All it takes is one moment to change your life . . .
When a cleverly edited video of radio host Lucy Fairweather goes viral, she knows she needs an escape. And preferably somewhere far away.
Where better than Wild Zone – a destination for people who want to experience the Arctic Circle? Owned by the gorgeous but brooding Tommi, Lucy agrees to help with the guests in return for her stay. But getting to grips with her skis is proving harder than it looks.
Far from home and in a winter wonderland, will an encounter with the breathtaking Northern Lights change her luck, in both life and love?
Emily Kerr has been scribbling stories on bits of paper ever since she learnt how to write. She works as a journalist and is based in Yorkshire. She can generally be found with her nose in a book, or hunched up over her laptop typing away, though she has been known to venture outside every so often to take part in various running-based activities.
I’m not sure how I felt about this book. I loved the setting and learning so much about Finland. I’ve already looked up recipes for most of the foods mentioned. All that aside, the story itself just wasn’t for me. I didn’t like Lucy; despite being told what she has to do, REPEATEDLY, to make things better, she just doesn’t. Her self-destructive behavior was annoying and got old even before she got to Finland. The story moved so slowly and it was a struggle to finish it.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
I’d slightly put off reading this recently as I thought it was going to be quite Christmas focused but it actually didn’t mention the season at all. Yes it was set in Finland so of course there was A LOT of snow, huskies (adorable) and mention of reindeer snow - apologies Rudolph and Prancer etc but that just added more to the adverse setting compared to what Lucy was normally use to.
Finland is such a magical place and definitely makes me think of Narnia with its white scenes, trees and icy lakes but this made you more aware of the dangers that lurk in the gorgeous setting and how even though something looks amazing it can soon change and become quickly life threatening.
I really enjoyed the story and could feel myself warming to Tommi more and more as the book progressed - you know those broody types who you just know are going to be the kindest, sweetest men… well that’s Tommi! The way he was able to see through Lucy’s layers was impressive and you could feel yourself falling for the two of them almost as much as they did. There was also a nice community feel to the book with Joanna and Rudi being a big part of the storyline and almost main characters in their own rights, and then ACFM with Aku as well face the whole area a more realistic feel.
It’s books like this that really fuel the little travel bug inside me and although I’m not sure I’d quite be braced for the cold, I would absolutely love to set foot in Finland and explore its landscapes one day.
This was a lovely book to read. It was light-hearted and perfect for this time of year. I raced through this one. Another new author for me which I love. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
This was a lovely book to read. The story was light-hearted and atmospheric. It had a festive feel so it was perfect for this time of year. Another new author for me. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
This is a lovely wintry, romantic book. Perfect for snuggling up with. I loved all the landscape descriptions and think it really captures lapland and the Finnish so well you really are transported there on your own little magical journey.
Lucy's horrible experience with viral trolls was well written, and really sums up how these situations can turn so nasty so quickly, without actually stopping to think that there are real people and real lives being destroyed.
I also think the issues faced in the book including lose and alcoholism were gentle and appropriately addressed.
Overall I really loved this book and will be going to look for Emily's debut book, duvet day now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was so looking forward to this, but sadly didn’t enjoy this as much as I wanted to. It wasn't bad , it just wasn't that interesting. I couldn’t make a connection to our leading character at all, and the romance just lacking for me. Overall it just isn't a book I could connect with and so I can’t recommend this to others when I couldn’t enjoy it myself
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Meet Me Under the Northern Lights was an okay book. Kind of weird to rate it this way but I'm not really sure how I feel about this. The setting and Finland sound beyond gorgeous. Definitely makes me want to travel right now. It's just that I didn't really connect with the characters throughout this.
In this, you will meet Tommi and Lucy. They were okay, I guess. I definitely like Tommi a bit more than Lucy though. It seemed like things went in one ear and out the other. Which definitely frustrated the heck out of me. Other than that, the pacing was pretty slow for most of this book. So, I easily found myself bored with everything that was happening.
Overall, in some weird way I'm happy that I got the chance to dive into this. I sort of got to visit a place I've never been through. Just wished that I connected or liked the characters because I would have enjoyed the book more if I did.
Meet Me Under the Northern Lights by: Emily Kerr Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter
Author Emily Kerr provides a glorious setting where Lucy embarks on a season of self-discovery and healing, amid the forests and frozen terrain of Finland. Invigorating adventures of snow shoeing, cross country skiing, and husky sledding await Lucy, as well as magical moments underneath the Northern Lights and in the Arctic Circle. When British morning radio host Lucy Fairweather experiences job related harassment, she retreats to the Wild Zone Adventure Centre in Finland for privacy and contemplation. Lucy has flaws and wounds that she hasn't faced in her personal life. While warming up to her new surroundings, she begins a journey of looking inward, guided by her co-worker Skye's brother-in-law Tommi. He provides wilderness training, outdoor escapades, and accommodations for her at his Finnish retreat. Lucy is talented and independent, but her mistakes and insecurities make her a character that is real and relatable. I loved her humor, spirit, ability to grow, and interest in the local Finnish community radio station. Tommi is contemplative, strong, and complex. I would feel safe with him in the Arctic tundra, as he really is a skilled outdoorsman. Kerr's story is vibrant and well-researched, with depth in layering and appreciation of Finland's geography, climate, and way of life. She includes both the wonderment and dangers involved in living in this remote area near the Arctic Circle, along with the snowy sparkle of romance. Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the advance reader's copy and the opportunity to provide my unbiased review. #NetGalley #MeetMeUndertheNorthernLights
This was an enjoyable read. It is not your standard romcom, but also deals with serious issues, which I thought was a refreshing combination. The rating is somewhat influenced by my upcoming trip to Lapland. I loved the descriptions of the surroundings and Finnish culture. The book also contains some helpful tips on how to deal with the low temperatures, they will definitely come in handy for my trip :-) I have to say though: I found Lucy's behaviour quite hard to place at times. For instance the way she persists in her destructive behaviour for a long time. Also, I did not understand her attitude towards Mike and especially Jonno. Why doesn't she confront the man who does absolutely nothing to refute the allegations when he knows they are untrue? All in all I enjoyed myself with this book and I would definitely like to read more from this author!
When local radio stars life takes a shameful turn of events she’s no option but to reassess her life and her supposedly actions or is there a vendetta against her. Her friend offers her a lifeline at a wilderness retreat in Finland. Lucy doesn’t expect it to be so cold and so far away from reality but in truth this is what she needs; to step back and see the natural beauty all around her. I really enjoyed the setting of this novel it was lovely to see it fresh through the eyes of someone who had never experienced anything like this before. The story was delightful and charming but had some serious issues at the heart dealing with bullying and alcohol consumption and grief. All in all a lovely romcom to escape with.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC!
First of all, I loved the way the author was able to transport the reader to Finland (and definitely gave me a bite from the travel bug!)
I also wanted to love the characters, but I found Tommi and Lucy a little too rough around the edges to fall for. I didn’t find myself rooting for them as much as I had hoped.
I liked that the author touched on some serious mental health and addiction issues in the context of the romance. I felt that Lucy’s steps to self discovery were reasonable but I just wanted a bit more.
A picture paints a thousand words and the gorgeous cover and title of Emily Kerr’s seasonal novel set in the winter wonderland of Finland certainly does that. It suggests that between these pages lies a romantic heartfelt plea from one star crossed lover to another to meet on some predetermined date in the future but that could be wishful thinking on my part. You’ll have to read this novel to find out! Images of cold snowy days and even colder nights in this wilderness provide an idyllic backdrop for a smouldering hot romance to ignite. With promises of magic, sparkle and fireworks to look forward to there’s every reason to believe this is a romance novel with the potential to sweep you off your feet, leaving you all dreamy and starry eyed. Such were the thoughts running through my mind as I prepared to escape reality and enter the world of (fingers crossed!) happy ever afters. It’s fair to say my hopes of falling in love with both the storyline and its characters were high!
Lucy Fairweather is a breakfast show radio presenter at Star FM who’s currently in a bit of a pickle, both personally and professionally. Fond of a drink and used to being the life and soul of the party means Lucy is something of a liability, much to the disgust of her grumpy producer Mike. So it’s hardly surprising when Lucy finds herself at the centre of a media frenzy after leaked footage of her and fellow presenter Jonno partying and looking rather too close for comfort goes viral. Suddenly the focus of a social media backlash, Lucy turns to friend Skye to help her escape the torrent of abuse and hatred coming her way. Tommi, Skye’s brother in law owns Wild Zone, an outdoor retreat near the Arctic Circle and extends an invitation to Lucy to stay in return for help with the guests. How could a girl refuse such a kind offer? In a storyline with an emphasis on personal development and transformation Lucy learns that you can run but you can’t hide from your problems. Left with ample time on her hands for some much needed soul searching will her Finnish getaway be the wake up call she desperately needs?
Where better to set a winter’s romance than in the depths of the lapland region of Finland, home to Santa Claus, reindeer, huskies and of course the northern lights. You can’t possibly go wrong! Think snow (and lots of it) frozen lakes, quinzees, vast open spaces and sub zero temperatures. Emily Kerr’s vivid descriptions of a hostile but beautiful environment ideally suited as a place to escape all the stresses and strains of modern day living, a place to take stock, reassess, recharge and possibly reinvent oneself puts you in the right frame of mind for some snow fuelled fun and flirtation. If visiting the Arctic circle and experiencing the wonders of the northern lights didn’t already feature on my bucket list then it does now. Emily Kerr sold me the dream, lock stock and barrel. Add in a tall dark Finnish hunk with piercing blue eyes and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d died and gone to heaven. Can you feel a BUT coming on??…
I’m afraid I felt no affinity towards Lucy despite her being a victim of so much vile abuse. I tried to empathise with her situation recognising a troubled soul beneath her cheery outward persona but couldn’t warm to her at all. Character wise there’s the usual mix of friends and foes with one or two deserving their comeuppance but in truth none of them are particularly inspiring; they’re all relatively beige. Even Tommi fails to win any brownie points in the romantic hero stakes.
Considering this is lighthearted escapist fiction the central themes of this novel are fairly serious. The problem of online trolling, excessive drinking and coping with grief are all handled well. The author attempts to inject some comedy into the scenes at Wild Zone with Lucy who for all her good intentions severely tests Tommi’s patience. Lucy’s desperate attempts to bring the party atmosphere to the outdoor centre leads to some hair raising moments, her foolishness and irresponsibility simply reinforcing the image of her as a bit of a loose cannon which doesn’t endear you to her in the slightest. However my biggest issue with the storyline is the romantic element which takes forever to get going. It’s not until you’re at least three quarters of the way through the novel that things start hotting up by which point you’ve kind of lost interest. Unfortunately this romance just didn’t set my pulse racing nor my temperature soaring. It lacks oomph, passion and any real spark. I wanted fireworks, some sizzling sexual chemistry, some tension and some drama and whilst these elements do exist they quickly fizzle out like a damp squib. It’s cute and sweet in places but blink and you’ll easily miss the moments that change Lucy’s life for the better. Overall I think all the ingredients for a good romance are present bar one and that’s the alchemy which transforms an ordinary romantic relationship into an extraordinary one.
Meet Me Under The Northern Lights is an okay read but with plenty of other seasonal novels to choose from this one doesn’t possess the wow factor necessary to make it onto my list of top romantic reads for 2021.
My thanks as always to the publisher OMC and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
Book my place to see the Northern Lights now. Such a magical place, can't help but be transported to this idyllic place.
After being subjected to nasty cyber bullying, Lucy escapes to the stunning outdoor retreat, Wild Zone near the Arctic Circle. Whilst it took me a while to take to Lucy and to get into the story, there's a host of characters including some beautiful husky dogs to whisk you away to this winter wonderland. The writer deals sensitively with some serious issues. A journey of self discovery, which was an enjoyable winter read.
Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the Finnish traditions and the Northern Lights story - such a beautiful sounding country. Im not sure I ever empathised with Lucy as a character but thought she Rudi and Tommy were interesting though and the Wild Zone sounds magical.
This was my first book by this author and won’t be my last was such a brilliant read and full of heartbreak and escaping away but learning the truth with romance as well and plenty of cold weather ready for Christmas. A great easy read with great characters and brilliant plot that had you gripped very quickly. Well worth reading. Shows how quickly things can change in your life and turning it around again. Lucy has been to a party for someone leaving her work and she drinks to much wakes up and learns she’s gone viral as someone posted a video of her throwing herself at someone and she is late to work and they aren’t impressed and advise she has time off. She needs to escape and get friends suggest going to Finland and leaves her professional job at the radio behind for a bit to just get away from all the fuss and everyone blames her for the trouble. Problem is she’s far from home and very cold with not the right equipment and she needs to change how she is but how will she cope with the work she’s asked to do to start with everything seems to go wrong. She is soon given some home truths and told she’s drinking to much and it all stems from loosing her dad suddenly and she finds herself talking it all through with someone and will her luck soon start to change being in the northern lights or not. She starts volunteering at the local radio there but doesn’t want to think she’s taken a step back but when someone from her radio station turns up where she is will she learn the truth and will she end up staying it coming home will she have romance or not and will she get her job back if she and then learn the truth. Worth more than five stars a fantastic read.
