What do you think?
Rate this book
Un magico inverno sulla neve
Alice Bright ha un lavoro che adora, una famiglia affettuosa e amici insostituibili. Ma quando il destino si mette di traverso, la sua favola perfetta sembra incrinarsi e i suoi sogni vanno in frantumi. Bear, un adorabile cucciolo in cerca di casa, potrebbe essere esattamente ciò di cui Alice ha bisogno per rimettersi in carreggiata. Ma un appartamento a Londra non è proprio l’ideale per un cane di montagna. E così Alice e Bear si ritrovano in viaggio verso le montagne innevate della Svizzera alla ricerca di una nuova casa: possibile che un cambiamento radicale possa aiutarli a lasciarsi il passato alle spalle? Tra scoppiettanti fuochi di legna, caffetterie accoglienti e panorami mozzafiato, Alice sente che il suo cuore potrebbe iniziare lentamente a guarire. Ma basteranno nuovi amici e un affascinante vicino di casa ad aiutare Alice a innamorarsi di nuovo della vita?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2019
31 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 9, 2019
I love, love, LOVED this book. I chose to read it purely because I have read most of Lisa Dickenson's books so when I saw she had a new pen name, and the gorgeousness of the cover, well I knew I had to read it.
To say I hadn't read the blurb at all may not surprise you, so I literally had no idea what to expect and the opening section around 15-20% that I read on a tube journey, had me both smiling but also on the verge of tears.
I really felt for Alice and what she was going through and was completely hooked on seeing how everything would pan out.
Given how little I knew going into this, I would suggest it really is a book best read without any real advance info, it is so well written you will be drawn into the lives of the characters until you are gutted that you have finished the book.
Bear is without a doubt my favourite character, he was loving, so lost at one point, and utterly adorable, like a big fluffy teddy bear, but far more personality and just was a complete scene stealer the whole time. And the way Bear comes into Alice's life is just so emotional but also felt kind of right.
And Switzerland, what a stunning setting for the majority of the book, I felt as though I was there alongside Alice and the new friends she is gradually making. The scenery was idyllic, and everything they do there just felt so real and well thought out.
Although Christmas does have a small mention in the book this is not what I'd call a festive book, more a beautiful heartwarming story that is perfect to read all year around, or whenever you just want to curl up and lose yourself into a great book.
I really hope this isn't the last we see of these characters, even if the focus of another book is a different person from the friendship group. I really want and need more of all of these wonderful people.
A truly fabulous book, that I am so happy that I had the chance to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sphere for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
To say I hadn't read the blurb at all may not surprise you, so I literally had no idea what to expect and the opening section around 15-20% that I read on a tube journey, had me both smiling but also on the verge of tears.
I really felt for Alice and what she was going through and was completely hooked on seeing how everything would pan out.
Given how little I knew going into this, I would suggest it really is a book best read without any real advance info, it is so well written you will be drawn into the lives of the characters until you are gutted that you have finished the book.
Bear is without a doubt my favourite character, he was loving, so lost at one point, and utterly adorable, like a big fluffy teddy bear, but far more personality and just was a complete scene stealer the whole time. And the way Bear comes into Alice's life is just so emotional but also felt kind of right.
And Switzerland, what a stunning setting for the majority of the book, I felt as though I was there alongside Alice and the new friends she is gradually making. The scenery was idyllic, and everything they do there just felt so real and well thought out.
Although Christmas does have a small mention in the book this is not what I'd call a festive book, more a beautiful heartwarming story that is perfect to read all year around, or whenever you just want to curl up and lose yourself into a great book.
I really hope this isn't the last we see of these characters, even if the focus of another book is a different person from the friendship group. I really want and need more of all of these wonderful people.
A truly fabulous book, that I am so happy that I had the chance to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sphere for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 28, 2019
A little slow to start, but once you get into it then it’s a lovely heartwarming read. It’s emotional and not what I was quite expecting , but it’s so well written , it’s not the seasonal read I was expecting but I got so much more.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
December 28, 2023
A cosy, easy, winter read that has left me wanting to spend a Christmas in Switzerland
February 28, 2021
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Alice ha una vita perfetta: un lavoro freelance che ama, una famiglia amorevole e un gruppo di amiche simpatiche e presenti. Il suo equilibrio, però, è destinato a essere ben presto sconvolto a causa di un evento traumatico e doloroso del quale lei si sente responsabile. Ritrovatasi sola e con un cucciolo di pastore bernese a cui badare, si rende presto conto che la vita a Londra sembra non essere più l’ideale per lei. E se per ripartire fosse necessario un allontanamento? Alice prepara i bagagli e raggiunge le montagne svizzere, patria del suo cucciolo, dove è pronta a trascorrere l’inverno in una baita immersa nelle neve e nella natura.
“Quello che voleva era tirare fuori il coraggio. Voleva cacciare le vocine costanti nella sua testa e tornare a godersi la vita, con cicatrici e compagnia.”
Il senso di colpa è un qualcosa che distrugge l’esistenza. Anche se le circostanze e gli altri sono pronti a negarne la presenza, esso s’insinua nella mente dell’uomo e lo divora giorno dopo giorno sommergendolo di pensieri in un continuo circolo vizioso.
È questo che accade ad Alice, la protagonista. Quando tutto si sgretola a causa di una tragica fatalità ed elaborare il lutto sembra essere impossibile, è il senso di colpa, incredibilmente, a tenerla viva. Stare male, essere sommersa dal dolore e rivivere la circostanza che l’ha generato è per lei la giusta punizione, lei che è sopravvissuta non merita più di essere felice. La grande fragilità della donna si esprime in piccoli gesti e atteggiamenti che pian piano le stanno togliendo gli scopi per continuare a vivere, solo l’aver accanto Bear, il cucciolo che ha adottato, le permette di continuare ad alzarsi dal letto la mattina. Nulla più le interessa, la sua esistenza sta attraversando un doloroso black out.
Allontanarsi e raggiungere un territorio così diverso dalla caotica Londra è per lei terapeutico. Il piccolo paese sulle montagne svizzere a misura d’uomo è un concentrato di positività con i suoi bellissimi paesaggi, le botteghe, le caffetterie e gli impianti sciistici. Circondata dal bianco candido, Alice cercherà una nuova dimensione aiutata anche dai simpatici vicini coi quali s’instaura da subito un ottimo rapporto. Il passato esiste, certo, i ricordi anche, nessuno potrà cancellarli, tuttavia grazie alle passeggiate, alle serate trascorse sotto il plaid e soprattutto trovando una nuova dimensione di serenità, Alice proverà ad andare avanti, rincorrendo una felicità che, dopotutto, si merita. Essere felici, riprendere in mano le redini della propria vita non è sinonimo di dimenticare, questa è la grande lezione che deve imparare.
La protagonista appare ben caratterizzata. Sin dalle primissime pagine si conosce la sua psicologia e si assiste, man mano che gli eventi si susseguono, al suo mutamento. La componente romance è, giustamente a mio parere, messa nell’angolo, relegata a un ruolo secondario poiché non ci si trova dinanzi a un romanzo rosa tradizionale ma a una trama molto più complessa, un vero romanzo di formazione.
Lo stile della prosa, narrata in terza persona, è fluido e diretto e riesce a conquistare il lettore, il quale avverte su di sé tutti gli stati d’animo della protagonista.
Un romanzo “complicato” e “difficile”. Una lettura altamente riflessiva e “umana”.
Alice ha una vita perfetta: un lavoro freelance che ama, una famiglia amorevole e un gruppo di amiche simpatiche e presenti. Il suo equilibrio, però, è destinato a essere ben presto sconvolto a causa di un evento traumatico e doloroso del quale lei si sente responsabile. Ritrovatasi sola e con un cucciolo di pastore bernese a cui badare, si rende presto conto che la vita a Londra sembra non essere più l’ideale per lei. E se per ripartire fosse necessario un allontanamento? Alice prepara i bagagli e raggiunge le montagne svizzere, patria del suo cucciolo, dove è pronta a trascorrere l’inverno in una baita immersa nelle neve e nella natura.
“Quello che voleva era tirare fuori il coraggio. Voleva cacciare le vocine costanti nella sua testa e tornare a godersi la vita, con cicatrici e compagnia.”
Il senso di colpa è un qualcosa che distrugge l’esistenza. Anche se le circostanze e gli altri sono pronti a negarne la presenza, esso s’insinua nella mente dell’uomo e lo divora giorno dopo giorno sommergendolo di pensieri in un continuo circolo vizioso.
È questo che accade ad Alice, la protagonista. Quando tutto si sgretola a causa di una tragica fatalità ed elaborare il lutto sembra essere impossibile, è il senso di colpa, incredibilmente, a tenerla viva. Stare male, essere sommersa dal dolore e rivivere la circostanza che l’ha generato è per lei la giusta punizione, lei che è sopravvissuta non merita più di essere felice. La grande fragilità della donna si esprime in piccoli gesti e atteggiamenti che pian piano le stanno togliendo gli scopi per continuare a vivere, solo l’aver accanto Bear, il cucciolo che ha adottato, le permette di continuare ad alzarsi dal letto la mattina. Nulla più le interessa, la sua esistenza sta attraversando un doloroso black out.
Allontanarsi e raggiungere un territorio così diverso dalla caotica Londra è per lei terapeutico. Il piccolo paese sulle montagne svizzere a misura d’uomo è un concentrato di positività con i suoi bellissimi paesaggi, le botteghe, le caffetterie e gli impianti sciistici. Circondata dal bianco candido, Alice cercherà una nuova dimensione aiutata anche dai simpatici vicini coi quali s’instaura da subito un ottimo rapporto. Il passato esiste, certo, i ricordi anche, nessuno potrà cancellarli, tuttavia grazie alle passeggiate, alle serate trascorse sotto il plaid e soprattutto trovando una nuova dimensione di serenità, Alice proverà ad andare avanti, rincorrendo una felicità che, dopotutto, si merita. Essere felici, riprendere in mano le redini della propria vita non è sinonimo di dimenticare, questa è la grande lezione che deve imparare.
La protagonista appare ben caratterizzata. Sin dalle primissime pagine si conosce la sua psicologia e si assiste, man mano che gli eventi si susseguono, al suo mutamento. La componente romance è, giustamente a mio parere, messa nell’angolo, relegata a un ruolo secondario poiché non ci si trova dinanzi a un romanzo rosa tradizionale ma a una trama molto più complessa, un vero romanzo di formazione.
Lo stile della prosa, narrata in terza persona, è fluido e diretto e riesce a conquistare il lettore, il quale avverte su di sé tutti gli stati d’animo della protagonista.
Un romanzo “complicato” e “difficile”. Una lettura altamente riflessiva e “umana”.
November 25, 2019
Alice is happy - she has a nice job, lovely family and a group of brilliant, supporting friends. However, one day, something really bad happens and Alice's world is turned upside down - will she be able to recover, get back on track? Maybe a change of scene, moving for a few months to Switzerland, and a little dog that grows incredibly quickly will help?
So. This book. Honestly, it gave me a headache. I adore Lisa Dickenson and her books and I know that as Isla Gordon the novel would be a little different, however as soon as the typical Lisa's humour and wit appeared on the pages, I was reassured. However! It didn't happen often, guys, and I was already panicking, not knowing what's happening with this story. First of all, at the beginning the book felt so chopped. The events in the chapters felt unarranged and half - hearted, as if the author simply wanted to get through this part of the book to start writing about this what she wanted so much: the dog (I'll come back to the dog in a moment). Only after the festival the book started to read like a book, felt smooth and coherent. But. And this is the next. You know, I also have dogs. I love my dogs but not to the point that I would write a book about them, and I had a feeling that Lisa/Isla simply wanted to share her unconditional love to her pet. And it was too much. If Bear were my dog I'd kill myself and I'd be ashamed with having such a spoiled, whiny dog at home. And I know how cute Bernese Mountain Dog can be, my sister has one, and actually all dogs can be brilliant actors when they want something. Don't get me wrong, please, I loved him, and I loved Alice's interactions with him, I loved how she spoke with him and how she treated him like a partner but I don't have to read about the cute orange spots and Bear's antics on every single page. And I love Switzerland. Especially in winter. But when I want to read about its traditions I'll buy myself a tourist guide. So there. Rant over.
What Lisa Dickenson/Isla Gordon showed is that she can beautifully write about the most hidden feelings and emotions and brilliantly mix them with the best humorous one - liners. There were moments, especially when Alice talked with Bear, that made my eyes moisten, and there were moments that really brought smile to my face. This was a different take from this author and she's proved that she is a great writer that can touch upon deeper issues in a sensible, gentle way. She's not shy of making her story sadder and difficult and hats off to her for this fact, however I still prefer the author's exceptional humour and ability to write the most funny, brilliant, light banter. The main character, Alice, is so incredibly well fleshed out! It's amazing how well the author has captured her insecurities and hopes, trepidation and excitement, making her a believable, relatable person. I found myself keeping my fingers crossed for her, willing her to try, to not forgive but to allow herself the little joy. She had a great sense of humour and I was waiting for the rare moments when she's allowed this side of her to show. She was simply so real, so natural in everything she did and said that it was impossible not to like her, in fact, I was rooting for her and wishing her all the best.
Actually, all the other characters were very well developed - after we moved to Switzerland, that is. Because I, honestly speaking, couldn't stand putting Jill on this pedestal anymore. Maybe she was worth it but I had a feeling we didn't know her as well as Alice did. I loved how supporting Alice's parents have been, and how lovely and colourful the new neighbours of hers were, how they accepted her without a second glance and how embarrassing Marco's mum was - she was ace!
The author can for sure bring the setting, easily and effortlessly, to life, and can capture both the idyllic winter wonderland that can quickly and suddenly turn into danger. She'll sweep you to a country full of cable cars, snowboarding, skiing, mountain rescues, warm and gorgeous cafes, and snow! Lots of snow. And even if it is not strictly Christmas book, read it with "Last Christmas" on the loop and a hot chocolate with a double cream and marshmallow because this is the feeling it's going to leave you with.
"A Season in the Snow" was a poignant, moving story about healing, about finding yourself afresh and letting the joy come back to you, and not forgetting that there is always hope. I absolutely adored the bunch of characters, supporting each other without knowing that they're doing it, it was beautiful. And yes, after the initial reservations I found myself adoring the story, though as lovely as Bear was I still think he needs to learn manners. Recommended!
So. This book. Honestly, it gave me a headache. I adore Lisa Dickenson and her books and I know that as Isla Gordon the novel would be a little different, however as soon as the typical Lisa's humour and wit appeared on the pages, I was reassured. However! It didn't happen often, guys, and I was already panicking, not knowing what's happening with this story. First of all, at the beginning the book felt so chopped. The events in the chapters felt unarranged and half - hearted, as if the author simply wanted to get through this part of the book to start writing about this what she wanted so much: the dog (I'll come back to the dog in a moment). Only after the festival the book started to read like a book, felt smooth and coherent. But. And this is the next. You know, I also have dogs. I love my dogs but not to the point that I would write a book about them, and I had a feeling that Lisa/Isla simply wanted to share her unconditional love to her pet. And it was too much. If Bear were my dog I'd kill myself and I'd be ashamed with having such a spoiled, whiny dog at home. And I know how cute Bernese Mountain Dog can be, my sister has one, and actually all dogs can be brilliant actors when they want something. Don't get me wrong, please, I loved him, and I loved Alice's interactions with him, I loved how she spoke with him and how she treated him like a partner but I don't have to read about the cute orange spots and Bear's antics on every single page. And I love Switzerland. Especially in winter. But when I want to read about its traditions I'll buy myself a tourist guide. So there. Rant over.
What Lisa Dickenson/Isla Gordon showed is that she can beautifully write about the most hidden feelings and emotions and brilliantly mix them with the best humorous one - liners. There were moments, especially when Alice talked with Bear, that made my eyes moisten, and there were moments that really brought smile to my face. This was a different take from this author and she's proved that she is a great writer that can touch upon deeper issues in a sensible, gentle way. She's not shy of making her story sadder and difficult and hats off to her for this fact, however I still prefer the author's exceptional humour and ability to write the most funny, brilliant, light banter. The main character, Alice, is so incredibly well fleshed out! It's amazing how well the author has captured her insecurities and hopes, trepidation and excitement, making her a believable, relatable person. I found myself keeping my fingers crossed for her, willing her to try, to not forgive but to allow herself the little joy. She had a great sense of humour and I was waiting for the rare moments when she's allowed this side of her to show. She was simply so real, so natural in everything she did and said that it was impossible not to like her, in fact, I was rooting for her and wishing her all the best.
Actually, all the other characters were very well developed - after we moved to Switzerland, that is. Because I, honestly speaking, couldn't stand putting Jill on this pedestal anymore. Maybe she was worth it but I had a feeling we didn't know her as well as Alice did. I loved how supporting Alice's parents have been, and how lovely and colourful the new neighbours of hers were, how they accepted her without a second glance and how embarrassing Marco's mum was - she was ace!
The author can for sure bring the setting, easily and effortlessly, to life, and can capture both the idyllic winter wonderland that can quickly and suddenly turn into danger. She'll sweep you to a country full of cable cars, snowboarding, skiing, mountain rescues, warm and gorgeous cafes, and snow! Lots of snow. And even if it is not strictly Christmas book, read it with "Last Christmas" on the loop and a hot chocolate with a double cream and marshmallow because this is the feeling it's going to leave you with.
"A Season in the Snow" was a poignant, moving story about healing, about finding yourself afresh and letting the joy come back to you, and not forgetting that there is always hope. I absolutely adored the bunch of characters, supporting each other without knowing that they're doing it, it was beautiful. And yes, after the initial reservations I found myself adoring the story, though as lovely as Bear was I still think he needs to learn manners. Recommended!
November 8, 2021
Una storia delicata e profonda che incede lentamente come la sua protagonista, costretta ad affrontare la perdita della sua migliore amica.
Questo libro ci ricorda che l’aiuto più grande deriva dalle esperienze e dagli affetti che più diamo per scontati e che qualsiasi percorso richiede tempo, pazienza e amore.
Non aspettatevi un libro ricco di colpi di scena, bensì lo spaccato di una quotidianità sincera ed emozionante, così vera che ciascuno potrebbe ritrovarcisi.
Dio, quant’era grande l’universo. Più grande di lei e dei suoi problemi, più grande del concerto, più grande dei contrasti di opinione e degli scaricabarile. La sua sconfinatezza la fece sentire minuscola ma non insignificante. La vita intesseva sempre storie e lei ne faceva parte.
Questo libro ci ricorda che l’aiuto più grande deriva dalle esperienze e dagli affetti che più diamo per scontati e che qualsiasi percorso richiede tempo, pazienza e amore.
Non aspettatevi un libro ricco di colpi di scena, bensì lo spaccato di una quotidianità sincera ed emozionante, così vera che ciascuno potrebbe ritrovarcisi.
Dio, quant’era grande l’universo. Più grande di lei e dei suoi problemi, più grande del concerto, più grande dei contrasti di opinione e degli scaricabarile. La sua sconfinatezza la fece sentire minuscola ma non insignificante. La vita intesseva sempre storie e lei ne faceva parte.
November 19, 2020
3 stars
TW: Loss of a friend, depression, ptsd
A Season in the Snow is a story filled with emotion and is about a character named Alice fighting her way back to happy after a tragedy took her happiness away. It was definitely alot more emotional than I thought it would be with strong themes of depression and ptsd but it also was a hugely heartwarming book and was full of hope.
I really enjoyed reading the book and loved that a dog named Bear played such a big part. Isla Gordon was great at making me feel as if I was in the mountains surrounded by snow and I loved that aspect of the book. The journey Alice had in recovering from trauma was also portrayed well and I think alot of people will be able to relate to how she felt.
Unfortunately a few things were missing for me. I wasn't sure about the romance and it felt a little forced. I felt like either the romance should have been left out and kept the book about friendship and family or have it more prominent and with more time spent on the characters getting to know each other. I also felt that Alice and her love interest were just lacking in chemistry.
The general dialogue was also quite stilted and there was alot of repetition. As I said, I loved Bear the dog, but he really didn't have to be mentioned in every paragraph.
Overall it is a decent easy read but not a lighthearted experience nor a romantic one.
Please note that I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
TW: Loss of a friend, depression, ptsd
A Season in the Snow is a story filled with emotion and is about a character named Alice fighting her way back to happy after a tragedy took her happiness away. It was definitely alot more emotional than I thought it would be with strong themes of depression and ptsd but it also was a hugely heartwarming book and was full of hope.
I really enjoyed reading the book and loved that a dog named Bear played such a big part. Isla Gordon was great at making me feel as if I was in the mountains surrounded by snow and I loved that aspect of the book. The journey Alice had in recovering from trauma was also portrayed well and I think alot of people will be able to relate to how she felt.
Unfortunately a few things were missing for me. I wasn't sure about the romance and it felt a little forced. I felt like either the romance should have been left out and kept the book about friendship and family or have it more prominent and with more time spent on the characters getting to know each other. I also felt that Alice and her love interest were just lacking in chemistry.
The general dialogue was also quite stilted and there was alot of repetition. As I said, I loved Bear the dog, but he really didn't have to be mentioned in every paragraph.
Overall it is a decent easy read but not a lighthearted experience nor a romantic one.
Please note that I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2021
3-4 stars. The kind of book I would sometimes DNF dependent on my mood but actually this was perfect right now with its wintry setting and there seemed to be a touch of everything included. I'm a huge believer in the power of canine company and what it can do for people and Bear 100% made this story, an adorable character.
December 27, 2020
An emotional read, but full of festive feels, I completely loved this, it was such a lovely heartwarming and festive read
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
March 20, 2021
A lovely festive read. An uplifting story set in the Swiss mountains that follows the life of a woman who has suffered a traumatic event and as a result, has adopted a Bernese Mountain Dog called Bear.
December 26, 2023
Belle le premesse ma ho trovato il libro troppo prolisso per la storia narrata che a un certo punto diventa così ovvia e banale che sai già come finisce senza neanche doverlo finire. Peccato perché l'inizio era davvero promettente ma tutto troppo diluito...
December 5, 2024
*3.75
cute and cozy!
cute and cozy!
January 25, 2021
Un romanzo che ti travolge inaspettatamente con mille emozioni diverse: allegria, felicità, voglia di vivere; disperazione, depressione, lutto.
La protagonista è una giovane artista piena di vita, circondata da una bella famiglia e da tante calorose ed energiche amiche. Quando una tragedia inaspettata la travolge, la sua prospettiva cambia... si chiude in se stessa, si auto infligge dolore e accuse, e e inizia ad odiare la vita.
Eppure così come toglie, la vita dona...
Sarà proprio una presa di responsabilità e la decisione di mettersi in gioco in un’altra Nazione, che le farà fare il primo passo in avanti per tornare a “vivere”.
Questo è un romanzo che fa comprendere con semplicità quanto sia imprevedibile la vita, quanto anche le persone, all'apparenza forti, possano cedere.
Quello che ho adorato, è stata anche la capacità dell’autrice di far vivere emozioni, suoni, profumi, odori e paesaggi che Alice vive nei sei mesi di periodo “sabbatico” in Svizzera.
Motivo in più per leggerlo è quello di ritrovare nero su bianco la ricostruzione del rapporto esclusivo che si instaura tra padrone e cane, e la semplicità della vita in alta quota.
La protagonista è una giovane artista piena di vita, circondata da una bella famiglia e da tante calorose ed energiche amiche. Quando una tragedia inaspettata la travolge, la sua prospettiva cambia... si chiude in se stessa, si auto infligge dolore e accuse, e e inizia ad odiare la vita.
Eppure così come toglie, la vita dona...
Sarà proprio una presa di responsabilità e la decisione di mettersi in gioco in un’altra Nazione, che le farà fare il primo passo in avanti per tornare a “vivere”.
Questo è un romanzo che fa comprendere con semplicità quanto sia imprevedibile la vita, quanto anche le persone, all'apparenza forti, possano cedere.
Quello che ho adorato, è stata anche la capacità dell’autrice di far vivere emozioni, suoni, profumi, odori e paesaggi che Alice vive nei sei mesi di periodo “sabbatico” in Svizzera.
Motivo in più per leggerlo è quello di ritrovare nero su bianco la ricostruzione del rapporto esclusivo che si instaura tra padrone e cane, e la semplicità della vita in alta quota.
November 10, 2020
A Season in the Snow is a gentle and heartwarming story situated in a beautiful wintery and mountainous setting. It is a moving story about coming to terms with loss, coping with bereavement and learning to move on afterwards. It’s not too heavy and is dealt with sensitively and with touches of gentle humour. There is some romance in the story, which is very sweet and innocent and certainly not full steam ahead, don’t expect to be whisked off your feet!
The writing is uncomplicated and easy to follow and makes for a quick read. It’s a little slower in the first half as the story builds, but picks up in the second half and I felt the chapters set in Switzerland were far more engaging. The descriptions of the scenery are beautiful and vivid and it is clear the author knows the area well.
The characters are great, the author has portrayed them well and they are interesting and entertaining. The support and camaraderie between friends is very endearing. Alice’s interactions with Bear, her dog, are lovely and as a dog lover myself I enjoyed reading about their escapades and growing bond.
Due to be published a month before Christmas this delightful book set in a winter wonderland will make the perfect festive read. Quick and easy to read it requires little concentration and is perfect to snuggle up with a hot chocolate (topped with marshmallows!) when you want to switch off and relax.
Thank you to the publisher for my review proof of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
The writing is uncomplicated and easy to follow and makes for a quick read. It’s a little slower in the first half as the story builds, but picks up in the second half and I felt the chapters set in Switzerland were far more engaging. The descriptions of the scenery are beautiful and vivid and it is clear the author knows the area well.
The characters are great, the author has portrayed them well and they are interesting and entertaining. The support and camaraderie between friends is very endearing. Alice’s interactions with Bear, her dog, are lovely and as a dog lover myself I enjoyed reading about their escapades and growing bond.
Due to be published a month before Christmas this delightful book set in a winter wonderland will make the perfect festive read. Quick and easy to read it requires little concentration and is perfect to snuggle up with a hot chocolate (topped with marshmallows!) when you want to switch off and relax.
Thank you to the publisher for my review proof of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 5, 2021
CONTINUA: https://opinionilibrose.blogspot.com/...
Buongiorno chiacchierine, ben tornate sul blog. Oggi vi parlo di “Un magico Natale sulla neve” di Isla Gordon, edito da Newton Compton, che ci ha fornito il file ARC.
Alice è una giovane donna, energica e positiva, piena di interessi, con un lavoro che ama e delle amiche a cui è legata da molti anni, una famiglia affettuosa che l’adora.
Quando un tragico incidente sconvolge la sua vita, si ritrova a dover far fronte a una serie di emozioni che non riesce a gestire. D’un tratto le sembra impossibile ritornare alla vita di prima, come se nulla fosse successo. Immersa nel suo dolore, dal quale fatica riprendersi, Alice tende a chiudersi sempre di più. Solo Bear, un cucciolone di bovaro bernese, di cui decide di prendersi cura, riesce a portare un po’ di serenità nelle sue giornate. Ed è proprio Bear a spingerla a nuova avventura nelle montagne svizzere. Riuscirà lì Alice a ritrovare la pace e la felicità?
Buongiorno chiacchierine, ben tornate sul blog. Oggi vi parlo di “Un magico Natale sulla neve” di Isla Gordon, edito da Newton Compton, che ci ha fornito il file ARC.
Alice è una giovane donna, energica e positiva, piena di interessi, con un lavoro che ama e delle amiche a cui è legata da molti anni, una famiglia affettuosa che l’adora.
Quando un tragico incidente sconvolge la sua vita, si ritrova a dover far fronte a una serie di emozioni che non riesce a gestire. D’un tratto le sembra impossibile ritornare alla vita di prima, come se nulla fosse successo. Immersa nel suo dolore, dal quale fatica riprendersi, Alice tende a chiudersi sempre di più. Solo Bear, un cucciolone di bovaro bernese, di cui decide di prendersi cura, riesce a portare un po’ di serenità nelle sue giornate. Ed è proprio Bear a spingerla a nuova avventura nelle montagne svizzere. Riuscirà lì Alice a ritrovare la pace e la felicità?
December 3, 2019
Disappointed with this book, didn’t really live up to the hype in the summary of what it was meant to be about. Quite a boring read and didn’t it me in the mood for Christmas at all. Think I’ll stick with Debbie Macomber for my Christmas reads.
November 22, 2020
This was the last festive read I had on my review list, and boy did I inadvertently leave the best till last!! It’s not really a Christmas book, although the big day does feature, but it’s a winter season book, so if you find yourself reading this in January or February, it won’t feel strange!
From the first moment that Bear was introduced into the story, I completely and utterly fell head over heels in love with the bundle of fur!
This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions…it is so brilliantly written and you find yourself grieving with Alice inside her flat with Bear at her feet, but then you are cheering her on when she makes a decision that will change her life.
What I particularly loved about this book is that it didn’t have the cliched “will they-won’t they?” formula that a lot of romantic novels follow, and I found that so refreshing.
My only disappointment? That this book had to end, I really want Alice, Bear and Marco to be in my life forever more…this is one of my favourite reads of 2020
From the first moment that Bear was introduced into the story, I completely and utterly fell head over heels in love with the bundle of fur!
This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions…it is so brilliantly written and you find yourself grieving with Alice inside her flat with Bear at her feet, but then you are cheering her on when she makes a decision that will change her life.
What I particularly loved about this book is that it didn’t have the cliched “will they-won’t they?” formula that a lot of romantic novels follow, and I found that so refreshing.
My only disappointment? That this book had to end, I really want Alice, Bear and Marco to be in my life forever more…this is one of my favourite reads of 2020
November 1, 2020
This Book is a wonderful Read not just because of the time of year it is set in ,but because of it's relevance in these days of the Pandemic. For anyone who has experience Trauma be it physical or Mental , & in this Book Alice is helped to come to terms with her Mental battle by a gorgeous Bernese Mountain Dog puppy called Bear . Plus they take us to the enchanting village of Murren in Switzerland's high Mountains.
