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On Winter's Eve
Winters in Bern are long and cold and deep.
On winter nights, when the snow is falling, Pippa goes to sleep knowing she’ll wake up to tracks in front of her farmhouse. The tracks are small, and they come from the woods—those same woods that her mother says are full of witches and elves and trolls, and her father says are full of wolves and bears and demons. But these tracks are the Tompte’s, and he is a friendly creature. Or at least that’s what Pippa hopes. . .
The Tompte borrows and mends things, he takes and he sometimes leaves things, and such is life on a farm at the edge of the realm. Her mother calls it tradition. Her father calls it a curse. And when things start going missing and trouble comes their way, Pippa’s not sure what to believe. Soon enough, she'll have no choice but to go into the woods to find out. . .
On winter nights, when the snow is falling, Pippa goes to sleep knowing she’ll wake up to tracks in front of her farmhouse. The tracks are small, and they come from the woods—those same woods that her mother says are full of witches and elves and trolls, and her father says are full of wolves and bears and demons. But these tracks are the Tompte’s, and he is a friendly creature. Or at least that’s what Pippa hopes. . .
The Tompte borrows and mends things, he takes and he sometimes leaves things, and such is life on a farm at the edge of the realm. Her mother calls it tradition. Her father calls it a curse. And when things start going missing and trouble comes their way, Pippa’s not sure what to believe. Soon enough, she'll have no choice but to go into the woods to find out. . .
- GenresFantasy
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 16, 2020
On Winter's Eve is one of the books in my #SPFBO6 batchand I believe it's the authors debut. It's one of the shortesti had to read so I started with it to ease myself in, and it turned out to be a lovely tale filled with magic and whimsy. This reminded me of Katherine Arden's Bear and The Nightingale at times with the winter feels, and it also harks back to fairy tales and folk stories.
We follow a family through the eyes of Pip (aka Pippa) who is the eldest child. She and her mother have a bond where they love to discuss magic and their particular favourite topic is the Tompte. The Tompte is a mystical beast who comes to their farm and shares small gifts with them in return for the gifts they leave. Tompte are considered good luck by many, but bad luck by Pip's father, and it's a constant source of contention.
What I liked about this is the slow pace which feels very readable, but also very meandering and pleasant to experience. The plot is winding through the winter season, and we followthw little family on their isolated farm.
Overall, it's a short book but I enjoyed it and although it doesn't have the length of some of the othe titles it has charm and a nice premise I think I will remember.
3.5 or 7/10 for #SPFBO.
We follow a family through the eyes of Pip (aka Pippa) who is the eldest child. She and her mother have a bond where they love to discuss magic and their particular favourite topic is the Tompte. The Tompte is a mystical beast who comes to their farm and shares small gifts with them in return for the gifts they leave. Tompte are considered good luck by many, but bad luck by Pip's father, and it's a constant source of contention.
What I liked about this is the slow pace which feels very readable, but also very meandering and pleasant to experience. The plot is winding through the winter season, and we followthw little family on their isolated farm.
Overall, it's a short book but I enjoyed it and although it doesn't have the length of some of the othe titles it has charm and a nice premise I think I will remember.
3.5 or 7/10 for #SPFBO.
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December 4, 2022Perfect atmospheric read to pick up during this time of the year! I'd love to read more of Pippa
September 28, 2019
This is a beautiful story, full of the wonder of childhood and featuring a kind of gratitude for the little blessings in life that we've almost lost. It's raw and real and magical at the same time. Pippa is brave and good and I desperately wanted to see her victorious over the looming disaster that threatens her family.
This story is a reminder of the ancient dangers we've almost forgotten - cold and hunger and mysterious illness - and also the strengths we've forgotten to value: family, fortitude, imagination and kindness.
As a child I would have treasured this book. As an adult, it's the story I'd read to my children over and over.
You'll never look at an orange the same way again.
This story is a reminder of the ancient dangers we've almost forgotten - cold and hunger and mysterious illness - and also the strengths we've forgotten to value: family, fortitude, imagination and kindness.
As a child I would have treasured this book. As an adult, it's the story I'd read to my children over and over.
You'll never look at an orange the same way again.
May 19, 2022
This little treasure starred Pippa and her family as they struggled on their modest, rural farm trying to prepare for the frigid winter days ahead. Sprinkle in some legends, fables and a heaping load of folklore complete with mystical creatures and vicious dark forest wildlife, and you have a real winning story that will have you scanning the snow-covered horizons for magical beings just like Pippa. I thoroughly enjoyed your heartwarming tale of common folks and their traditions. Pip's Dah was suspicious and resented the Tompte because his family felt that way toward the farm gnome. It was very hard for her Dah to see the good the Tompte left behind. I loved this creative fairytale with its wonderful story that explained what is really important to treasure and what isn't. Great, Great Story with Outstanding Characters!!!!! I would love to read more Tompte Tales!!!!!
April 10, 2020
I absolutely loved this charming book. A story of a child torn between new traditions and old, between generosity and fear, this story blends the feeling of old fairy stories with the day-to-day world of a farmhouse and all its chores into a beautiful picture of family, hearth, and home, leavened with a touch of wonder and magic. I can't recommend this highly enough, and I look forward to more from this author.
April 1, 2022
it was a decent little fantasy story, not overly involved but just enough for its 150 pages. It kept me flipping pages constantly without a break so all-in-all I would say it is a winner. I was looking for a book that would be short and ease me into fantasy reading and this did the job nicely. I would definitely recommend this book for all ages.
December 7, 2024
In this book, we follow Pippa, a young girl who has been told by her mother that Tompte's are friendly borrowing creatures that bring good luck and gifts. Pippa's father believes otherwise. That they are a curse and that seeing one would bring bad luck to the family. So, Pippa doesn't know what to believe when she sees the Tompte one night. No Spoilers! I highly recommend this winter story!
December 31, 2025
A delightful, cozy and quick read. Exactly what was needed on a cold day. I would love to read more in this quaint universe!
February 13, 2026
Brilliant
This book is a delight to read. I am looking forward to reading about Pip and her adventures.
Thank you for your writing this book C.D. Alexander.
This book is a delight to read. I am looking forward to reading about Pip and her adventures.
Thank you for your writing this book C.D. Alexander.
January 4, 2020
One of the most delightful stories I have read in a very long time. The Tompte is a Scandinavian folk character and is just the sweetest thing ever. I would highly recommend this as family reading.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews