cleaning and barely shopped. Viola is a doormat and I found that her family took advantage to her to the point that she was being severely manipulated! Made to feel bad about her self from an early age, it's no surprise that she allows herself to be run ragged. Nate is still a married man! There was always the possibility that his wife could in fact come back. It was fated to happen as the plot wound it's way to the conclusion. Viola and Nate set themselves up for heartbreak! Who falls in love with so much gusto when you're still married? This puts our would be heroine in the place of the other woman and I wonder if those faithful wives out there will be thrilled to read a story about "The other woman". So with hard to empathize with lead characters, it was truly the daughter that stole the heart in this one. Notting Hill in the Snow sounds like such a magical and wondrous place to be during the Season. This did not give me the warm fuzzies. Instead, I was left with a general feeling of simply wishing them luck! This is the first that I've read from this author.
October 31, 2019
Will get you in the Christmas spirit
I raced through this seasonal romance with great enjoyment, mentally decorating my inner Christmas tree (a little early it must be admitted!). A charming story of Viola the viola player being inveigled into organising a primary school nativity - shades of Nativity! the film/musical here, so if you like that, you’ll like this. I don’t want to make it sound too frothy though - I appreciated the serious thread of children suffering from affluenza (rich career parents, no time for their kids). Grace is a sweetie and recognisably moody as a real child is. Plenty of homespun wisdom and life lessons to go with the gingerbread. So if you like gentle romances with seasonal flavour, look no further.
I raced through this seasonal romance with great enjoyment, mentally decorating my inner Christmas tree (a little early it must be admitted!). A charming story of Viola the viola player being inveigled into organising a primary school nativity - shades of Nativity! the film/musical here, so if you like that, you’ll like this. I don’t want to make it sound too frothy though - I appreciated the serious thread of children suffering from affluenza (rich career parents, no time for their kids). Grace is a sweetie and recognisably moody as a real child is. Plenty of homespun wisdom and life lessons to go with the gingerbread. So if you like gentle romances with seasonal flavour, look no further.
March 6, 2022
Milá knižka. Páčila sa mi postava Violy, Natea, jeho dcéry Grace ale aj dve Violine kamarárky z divadla. Naopak nemohla som prísť na chuť Elaine a ani Violiným sestrám... Viola bola veľmi dobrá a obetavá no niekedy sa mi to zdalo až príliš. Stále sa nechávala využiť svojimi príbuznými. Bola som rada keď sa to neskôr zmenilo a konečne robila to, čo chce ona. Nate bol skvelý chlap aj otec. Grace som si tiež obľúbila a úplne som rozumela jej pocitom. Aj keď bolo v knihe až priveľa náhod a odzačiatku som tušila ako kniha skončí, jej čítanie ma bavilo a odporučila by som ju aj iným.
September 26, 2019
This is a typical Christmas read, a fluffy and light read. I enjoyed Jules Wakes last Christmas read but this one, not so much. The protagonist is like a doormat and the man she's interested in, is married and also an idiot. I'm disappointed. The author writes so well and could've done so much more with this story.
September 7, 2021
Viola, ktorá hrá na violu? Je to tak rozprávové a milé. A 101% vianočné čítanie plné zázrakov a prianí. Aj tých nevyslovených, aj tých splnených.
Romantika a pred vianočnými sviatkami je ideálne čítanie na rozcítenie sa. Aj keď ja som knihu čítala v lete, lebo nejako absurdne rada čítam o zime v lete a naopak. Je to o dôvere a láske a rodine.
Veľmi ma rozčuľovali Violinini príbuzní. Ako s ňou neustále počítali a nárokovali si na jej čas a potom to brali ako samozrejmosť, že im pomáha s deťmi, je tu, keď jej zavolajú a ona ochotne pribehne a pomôže s prípravou sviatočnej výzdoby a jedla... a nerešpektovali jej prácu natoľko, aby jej to dali pocítiť, že sú na ňu hrdí. Láskavosť, ktorá je dávaná s radosťou, sa tak časom môže stať bremenom. Ale zase Viola bola taká milá a dobrá, že si to neuvedomila a nechala sa využívať. Alebo si to aj uvedomila, ale tak ich ľúbila, že sa nechala komandovať.
A aké zadosťučinenie som cítila, keď sa im postavila a začala konečne žiť svoj život sama. Aj keď aj tam sa rozdala... ale o tak o darčekoch a dávaní je celá kniha. Vianočná.
Ešte mi tak napadlo, existuje aj iná kniha o Viole? Okrem knihy Sirota Podhradských a tejto (Nothing Hill pod snehom) si na inú nespomínam. A ešte raz... je to krásne meno.
Romantika a pred vianočnými sviatkami je ideálne čítanie na rozcítenie sa. Aj keď ja som knihu čítala v lete, lebo nejako absurdne rada čítam o zime v lete a naopak. Je to o dôvere a láske a rodine.
Veľmi ma rozčuľovali Violinini príbuzní. Ako s ňou neustále počítali a nárokovali si na jej čas a potom to brali ako samozrejmosť, že im pomáha s deťmi, je tu, keď jej zavolajú a ona ochotne pribehne a pomôže s prípravou sviatočnej výzdoby a jedla... a nerešpektovali jej prácu natoľko, aby jej to dali pocítiť, že sú na ňu hrdí. Láskavosť, ktorá je dávaná s radosťou, sa tak časom môže stať bremenom. Ale zase Viola bola taká milá a dobrá, že si to neuvedomila a nechala sa využívať. Alebo si to aj uvedomila, ale tak ich ľúbila, že sa nechala komandovať.
A aké zadosťučinenie som cítila, keď sa im postavila a začala konečne žiť svoj život sama. Aj keď aj tam sa rozdala... ale o tak o darčekoch a dávaní je celá kniha. Vianočná.
Ešte mi tak napadlo, existuje aj iná kniha o Viole? Okrem knihy Sirota Podhradských a tejto (Nothing Hill pod snehom) si na inú nespomínam. A ešte raz... je to krásne meno.
July 20, 2020
I truly love the way Jules Wake spirits me into the Christmas spirit at any time of the year. The romance not only between Viola and Nate but also the whimsy and wonder of London at Christmas makes for a deliciously atmospheric read. This is a book to fall into with a cup of cocoa even as you are trying to forget it is 41 degrees with the humidity outside your window.
I recognize this has been on my kindle far too long but I was so glad I picked it out. I have often loved Wake's prose and her delightful descriptors and as a music lover this one, especially, was dear to me.
Definitely a must read at ANY time of year.
I recognize this has been on my kindle far too long but I was so glad I picked it out. I have often loved Wake's prose and her delightful descriptors and as a music lover this one, especially, was dear to me.
Definitely a must read at ANY time of year.
December 18, 2019
Loved this story, loved all the references to music and her viola playing and how it relaxed her. Highly recommend this book
May 23, 2021
3.5/5
Almost let out a tear or two. I love like a kdrama, we-cant-be-together-because-of-this-one-thing, typa beat. Although, some people do not like the whole Nate-Viola-Elaine situation, but idk. I finished reading this book at 4am.
4/5 because at some points in the book I was like ? is that internal misogyny i am seeing ? cultural appropriation ? it wasn't blatant, but still made me uncomfortable and twiddling my fingers... 👉👈
However, I love the characters in the book, my favorite would be Grace and the very minor characters of George and Sarah. tbh it's a pretty straightforward book. You have Viola, an adult, who longed for her parents' presence, and you have Grace who longs for her parents' presence, together. Nate is neither stoic or reserved, but can be when he wants. I would say it deals with children and how broken promises can really really damage a child.
Towards the beginning of the book, I almost stopped reading because I was like, not bored, but felt like I needed a bit MORE and Viola was kind of rubbing me the wrong way.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a nice festive romcom, but also enjoys heart-tugging moments.
Almost let out a tear or two. I love like a kdrama, we-cant-be-together-because-of-this-one-thing, typa beat. Although, some people do not like the whole Nate-Viola-Elaine situation, but idk. I finished reading this book at 4am.
4/5 because at some points in the book I was like ? is that internal misogyny i am seeing ? cultural appropriation ? it wasn't blatant, but still made me uncomfortable and twiddling my fingers... 👉👈
However, I love the characters in the book, my favorite would be Grace and the very minor characters of George and Sarah. tbh it's a pretty straightforward book. You have Viola, an adult, who longed for her parents' presence, and you have Grace who longs for her parents' presence, together. Nate is neither stoic or reserved, but can be when he wants. I would say it deals with children and how broken promises can really really damage a child.
Towards the beginning of the book, I almost stopped reading because I was like, not bored, but felt like I needed a bit MORE and Viola was kind of rubbing me the wrong way.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a nice festive romcom, but also enjoys heart-tugging moments.
February 6, 2021
Táto kniha ma na prvý pohľad upútala obálkou, podľa mňa je krásna a naozaj sa vydarila. Mám veľmi rada romantické knihy, ktoré sa odohrávajú v čase Vianoc alebo v čase zimy. A táto kniha mala oboje. Autorka nám krásne navodila vianočnú atmosféru a aj keď som knihu čítala po Vianociach, vôbec mi to nevadilo, práve naopak užila som si to. Mne čítanie tejto knihy vyšlo práve v čase kedy aj u nás uradovala Perinbaba a vedela som si presne predstaviť niektoré scény. Štýl písania, ktorý ma autorka mi veľmi sadol. Bolo to také príjemné, jemné čítanie z ktorého bolo cítiť vo veľkom romantiku. Povedala by som, že je to aké to oddychové čítanie. Úplne som si oddýchla pri čítaní tejto jemnej romantiky.
Postavy boli super a krásne vykreslené. Aj keď sa mi priznám, že niekedy mi už liezlo na nervy aká bola hlavná hrdinka. Všetko stíhala a každému pomáhala a ja som mala už občas chuť jej dať po hlave a naučiť ju hovoriť nie. Namiesto mňa to spravil hlavný hrdina Nate aj keď samozrejme, že jej nedal po hlave. Nate mal úžasnú dcéru, ktorá mi do toho príbehu úplne pasovala. A na jej postave sa mi páčilo ako autorka pri jej charaktere poukázala na to ako vplýva správanie rodičov na deti.
Taktiež sa mi veľmi páčilo, že autorka vsadila hlavne na tu romantiku a nemiešala tam erotiku. Proste sa to v niektorých knihách nehodí a táto bola pre mňa jednou z nich.
Niektoré veci som už tušila dopredu, ale vôbec mi to nevadilo a neubralo mi to na zážitku, ktorý som pri čítaní tejto knihy mala.
Jedine čo mi pri tomto príbehu chýbalo, boli kapitoly aj z pohľadu Nate. Pri niektorých pasážach sa mi žiadal aj pohľad z jeho strany. A tak isto na konci mi chýbala ešte jedná kapitola ako to pokračovalo ďalej a hlavne to ako to všetko zobrala najmenšia hrdinka.
Ak ste čitateľ, ktorý ma rad krásne romantické knihy, tak určite si túto prečítajte. Myslím si, že sa vám bude páčiť.
Postavy boli super a krásne vykreslené. Aj keď sa mi priznám, že niekedy mi už liezlo na nervy aká bola hlavná hrdinka. Všetko stíhala a každému pomáhala a ja som mala už občas chuť jej dať po hlave a naučiť ju hovoriť nie. Namiesto mňa to spravil hlavný hrdina Nate aj keď samozrejme, že jej nedal po hlave. Nate mal úžasnú dcéru, ktorá mi do toho príbehu úplne pasovala. A na jej postave sa mi páčilo ako autorka pri jej charaktere poukázala na to ako vplýva správanie rodičov na deti.