,src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856..." width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>,src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c..." width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>#Goodreads#NetGalley#Amazon.co.uk#FB
,src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856..." width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>,src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c..." width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>#Goodreads#NetGalley#Amazon.co.uk#FB
November 15, 2020
A season in the snow was a really lovely emotional story. Alice has suffered a massive loss in her life and Bear the Bernese Mountain Puppy comes into her life. Bear encourages Alice to carry on living when all she wants to do is curl up under the covers and stay there.
The story takes us to the mountains of Switzerland where Alice learns to put the past behind her and make new friends for herself and bear. Alice makes friends with her new neighbours and realises life goes on and she slowly finds herself falling for Marco one of the group.
I really enjoyed Isla’s descriptions of Switzerland and all the lovely cheeses and drinks they enjoy, wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket and grab a glass of wine and lose yourself in the life of Alice and Bear
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an early copy.
The story takes us to the mountains of Switzerland where Alice learns to put the past behind her and make new friends for herself and bear. Alice makes friends with her new neighbours and realises life goes on and she slowly finds herself falling for Marco one of the group.
I really enjoyed Isla’s descriptions of Switzerland and all the lovely cheeses and drinks they enjoy, wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket and grab a glass of wine and lose yourself in the life of Alice and Bear
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an early copy.
November 20, 2020
A Season in the Snow - Isla Gordon
Loved loved loved this book! This has just taken the top spot for me so far this year with festive reads (and yes I have already read a lot). I liked how it started with a dramatic experience and then we follow Alice as she learns to recover from this.
It was very easy to feel a bond with the characters and understand how they were feeling. My favourite character just has to be Bear (Bernese Mountain dog puppy) what's not to like!? Isla Gordon writes about Bear so well that he is easily pictured in all his escapades and loving touches towards Alice - I think Bear needs his own series. The snowy setting of Switzerland was just perfect with the cheese fondue, cosy fireplaces and chalets....I just didn't want it to end!
Loved loved loved this book! This has just taken the top spot for me so far this year with festive reads (and yes I have already read a lot). I liked how it started with a dramatic experience and then we follow Alice as she learns to recover from this.
It was very easy to feel a bond with the characters and understand how they were feeling. My favourite character just has to be Bear (Bernese Mountain dog puppy) what's not to like!? Isla Gordon writes about Bear so well that he is easily pictured in all his escapades and loving touches towards Alice - I think Bear needs his own series. The snowy setting of Switzerland was just perfect with the cheese fondue, cosy fireplaces and chalets....I just didn't want it to end!
November 22, 2020
Well I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Switzerland, the fondue, the dogs, the snow, enjoyable escapism for rubbish times.
Alice lives in London working as a cartoonist when tragedy strikes and she starts to hide away from the world, but then she adopts Bear and travels to Switzerland and her world starts to open up again. Meeting new friends and experiencing life in another country.
I felt the beginning took me a while to get invested and the ending was a bit rushed but apart from that I really liked this book.
I loved the setting of Switzerland and it has made me totally want to visit for a holiday rather than just working. Recommend for when you need a comfort read, although it does tackle grief within the book, so just be mindful of that.
Alice lives in London working as a cartoonist when tragedy strikes and she starts to hide away from the world, but then she adopts Bear and travels to Switzerland and her world starts to open up again. Meeting new friends and experiencing life in another country.
I felt the beginning took me a while to get invested and the ending was a bit rushed but apart from that I really liked this book.
I loved the setting of Switzerland and it has made me totally want to visit for a holiday rather than just working. Recommend for when you need a comfort read, although it does tackle grief within the book, so just be mindful of that.
December 28, 2021
Alice loves her life and friends but a tragic incident happens that has her questioning everything. She adopts Bear a Bernese Mountain dog and together they embark on an adventure to Switzerland to live for 6 months in his home region. There Alice and Bear make friends and experience life. As Alice slowly recovers and learns to trust herself and others, can her zest for life return and can she be the person she wants to be, all be it a changed version?
I really enjoyed the setting of this book. The characters were well written and the situations Alice found herself in were handled well. The village in Switzerland (Murren) was well described and made me want to go and visit.
I would recommend this book.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book. The characters were well written and the situations Alice found herself in were handled well. The village in Switzerland (Murren) was well described and made me want to go and visit.
I would recommend this book.
January 11, 2023
Devo essere sincera, quando l'ho comprato ero convinta di prendere il solito romance natalizio, invece ho trovato una lettura sulla rinascita personale dopo un tragico lutto, dell'amore incondizionato che un cane riesce a donarti quasi ti leggesse l'anima. Ho amato ogni singola pagina, nulla di negativo. Scrittura fluida e leggera nonostante la disgrazia e il dolore. Ho pianto, riso e gioito insieme alla protagonista e al suo meraviglioso cagnolone. Che oltretutto è il cane che vorrei un giorno. Ho viaggiato e sognato insieme a lei sulle Alpi svizzere che vorrei andare a visitare appena mi é possibile. Consiglio questo libro a chi vuole ripartire da zero e ritrovare quel briciolo di coraggio che serve per ricominciare!