It seems to me that books with Finnish connections are calling out to me, and all the more poignant, as that is where my sister in law is from, so I find myself imagining the places I am reading about... Now, enough of my nostalgia! Meet Me Under The Northern Lights is a fantastic book, that follows the downfall of Radio DJ Lucy Fairweather's career when a clip of her questionable drunk dancing goes viral, but, more awful than the dancing, is the connotations that the awfully edited clip insinuates, as her character is put into question. Was she really flirting with that other presenter, who just happened to be the boyfriend of a celebrity? Faced with the trolls that support #TeamSerenity, and back the hashtag #LooseLucy, and an endless stream of hate messages, culminating in a death threat delivered to her home, she ends up running off to the furthest ends of Finland, where her colleague's brother-in-law lives. Can I just say, I felt the cold as I read about her arrival at Wild Zone, the Arctic Circle Experience that her host Tommi, has just set up. I've not been to Finland in the cold, but I have seen photos of my brother with his eyelashes frozen, just from a walk, so I know there was no exaggeration! Lucy really does find herself, out in the cold sticks, not only figuring out a way to get out of the viral video hole, but digging deeper, and recognising why some of the issues that have plagued her, have come about. And of course, there is romance. That gruff, blunt Finn, Tommi, does have a heart, but it takes him a while to demonstrate his feelings. With a lovely supportive cast of characters, as well as the slime balls, Mike, and Jonny from the radio stations, the reader is taken on a fantastic Arctic journey. Oh, and how could I forget Gurta? Quite key to the story, and several misunderstandings, Gurta is a little star, in herself! Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book expecting to find a fun and light romance. But even if it does have quite a few fun moments, I wouldn't say it was a light read, since it dealt with some serious issues. And even though there is some romance, it didn't feel like the main focus of the story, which for me turned out to be Lucy's journey of self-discovery. After a manipulated video of herself went viral, Lucy decided to escape for a while and she flew to Finland to help the brother of a friend at an adventure place called Wild Zone, where besides finding herself in a few embarrasing situations, creating a mess or two and developing feelings for her host, she ended up confronting some demons of her own.
I really enjoyed the setting, it made me feel like I was right there in Finland living an adventure in the wild. I have always wanted to visit the Arctic Circle and partake in all the activities one can do there, so I really enjoyed reading about all of that. The romance was OK, if maybe a bit underdeveloped. I missed having Tommi's point of view. I would have liked to see how he saw Lucy in his mind and when exactly did he start to fall for her and why. But again, I think the romance is only part of the story, not the central point, so even though it was subtle, I still enjoyed it. And the book also provides some food for thought regarding online exposure and issues in the work environment, among other things.
All in all, I thought it was an interesting read.
Thank you to ONE MORE CHAPTER and Netgalley for granting me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love a book that lets you be transported from your armchair to somewhere else, and this book certainly did that. I felt as though I was experiencing the Finnish wilderness alongside Lucy.
Lucy is escaping from a viral video of herself, and I could tell she was slightly out of control even before the video, and from there she spirals. The reaction to this video was terrifying and shows just how easily internet trolls can cause damage to a person's wellbeing.
From the moment Lucy reluctantly arrives in Finland I was hooked. I enjoyed getting to know her new colleagues and friends but at the same time like her, I wanted to know who was behind the viral video.
Tommi who owns and runs Wild Zone, comes across quite gruff initially but as you see more of him, it felt like he was quite warm and cuddling inside once he cares about someone.
There are a series of mishaps in Lucy's early days in The Wild Zone, some of which are more life threatening than others, as she really isn't taking the surroundings seriously.
This is Emily Kerr's second book and first one I've read and on this basis I will certainly be on the look out for more.
But if you are looking at this this, thinking between the cold part of Finland, the possibility of Northern lights and the December publication date that this is a Christmas book. Well I had left it until near the end of my festive reading season this year, and well clearly I was wrong. This can easily be read at any time of the year, but I do recommend curling up somewhere warm to read, if nothing else than to combat the freezing cold temperatures in Wild Zone.
This is romantic escapist fiction at its very best, and it was a sheer pleasure to delve between the pages and devour this story.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for approving me for an ARC of this book. When I spotted the audio version on Scribd I thought I would give it a whirl.
From the start Lucy is clearly a woman with problems and these are ones she isn’t willing to face up to. Every thing that happens to her is always down to some sort of bad luck or because of someone else’s actions. What I had spotted early on was that Lucy liked to play the victim and wasn’t willing to accept that some of her own choices lead her to this path.
Despite this the viral video that lead to Lucy fleeing the country was wholly uncalled for and down right cruel. The aftermath of it was also deeply upsetting and not something that Lucy deserved. Thank god she had some friends looking out for her and could offer her the idyllic break she needed.
When Lucy first arrived at the Wild Zone I immediately fell in love with the beautiful scenery. Seeing the Northern Lights is on my to do list and Emily Kerr’s picturesque descriptions have only fuelled to that desire. Tommy was very interesting and somewhat moody at the beginning. I felt he definitely needed to lighten up a bit and maybe crack a smile or too.
This was an easy listen that I finished in a day. It was cosy and full or heart, the perfect comfort read to enjoy.
I read this in one afternoon. Lucy is not a very likable character at first. There seems to be a huge trend in cozy romances with the arctic setting. I’ve read many of them recently. There also seems to be a trend with having the lead character be an alcoholic or having a drink/party problem which is just not fun to read about. In this book Lucy never really gets the help she needs or talks to a professional about her need to imbibe. seeing thr northern lights doesn’t fix everything.
That being said i still had fun reading the book. The concept was good and the side characters fun. I found it unbelievable that
Still not a bad read. My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
Thanks to Netgalley and One More Chapter for the ARC
Romance and wintery vibes are what you get from Meet Me Under the Northern Lights.
With a beautiful backdrop and a hilarious and determined protagonist, I was given a story that both entertained and tugged at the heart strings.
Over all I really enjoyed this story.
Lucy had me laughing instantly. Her sarcasm and quick wit were very much appreciated.
I however do have a couple of things that niggled me. The subject of alcoholism is used within the story and I felt as though it was slightly brushed over. I know it wasn't the main storyline as such but I wish it had been given a bit more detail/attention.
And my other moan is that there wasn't an epilogue. Not a deal breaker but I am a sucker for getting that extra piece of a story, an extra happy ending if you like.
Over all I'd definitely recommend the story to others, an easy read with heart.
I started listening to this today and was immediately enthralled by the narration and story. Lucy omg I love her she such a fun character. After dealing with some harssement issue Lucy retreats to the Wilds in Finland. Lucy has time to self reflect whilst at this retreat and is guided by Tommi, Skyes brother in law. After the winter settle in during her stay whisky Lucy is helping out. Such a fun and personal development novel. It's very unique and I enjoyed that.
This is such a fun, loving, cosy read you will not want to miss this book, story line was so lovely and easy to read that I found myself wanting to finish to know what was going to happen and not put it down as I was engrossed in the story, such beautiful details and so beautifully written definitely a must read for a Christmas cosy read.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC. I thought that overall it was a sweet wintry romance. It was cute, but I didn't really get very attached to the characters. I wish I would have been more attached from the start.
It's pretty obvious that the author isn't Finnish herself and the audiobook reader's "finnish" accent was more like some weird indian-dutch-mix. However the book was fun to read, although pretty predictable.
Easiest 5 stars I have ever given! Thanks to Netgalley, One More Chapter and HarperCollins for providing and ARC copy for my honest review!
Okay, I really liked this book, in fact, I loved it! I wasn't expecting it to be not as romantic for almost 70% of the book. But ,oh my, it was well written. I enjoyed the transitions throughout the book. I sensed the self-help vibe a bit, I'm not a fan of that kind of content, but it in this book it didn't bother me much.
Brief synopsis: Radio host Lucy Fairweather has gone viral all over social media because of a video she was in. She wants to escape and preferably far far away. Luckily, she gets a chance to go to the Wilde Zone hotel somewhere in Finland in exchange for helping out gorgeous Tommi. Will Lucy find the one who is behind the viral video? Will she find herself and fall in love under the Northern lights?
Unfortunately this didn't spark a lot in me. I thought the idea for the storyline was strong but it did feel a little over done and much longer than it needed to be. Sadly not the book for me.
First off thank you to net galley and the publishers (HarperCollins) for allowing me to Read this ARC copy of Meet me under the Northern Lights. I'll be honest when I first started reading this book I struggled to really get into it, and to enjoy it..However that could be because i was in a slight reading slump and nothing to do with the book at all! I really got into this book by the 15/20% Mark where i fell in love with the writing, the story and the characters! Especially our Tommi and Lucy, both with totally different characteristics and personalities. I began to really dislike a character or two. The story was well written, and very believable even for a fictional story, it had the right proportion of good and positive versus the sad and negative. I found that i didn't know what was going to happen next, or have any hints as to what was going to happen next until they were actually happening. In the end i finished this book in all of 3 days, which is a record! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a heart warming story with a wintery backdrop. Happy Reading!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I get very excited to find books set in far off exotic locations. The Northern Lights are something that I would love to see in person one day, so I was very excited to dive into this story. Unfortunately, this book did not do what I had hoped. It was so nice to feel transported to Finland through the writing. But I didn't care for the characters at all...and that made it really had to get into the story. It was a slow moving story and I wanted so much more from this book. I hope that others really enjoy the story because I think it had so much amazing potential, however, this was not the book for me.