Taktiež sa mi veľmi páčilo, že autorka vsadila hlavne na tu romantiku a nemiešala tam erotiku. Proste sa to v niektorých knihách nehodí a táto bola pre mňa jednou z nich.
Niektoré veci som už tušila dopredu, ale vôbec mi to nevadilo a neubralo mi to na zážitku, ktorý som pri čítaní tejto knihy mala.
Jedine čo mi pri tomto príbehu chýbalo, boli kapitoly aj z pohľadu Nate. Pri niektorých pasážach sa mi žiadal aj pohľad z jeho strany. A tak isto na konci mi chýbala ešte jedná kapitola ako to pokračovalo ďalej a hlavne to ako to všetko zobrala najmenšia hrdinka.
Ak ste čitateľ, ktorý ma rad krásne romantické knihy, tak určite si túto prečítajte. Myslím si, že sa vám bude páčiť.
October 31, 2020
A pleasant hallmark movie of a book.
December 14, 2021
❄️ Asi prvá vianočná/zimná kniha, ktorá sa mi naozaj, že páčila. Celý príbeh sa niesol v krásnom zimnom prostredí v zasneženom Londýne 🤩❄️
Knižku som si naschvál nechávala na toto obdobie a som rada, že som tam urobila. Aj kebyže tento príbeh čítam možno v lete niekde pri bazéne, aj vtedy by sa mi určite páčil rovnako.
Boli tu priveľké náhody, ktoré by sa v reálnom živote asi nestali 😁😅 ale zas o tom to je celé… zázraky sa predsa dejú na Vianoce a tu to to platí viacnásobne.
Je to kniha, ktorú keď začnete čítať, hneď viete, ako sa skončí. No tu v tomto prípade nie je cieľom to, aby príbeh mal nejaké nečakané zvraty a situácie (dokonca napriek tomu som aj čakala, že sa predsalen niečo stane😅), ale ide hlavne o celý príbeh Violy a Nata, ako sa ich láska rozvinie, čo sa im do cesty prihodí/neprihodí.
Ak si chcete užiť naozajstný, romantický, vianočný a oddychový zimný príbeh, tak siahnite po knižke. Teraz je na to pravá chvíľka. ❄️❤️ Veď kedy inokedy, ak nie na Vianoce?
Knižku som si naschvál nechávala na toto obdobie a som rada, že som tam urobila. Aj kebyže tento príbeh čítam možno v lete niekde pri bazéne, aj vtedy by sa mi určite páčil rovnako.
Boli tu priveľké náhody, ktoré by sa v reálnom živote asi nestali 😁😅 ale zas o tom to je celé… zázraky sa predsa dejú na Vianoce a tu to to platí viacnásobne.
Je to kniha, ktorú keď začnete čítať, hneď viete, ako sa skončí. No tu v tomto prípade nie je cieľom to, aby príbeh mal nejaké nečakané zvraty a situácie (dokonca napriek tomu som aj čakala, že sa predsalen niečo stane😅), ale ide hlavne o celý príbeh Violy a Nata, ako sa ich láska rozvinie, čo sa im do cesty prihodí/neprihodí.
Ak si chcete užiť naozajstný, romantický, vianočný a oddychový zimný príbeh, tak siahnite po knižke. Teraz je na to pravá chvíľka. ❄️❤️ Veď kedy inokedy, ak nie na Vianoce?
January 14, 2021
Milý príbeh vhodný pred i po Vianoch. O dvoch ľuďoch ktorý sa zoznámili za zvláštnych okolnosti. Na knihe oceňujem to že autorka poukázala na tému ktorá sa vo svete deje a to kariera a manželstvo a dieťa. Ako toto všetko skĺbiť. Autorka píše fajn a určite toto nebola posledná kniha a do wishlistu si určite zaradím aj Kaviareň v Kodani :)
January 14, 2023
Doormat meets married, but rich, jerk. In most other genres that'd be "rich, but married, jerk," but the rules are different for this type of chick lit.
***Edited to add that I LIKE chick lit.
***Edited to add that I LIKE chick lit.
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