December 23, 2020
This was very different to what I’d been expecting when I picked it up purely because I thought it had a pretty cover, but I thought it was a brilliant story and I’m so glad I read it. It’s about a woman named Alice, who relocates to the Swiss mountains with her new dog Bear, who is in desperate need of a home, after suffering the tragic loss of someone very close to her. Alice is a great character and I loved her bond with Bear, as it shows how special dogs can be and how they can bring a little bit of light to the darkest of situations. It was great seeing her gradually rebuild her life as the book went on, and I liked that her issues weren’t magically fixed when she met Marco, her handsome next door neighbour. I did love the romance element though, and the friendships she has with Lola and Vanessa and her friend group from uni were lovely too. The descriptions of the beautiful place she lives in the book were amazing, and I really felt as if I was there alongside her and Bear (even though I’d hate to be there in real life given my fear of snow!). I can’t wait to read more from Isla Gordon, so I’m very glad she has more romcoms published under a different name already.
December 24, 2020
What a wonderful story about finding yourself after a horrible tragedy. All the characters are wonderful and I just loved Bear! The book follows Alice, a young woman who witnessed her friend die in a horrible accident and she can't face life. Alice feels she needs to adopt her friend's new puppy, Bear, it is something she has to do. It is something her friend would of wanted & Alice feels guilty that she is alive and that she owes it to her. No Spoilers but I have to say that this story is how Alice finds her life again. I highly recommend it.
February 5, 2021
Everything about this book was beautiful!.
The story is set in Switzerland, and the way in which the author brings the story to life really makes you dream you were in the stunning surroundings.
The story focuses on how you come to really find yourself through friendship, love, and of course, you can't possibly forget the beautiful dog!
The message that this story really emphasises is to be present in the here and now, and honestly, this added so much emotion to an already incredible story.
Festive, beautiful, and full of heart warming moments. I adored this story.
The story is set in Switzerland, and the way in which the author brings the story to life really makes you dream you were in the stunning surroundings.
The story focuses on how you come to really find yourself through friendship, love, and of course, you can't possibly forget the beautiful dog!
The message that this story really emphasises is to be present in the here and now, and honestly, this added so much emotion to an already incredible story.
Festive, beautiful, and full of heart warming moments. I adored this story.
December 2, 2021
Really, this is more like a 4.5 star review.
The characters and plot in this book broke me. By page 30, I was crying on the train and hating life. But there was some moments that made my heart swell out of my chest.
I must say, when Alice picked up that lipstick again, I almost cried with joy.
When I listened to Book Reccos podcast and Lauren was talking about how she still thinks about how Alice and Bear are, I totally understand that now. I feel like I'm going to be thinking about them for a long while whilst looking at living in Switzerland...
The characters and plot in this book broke me. By page 30, I was crying on the train and hating life. But there was some moments that made my heart swell out of my chest.
I must say, when Alice picked up that lipstick again, I almost cried with joy.
When I listened to Book Reccos podcast and Lauren was talking about how she still thinks about how Alice and Bear are, I totally understand that now. I feel like I'm going to be thinking about them for a long while whilst looking at living in Switzerland...
February 16, 2022
This is the perfect read when you just want to relax and read something cosy and uncomplicated.
It's not groundbreaking but sooooo needed when you just need some comfort.
The author did a great job in convincing me to move on a mountain even though i despise the cold. Maybe a hot neighbor will be there to welcome me ?
Just one thing though, don't expect much in terms of romance. Yeah it's there but it's really not the main subject of the story and it's pretty forgettable in my opinion. This is about healing and fluffy dogs and friendship and having the courage to leave everything behind when your body and your soul needs you to.
It's not groundbreaking but sooooo needed when you just need some comfort.
The author did a great job in convincing me to move on a mountain even though i despise the cold. Maybe a hot neighbor will be there to welcome me ?
Just one thing though, don't expect much in terms of romance. Yeah it's there but it's really not the main subject of the story and it's pretty forgettable in my opinion. This is about healing and fluffy dogs and friendship and having the courage to leave everything behind when your body and your soul needs you to.
October 3, 2020
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: A Season in the Snow
A Season in the Snow
by Isla Gordon
Pub Date: 26 Nov 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 3 Oct 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks for an early copy in return for an honest review
First time reading this Author and thoroughly enjoyed this xmas book full of hope and cheer would certainly brighten up your day.
Member Review
Cover Image: A Season in the Snow
A Season in the Snow
by Isla Gordon
Pub Date: 26 Nov 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 3 Oct 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks for an early copy in return for an honest review
First time reading this Author and thoroughly enjoyed this xmas book full of hope and cheer would certainly brighten up your day.
December 30, 2020
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book made me want to quit my life and move to Switzerland with my dog. A gorgeous story about losing yourself due to tragedy and slowly finding yourself through friendship, love and with the help of a lovely dog. I loved the whole be present and be grateful aspect, I feel like they're things we don't do nearly enough. Alice's story saddened me but her redemption warmed my heart and her adventures with Bear made me smile. Definitely a must read for dog lovers.
This book made me want to quit my life and move to Switzerland with my dog. A gorgeous story about losing yourself due to tragedy and slowly finding yourself through friendship, love and with the help of a lovely dog. I loved the whole be present and be grateful aspect, I feel like they're things we don't do nearly enough. Alice's story saddened me but her redemption warmed my heart and her adventures with Bear made me smile. Definitely a must read for dog lovers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews