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Maybe this year - Dieser eine Tag im Winter
Vor zehn Jahren gaben sich Andrew und Norah ein Versprechen: Wenn sie an Weihnachten 2019 beide noch single sind, treffen sie sich an Heiligabend in Dublin. Nun ist der Zeitpunkt gekommen, aber wird Andrew wirklich dort auf sie warten? Norah hat nie vergessen können, wie sie sich damals im Italienurlaub kennenlernten und sich Hals über Kopf ineinander verliebten. Doch das Schicksal trennte ihre Wege. Ohne Kontaktdaten ist ihr altes Versprechen Norahs einzige Hoffnung. Sie muss einfach herausfinden, ob Andrew auch noch Gefühle für sie hat. Also macht sie sich kurzerhand auf die Reise quer durchs verschneite Land. Kann ihr Wunsch zehn Weihnachten später wirklich in Erfüllung gehen?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2021
212 people are currently reading
6514 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 632 reviews
January 23, 2022
With her mum bailing out on her for their Christmas plans, Norah is left at a loose end and feeling just a bit sorry for herself. Then suddenly she is seized by a mad impulse, as she recalls a long ago promise. Ten years ago she fell in love with a boy called Andrew, they had a holiday romance but then went their separate ways, however, they agreed that if they were both single ten years on they would meet on Christmas Eve on Grafton Street, Dublin. Now, Norah finds herself remembering that long ago summer and her feelings for Andrew. Likely he won't remember their agreement, but she finds herself determined to find out just in case. Besides, even if Andrew doesn't turn up, her best friend Joe is coming with her, such that they will be sure to have a good time regardless.
My first read from Emily Bell, I picked this up with the hope of a warm, festive read, and to be honest that is precisely what I got. The book starts off in London, with Norah Christmas shopping, and immediately it gave me those festive vibes that I was looking for. I enjoyed the parts of the book set in Dublin, and also the flashback chapters to Norah and Andrew's holiday romance in Italy all those years ago.
I did generally like Norah as the central character. I felt we got to know her quite well, with glimpses of her past, her relationship with her friends, family, work, her dreams of being a singer. I also thought Bell did a good job of showing the change in Norah from the girl we see in the flashback chapters to the woman she has become, and the events that have shaped her, in particular the loss of her father, who she was very close to, and the book does explore the subject of grief. Whilst the idea of going to Dublin to see if Andrew shows up after all these years does seem a bit far-fetched and perhaps desperate, I think as the story went on, I appreciated that Norah was perhaps actually looking to rediscover the person she used to be when she met Andrew more than anything else. That said, at times I did find Norah a bit whiny.
I did have an inkling fairly early on that the story might not necessarily go in the direction that the blurb leads us to believe, though I won't say too much more about the way the plot unfolds so as not to give away spoilers. I will say that I liked the direction that was taken, as it felt more realistic.
The romance, whilst sweet, wasn't for me the strongest element of the story, as I did sometimes feel the chemistry between the characters could have been better captured. Some parts of the book did feel a bit flat to be honest, however, overall the book sustained my attention, and I did like the nostalgic feel that the book captured in places. I appreciated the nod to recent events in the epilogue set in Dec 2020, where the author briefly alludes to lockdowns and life in the era of COVID-19.
Overall, this was a pleasant and easy read, with a festive feel and some romance, whilst also exploring themes around friendship, family, grief and just I suppose how we can sometimes lose ourselves a bit as we go through life, but that we can always find ourselves again too.
My first read from Emily Bell, I picked this up with the hope of a warm, festive read, and to be honest that is precisely what I got. The book starts off in London, with Norah Christmas shopping, and immediately it gave me those festive vibes that I was looking for. I enjoyed the parts of the book set in Dublin, and also the flashback chapters to Norah and Andrew's holiday romance in Italy all those years ago.
I did generally like Norah as the central character. I felt we got to know her quite well, with glimpses of her past, her relationship with her friends, family, work, her dreams of being a singer. I also thought Bell did a good job of showing the change in Norah from the girl we see in the flashback chapters to the woman she has become, and the events that have shaped her, in particular the loss of her father, who she was very close to, and the book does explore the subject of grief. Whilst the idea of going to Dublin to see if Andrew shows up after all these years does seem a bit far-fetched and perhaps desperate, I think as the story went on, I appreciated that Norah was perhaps actually looking to rediscover the person she used to be when she met Andrew more than anything else. That said, at times I did find Norah a bit whiny.
I did have an inkling fairly early on that the story might not necessarily go in the direction that the blurb leads us to believe, though I won't say too much more about the way the plot unfolds so as not to give away spoilers. I will say that I liked the direction that was taken, as it felt more realistic.
The romance, whilst sweet, wasn't for me the strongest element of the story, as I did sometimes feel the chemistry between the characters could have been better captured. Some parts of the book did feel a bit flat to be honest, however, overall the book sustained my attention, and I did like the nostalgic feel that the book captured in places. I appreciated the nod to recent events in the epilogue set in Dec 2020, where the author briefly alludes to lockdowns and life in the era of COVID-19.
Overall, this was a pleasant and easy read, with a festive feel and some romance, whilst also exploring themes around friendship, family, grief and just I suppose how we can sometimes lose ourselves a bit as we go through life, but that we can always find ourselves again too.
December 12, 2021
The introductory parts and segue into present/past lives felt awkward, and to me, this never quite found its footing. The music stuff and her dad parts were great, and I liked that the story explores that part of your adulthood where you don’t really know where you want your life to go yet. And some of the travel stuff was fun.
But romantically, emotionally, this didn’t spark much feeling—not enough joy or sadness or excitement. Really more of a 2.5 for me.
But romantically, emotionally, this didn’t spark much feeling—not enough joy or sadness or excitement. Really more of a 2.5 for me.
February 1, 2025
*Realisations*
This delightful Christmas read strikes a perfect balance between the holiday spirit and a more general theme. The story follows Norah, a talented singer and musician, as she embarks on a holiday with her friends. There, she meets Andrew, a musician in a band, though singing isn’t his forte. Despite this, they instantly connect and embark on a romantic journey. Norah decides to extend her stay, and they spend their time exploring the city, among other things.
They make a pact at the end of their holiday to meet in Dublin a decade later if they’re both single. In the meantime, they exchange emails but eventually lose touch.
Over the years, we witness her friendships evolve and transform as she navigates life with her lifelong friends. Each of them maintains distinct relationships outside the group, yet they consistently make time for each other. Norah shares a particularly close bond with her father, a relationship that she deeply cherished. However, her parents’ divorce casts a shadow over their lives when her father passes away.
Now, Norah is at a loss because her mother abruptly cancels their Christmas plans at the last minute. However, she manages to find herself automatically going to visit her friend Joe, who has always been there for her through thick and thin.
Norah is the type who needs everything planned to the letter. But, on a whim, she decides she must go to Dublin as it is now 10 years since she made that pact with Andrew. After finally convincing Joe to go with her, they make their way.
Joe believes Andrew will not show up, but if he does not, he can at least be there to comfort Norah.
What Norah does not realise is that this trip will make her realise some things about herself….
Now, she is due to meet Andrew and as the time comes near, will he turn up? How will she feel?
A great ending that made me smile…
This delightful Christmas read strikes a perfect balance between the holiday spirit and a more general theme. The story follows Norah, a talented singer and musician, as she embarks on a holiday with her friends. There, she meets Andrew, a musician in a band, though singing isn’t his forte. Despite this, they instantly connect and embark on a romantic journey. Norah decides to extend her stay, and they spend their time exploring the city, among other things.
They make a pact at the end of their holiday to meet in Dublin a decade later if they’re both single. In the meantime, they exchange emails but eventually lose touch.
Over the years, we witness her friendships evolve and transform as she navigates life with her lifelong friends. Each of them maintains distinct relationships outside the group, yet they consistently make time for each other. Norah shares a particularly close bond with her father, a relationship that she deeply cherished. However, her parents’ divorce casts a shadow over their lives when her father passes away.
Now, Norah is at a loss because her mother abruptly cancels their Christmas plans at the last minute. However, she manages to find herself automatically going to visit her friend Joe, who has always been there for her through thick and thin.
Norah is the type who needs everything planned to the letter. But, on a whim, she decides she must go to Dublin as it is now 10 years since she made that pact with Andrew. After finally convincing Joe to go with her, they make their way.
Joe believes Andrew will not show up, but if he does not, he can at least be there to comfort Norah.
What Norah does not realise is that this trip will make her realise some things about herself….
Now, she is due to meet Andrew and as the time comes near, will he turn up? How will she feel?
A great ending that made me smile…
August 3, 2021
A refreshing romance filled with holiday spirit and second chances.
Norah Jones (yep, just like the singer) spent a summer in Italy ten years ago. There she met an Irish boy called Andrew. After spending a magic week with him in Verona they go their separate ways. He is about to go to States to attend Julliard and she is going back to London. But, if they can't meet again in the future, they made a pact, at least they are supposed to meet on Christmas Eve ten years later, on Grafton Street, in front of the famous Bewley's Coffee in Dublin.
So much has changed in her life ever since, but it's 2019 and Norah has no plans for Christmas. Her mother bailed on her and she is at a loss of what to do. Then, she remembers Andrew's promise and recruits her best friend Joe to go on the journey to Dublin with her.
Baby It's Cold Outside is a very different romance. Emily Bell's narrative is engrossing and detailed. You get to know a lot about Norah, her relationship with her father and her friends. And the lovely descriptions of Dublin make it easy to be transported to the beautiful time at Christmas time.
Overall it was a very sweet and unexpected book and the perfect read for the holiday season.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you so much Penguin Michael Joseph UK for approving me for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Norah Jones (yep, just like the singer) spent a summer in Italy ten years ago. There she met an Irish boy called Andrew. After spending a magic week with him in Verona they go their separate ways. He is about to go to States to attend Julliard and she is going back to London. But, if they can't meet again in the future, they made a pact, at least they are supposed to meet on Christmas Eve ten years later, on Grafton Street, in front of the famous Bewley's Coffee in Dublin.
So much has changed in her life ever since, but it's 2019 and Norah has no plans for Christmas. Her mother bailed on her and she is at a loss of what to do. Then, she remembers Andrew's promise and recruits her best friend Joe to go on the journey to Dublin with her.
Baby It's Cold Outside is a very different romance. Emily Bell's narrative is engrossing and detailed. You get to know a lot about Norah, her relationship with her father and her friends. And the lovely descriptions of Dublin make it easy to be transported to the beautiful time at Christmas time.
Overall it was a very sweet and unexpected book and the perfect read for the holiday season.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you so much Penguin Michael Joseph UK for approving me for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2021
I liked the premise but wasn't a fan of the writing style. The dialogue had no feeling and the characters no chemistry, despite it being a romance.
October 12, 2024
3 stars.
December 3, 2021
The story is paced well between the ten years of Norah Jones and Andrew meeting. I liked the flow of the story from the start but the story kept getting better and better. Andrew makes a comment on meeting in his home of Dublin on Christmas Eve in ten years times. Will either remember? Of course they will. Life happens in-between for both. Following Norah's story we read the death of her father and the fantastic friendship between her and Joe. Joe helped so much in one of the worst/worst time of her life. He is the rock, the long term friend everything to make a solid partnership. I am a sucker for a best friend to lover relationship and was not expecting it in this one until it happened. Making me love this one even more. Joe makes the book for me. If it came to what I thought was happening between Team Joe and Team Andrew. I was one hundred percent on Team Joe, he had the edge, he is the keeper. Norah Lee Maybe? Norah Lee Jones (Even better). 4.5 Stars (5 to Joe)
September 28, 2021
Battling through the cold and the last-minute Christmas shoppers, Norah hears a busker playing a familiar tune. A tune that transports her to sunnier days and a week spent in Italy that was the most romantic of her life. Two people, a promise made - to meet under the clock on Grafton Street, Dublin on Christmas Eve in 10 years’ time.
Norah has no idea whether Andrew will remember their vow, but single and with no plans for the festive season she has nothing to lose. Hoping for a Christmas miracle she heads to Ireland, but is she prepared for the surprises along the way?
Looking at other reviews I find I’m possibly alone in my opinion of this book, but I thought it was dull. It got off to an ok start, but I found it hard to get on board with Norah’s mission after reading the flashback scenes to ten years previously and the beginning of the romance between Andrew and herself.
The main protagonists spent 1 week together in Italy during separate backpacking trips in their early twenties, and whilst it seemed like they had a lovely time I couldn’t quite see this week inspiring a decade long desire to reunite with ‘the one that got away’. I’m not even sure that is a fitting moniker for this scenario, more likely it should be ‘the one I couldn’t be bothered to keep in touch with’.
The rest of the story didn’t do enough to make up for this flimsy romance and I really only continued because it was an ARC. I think this will be an enjoyable Christmas read for many but it just didn’t tick the boxes for me.
* Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK, via NetGalley, for this ARC *
For more reviews, please visit: https://twiabblog.wixsite.com/theworl...
Norah has no idea whether Andrew will remember their vow, but single and with no plans for the festive season she has nothing to lose. Hoping for a Christmas miracle she heads to Ireland, but is she prepared for the surprises along the way?
Looking at other reviews I find I’m possibly alone in my opinion of this book, but I thought it was dull. It got off to an ok start, but I found it hard to get on board with Norah’s mission after reading the flashback scenes to ten years previously and the beginning of the romance between Andrew and herself.
The main protagonists spent 1 week together in Italy during separate backpacking trips in their early twenties, and whilst it seemed like they had a lovely time I couldn’t quite see this week inspiring a decade long desire to reunite with ‘the one that got away’. I’m not even sure that is a fitting moniker for this scenario, more likely it should be ‘the one I couldn’t be bothered to keep in touch with’.
The rest of the story didn’t do enough to make up for this flimsy romance and I really only continued because it was an ARC. I think this will be an enjoyable Christmas read for many but it just didn’t tick the boxes for me.
* Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK, via NetGalley, for this ARC *
For more reviews, please visit: https://twiabblog.wixsite.com/theworl...
January 9, 2022
Fluffy and festive, perfect to read over a lazy winter weekend. I wish there was more of a spark as far as the main couple is concerned.
January 5, 2023
Loved it !
Thank you for this lovely Christmas present Ebony ! I know you read my shitty reviews <3
I sussed out the ending about halfway in & had to message eb about it ! You better read it soon!!
Thank you for this lovely Christmas present Ebony ! I know you read my shitty reviews <3
I sussed out the ending about halfway in & had to message eb about it ! You better read it soon!!
December 8, 2021
I had to force myself to finish this book, I found myself skipping some parts near the end. I found I couldn’t take to any of the characters, and the storyline was very far fetched.
Basically Norah meets Andrew, they have a one week holiday romance and agree to meet Christmas Eve in ten years time. They briefly email to keep in touch, and so the story rolls. I found you could tell the ending by the first chapter, which isn’t an issue - but the story was just a slug to get through.
The only reason I ploughed through was because I kept thinking “it will get better”. Sadly it didn’t.
Basically Norah meets Andrew, they have a one week holiday romance and agree to meet Christmas Eve in ten years time. They briefly email to keep in touch, and so the story rolls. I found you could tell the ending by the first chapter, which isn’t an issue - but the story was just a slug to get through.
The only reason I ploughed through was because I kept thinking “it will get better”. Sadly it didn’t.
January 11, 2023
Una storia d'amore piena di spirito natalizio e seconde possibilità.
Norah Jones (come la cantante) ha trascorso un'estate in Italia dieci anni fa. Lì ha incontrato un ragazzo irlandese di nome Andrew. Dopo aver trascorso con lui una settimana magica a Verona si separano. Lui sta per andare negli Stati Uniti per frequentare la Julliard e lei torna a Londra. Ma, se non potranno più rivedersi in futuro, hanno stretto un patto, almeno dovrebbero incontrarsi la vigilia di Natale di dieci anni dopo, in Grafton Street, davanti al famoso Bewley's Coffee di Dublino.
Da allora sono cambiate così tante cose nella sua vita, ma è il 2019 e Norah non ha programmi per il Natale. Sua madre l'ha bidonata e lei non sa cosa fare. Quindi, ricorda la promessa di Andrew e recluta il suo migliore amico Joe per fare un viaggio a Dublino con lei.
un magico appuntamento sotto le stelle è una storia d'amore diversa. La narrazione è a volte lenta ma dettagliata. Descrive il rapporto di Norah con suo padre e i suoi amici. E le belle descrizioni di Dublino rendono facile essere trasportati nel bel periodo natalizio.
Nel complesso è stato un libro molto dolce e inaspettato e la lettura perfetta per le festività natalizie.
Norah Jones (come la cantante) ha trascorso un'estate in Italia dieci anni fa. Lì ha incontrato un ragazzo irlandese di nome Andrew. Dopo aver trascorso con lui una settimana magica a Verona si separano. Lui sta per andare negli Stati Uniti per frequentare la Julliard e lei torna a Londra. Ma, se non potranno più rivedersi in futuro, hanno stretto un patto, almeno dovrebbero incontrarsi la vigilia di Natale di dieci anni dopo, in Grafton Street, davanti al famoso Bewley's Coffee di Dublino.
Da allora sono cambiate così tante cose nella sua vita, ma è il 2019 e Norah non ha programmi per il Natale. Sua madre l'ha bidonata e lei non sa cosa fare. Quindi, ricorda la promessa di Andrew e recluta il suo migliore amico Joe per fare un viaggio a Dublino con lei.
un magico appuntamento sotto le stelle è una storia d'amore diversa. La narrazione è a volte lenta ma dettagliata. Descrive il rapporto di Norah con suo padre e i suoi amici. E le belle descrizioni di Dublino rendono facile essere trasportati nel bel periodo natalizio.
Nel complesso è stato un libro molto dolce e inaspettato e la lettura perfetta per le festività natalizie.
December 28, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
North London based author Emily Bell now writes full time after working as a tour guide, pub singer and bookseller. This Dublin born author published her first novel this year, a feel-good wintertime romance titled, Baby It’s Cold Outside. A story of seizing the day, lost love, grief and time, Baby It’s Cold Outside is a standard fare holiday romance.
Baby It’s Cold Outside follows the life of lead character Norah. When we are first acquainted with Norah, she is in London negotiating the December shopping crowds when she hears notes from a special song that ignites memories of an unforgettable holiday romance. As the memories unfurl, we learn about Norah’s connection to Andrew, a man she met while touring Italy. Knowing that this holiday romance could not continue, this couple made a pact, to meet in Dublin under a clock on Christmas Eve – but only if they both find themselves single. For Norah this distant memory and promise may fall in heap, but with nothing to lose Norah travels to Dublin. Will she be reunited with her old lover?
Emily Bell’s debut novel caught my eye in a bookstore while I was in the thick of my Christmas shopping. The wintertime cover appealed to me in the forty degrees plus heat we are currently experiencing in Perth. I enjoy taking a break from my review books over the festive period and Baby It’s Cold Outside seemed to be just the book I needed to read at the time. Sadly, Emily Bell’s novel didn’t quite live up my initial expectations.
With a great opening, Baby It’s Cold Outside got off to a raring start. I was sympathetic to lead protagonist Norah’s family situation and my heart went out to the heroine of the tale, especially in regards to the storyline involving her father. Bell treats this aspect of her novel with care, sympathy and understanding especially in relation to feelings of grief. I found Norah’s mother a little frustrating, but this was an authentic family values storyline. The first half of the novel does back track into the past, outlining the life changing holiday romance between the lead and Andrew. Bell tries hard in this area to convey the deep feelings and overwhelming emotions of a holiday affair, but I don’t think I was completely convinced that this romance could have such long standing feelings. I must be too cynical these days!
Bell draws in themes such as loss, family, travel and regret to Baby It’s Cold Outside. There are also a number of refences to music, but this side area of the narrative didn’t really hook me in. The only aspect of the tale that managed to hold my full and undivided attention was the Dublin travel sequences. I was lucky to visit this magical city in 2015 and Emily Bell’s book took me right back there. I loved all the descriptions of the streets, sights and general feel for this memorable destination. I would happily book another trip to this city if restrictions were lifted! I can only dream right now but that was enough, so my thanks to the author for lifting my spirits.
On the whole, Emily Bell’s romance was a nice, simple, pleasant story for the yuletide reading period, but I was not overly enamoured by Baby It’s Cold Outside.
North London based author Emily Bell now writes full time after working as a tour guide, pub singer and bookseller. This Dublin born author published her first novel this year, a feel-good wintertime romance titled, Baby It’s Cold Outside. A story of seizing the day, lost love, grief and time, Baby It’s Cold Outside is a standard fare holiday romance.
Baby It’s Cold Outside follows the life of lead character Norah. When we are first acquainted with Norah, she is in London negotiating the December shopping crowds when she hears notes from a special song that ignites memories of an unforgettable holiday romance. As the memories unfurl, we learn about Norah’s connection to Andrew, a man she met while touring Italy. Knowing that this holiday romance could not continue, this couple made a pact, to meet in Dublin under a clock on Christmas Eve – but only if they both find themselves single. For Norah this distant memory and promise may fall in heap, but with nothing to lose Norah travels to Dublin. Will she be reunited with her old lover?
Emily Bell’s debut novel caught my eye in a bookstore while I was in the thick of my Christmas shopping. The wintertime cover appealed to me in the forty degrees plus heat we are currently experiencing in Perth. I enjoy taking a break from my review books over the festive period and Baby It’s Cold Outside seemed to be just the book I needed to read at the time. Sadly, Emily Bell’s novel didn’t quite live up my initial expectations.
With a great opening, Baby It’s Cold Outside got off to a raring start. I was sympathetic to lead protagonist Norah’s family situation and my heart went out to the heroine of the tale, especially in regards to the storyline involving her father. Bell treats this aspect of her novel with care, sympathy and understanding especially in relation to feelings of grief. I found Norah’s mother a little frustrating, but this was an authentic family values storyline. The first half of the novel does back track into the past, outlining the life changing holiday romance between the lead and Andrew. Bell tries hard in this area to convey the deep feelings and overwhelming emotions of a holiday affair, but I don’t think I was completely convinced that this romance could have such long standing feelings. I must be too cynical these days!
Bell draws in themes such as loss, family, travel and regret to Baby It’s Cold Outside. There are also a number of refences to music, but this side area of the narrative didn’t really hook me in. The only aspect of the tale that managed to hold my full and undivided attention was the Dublin travel sequences. I was lucky to visit this magical city in 2015 and Emily Bell’s book took me right back there. I loved all the descriptions of the streets, sights and general feel for this memorable destination. I would happily book another trip to this city if restrictions were lifted! I can only dream right now but that was enough, so my thanks to the author for lifting my spirits.
On the whole, Emily Bell’s romance was a nice, simple, pleasant story for the yuletide reading period, but I was not overly enamoured by Baby It’s Cold Outside.
January 7, 2026
This has been a surprisingly disappointing and refreshing story at the same time. The way it starts with the 10-year-later romance sounds like an improbable, yet a forced christmas-miracle one. Then, it has another predictable twist, but because the premise itself was already a trope of itself, I did not expect it, which led to disappointment. BUT THEN, as I was finishing the book, I could not help but approve of the way things went. You win some and you lose some and this book managed to play the tropes right.
Norah is feeling lonely and after having her family plans down the drain, she decides her best chance this year would be to fulfill a 10-year promise to a flame she met for a whole week, but lost contact for years. She is desperate to find her own person and, honestly, I think all of us would have this "what if" scenario in the back of our head, so I cannot blame her too much. But I do blame her enough that she decided literally in a couple of hours to go to another country for a possibility of a romantic partner she hasn't heard from in many years.
The narration was very life-like in the sense that even though I have never been to Dublin or Verona, I could see what Norah was seeing and it really made you feel the book more than just reading it. It helped that Norah seemed like a fully fleshed character with a past and a set of friends who seemed more than just bystanders. It does not become too apparent until the end, but throughout the book we are given enough details to see that despite Norah's flashbacks or thoughts being pretty normal for the most part, they have left a mark on her in ways that affect her everyday life. It makes you think what we have missed in our own lives and how we are affected by situations in the longterm.
As I said, Norah had solid friends, so the book depicts healthy relationships. Maybe it focuses mostly on the positive sides rather than negative, but it feels relatable in a good way, because you want to root for someone who finally has good people around her and she is not attracting idiots. The romance is the same kind of healthy relationship in this context. Despite the improbability of that premise, the book manages to deliver good examples of relationships and for that I am thankful.
There is a part that I am still disappointed though, because there is an abrupt turn of events and it happens so fast and categorically that it feels like the natural order was skipped due to length. But maybe even that was a good choice, because it kept the story in foggy waters for longer. Nonetheless, a good Christmas read, if only for the vibes.
Norah is feeling lonely and after having her family plans down the drain, she decides her best chance this year would be to fulfill a 10-year promise to a flame she met for a whole week, but lost contact for years. She is desperate to find her own person and, honestly, I think all of us would have this "what if" scenario in the back of our head, so I cannot blame her too much. But I do blame her enough that she decided literally in a couple of hours to go to another country for a possibility of a romantic partner she hasn't heard from in many years.
The narration was very life-like in the sense that even though I have never been to Dublin or Verona, I could see what Norah was seeing and it really made you feel the book more than just reading it. It helped that Norah seemed like a fully fleshed character with a past and a set of friends who seemed more than just bystanders. It does not become too apparent until the end, but throughout the book we are given enough details to see that despite Norah's flashbacks or thoughts being pretty normal for the most part, they have left a mark on her in ways that affect her everyday life. It makes you think what we have missed in our own lives and how we are affected by situations in the longterm.
As I said, Norah had solid friends, so the book depicts healthy relationships. Maybe it focuses mostly on the positive sides rather than negative, but it feels relatable in a good way, because you want to root for someone who finally has good people around her and she is not attracting idiots. The romance is the same kind of healthy relationship in this context. Despite the improbability of that premise, the book manages to deliver good examples of relationships and for that I am thankful.
There is a part that I am still disappointed though, because there is an abrupt turn of events and it happens so fast and categorically that it feels like the natural order was skipped due to length. But maybe even that was a good choice, because it kept the story in foggy waters for longer. Nonetheless, a good Christmas read, if only for the vibes.
November 29, 2022
I just can't get myself to finish this. It is completely boring and the characters have zero chemistry..
November 22, 2022
Oggi sono qui per parlarvi di un'altra bellissima opera arrivata nelle nostre librerie.
Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmelo scappare?
Assolutamente no.
Si conclude oggi la settimana delle mie recensioni natalizie per Newton e devo dire che già mi mancano.
Norah è la nostra protagonista, una ragazza che ho trovato davvero molto simile a me.
A trentadue anni sente di non avere ancora la sua vita tra le mani e il passato è sempre ancorato ai suoi pensieri, tanto che non sono poche le volte che la mente vaga a una vacanza in Italia di dieci anni prima, dove aveva conosciuto un irlandese con cui aveva davvero vissuto appieno.
Si erano promessi di ritrovarsi e poi la vita li aveva divisi anche a causa delle loro nazioni a separarli.
Si erano inoltre detto che si sarebbero ritrovarsi a Dublino, dopo dieci anni, nella vigilia di Natale e così senza sapere se lui davvero sarebbe stato lì, prende la decisione di partire.
Se lo troverà e cosa succederà, lascio a voi scoprirlo.
" Mi sono appoggiata a lui più di quanto avrei mai potuto immaginare di fare con chiunque, e non ha mai vacillato. "
Mi sono commossa leggendo questo libro, perché Norah mi rispecchia ciecamente: stessa età, stessi sentimenti, stesso passato ancorato a dieci anni prima, ma senza il coraggio di prendere e partire per andare in contro a quella persona come invece ha fatto lei.
Non pensavo di trovare un libro simile, che mi desse quasi uno schiaffo nel dirmi: abbi coraggio.
Una recensione difficile da scrivere per me, perché questo libro mi ha dato davvero troppo.
Bellissimo, assolutamente consigliato.
Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmelo scappare?
Assolutamente no.
Si conclude oggi la settimana delle mie recensioni natalizie per Newton e devo dire che già mi mancano.
Norah è la nostra protagonista, una ragazza che ho trovato davvero molto simile a me.
A trentadue anni sente di non avere ancora la sua vita tra le mani e il passato è sempre ancorato ai suoi pensieri, tanto che non sono poche le volte che la mente vaga a una vacanza in Italia di dieci anni prima, dove aveva conosciuto un irlandese con cui aveva davvero vissuto appieno.
Si erano promessi di ritrovarsi e poi la vita li aveva divisi anche a causa delle loro nazioni a separarli.
Si erano inoltre detto che si sarebbero ritrovarsi a Dublino, dopo dieci anni, nella vigilia di Natale e così senza sapere se lui davvero sarebbe stato lì, prende la decisione di partire.
Se lo troverà e cosa succederà, lascio a voi scoprirlo.
" Mi sono appoggiata a lui più di quanto avrei mai potuto immaginare di fare con chiunque, e non ha mai vacillato. "
Mi sono commossa leggendo questo libro, perché Norah mi rispecchia ciecamente: stessa età, stessi sentimenti, stesso passato ancorato a dieci anni prima, ma senza il coraggio di prendere e partire per andare in contro a quella persona come invece ha fatto lei.
Non pensavo di trovare un libro simile, che mi desse quasi uno schiaffo nel dirmi: abbi coraggio.
Una recensione difficile da scrivere per me, perché questo libro mi ha dato davvero troppo.
Bellissimo, assolutamente consigliato.
April 29, 2023
My fav rom-com book!!
November 10, 2021
Norah Jones is a music teacher, who is still obsessing about Andrew, a young man she met ten years before when on holiday.
This is the main reason I struggled with this story. Norah is a full grown woman who has put her life on hold, obsessing over Andrew who she spent a week with in her twenties. Having read the story of this meeting on the holiday, I cannot see why her Iife stopped because of this man who she views as the ‘one who got away’.
This story just wasn’t doing it for me. I know, having read other reviews, that I am in the minority, but I found it boring and predictable. Whilst I am used to getting frustrated with the female protagonists in women’s fiction, Norah annoyed me to a new level.. I like a female lead with character and courage and get up and go, but Norah’s oomph and clearly got up and gone ….
I found this story a disappointment.
This is the main reason I struggled with this story. Norah is a full grown woman who has put her life on hold, obsessing over Andrew who she spent a week with in her twenties. Having read the story of this meeting on the holiday, I cannot see why her Iife stopped because of this man who she views as the ‘one who got away’.
This story just wasn’t doing it for me. I know, having read other reviews, that I am in the minority, but I found it boring and predictable. Whilst I am used to getting frustrated with the female protagonists in women’s fiction, Norah annoyed me to a new level.. I like a female lead with character and courage and get up and go, but Norah’s oomph and clearly got up and gone ….
I found this story a disappointment.
January 27, 2024
spoilers ⚠️
this book is so confusing like it was entertaining but the ending annoyed me so much i want to hate this book. i finally know how it feels to fall for the wrong person in a 'love triangle' like i don’t know if im just a hopeless romantic but i wanted her to get with andrew. it kinda did annoy me, not so much that she ended up with joe, but with how to story was planned out like the whole book is about andrew that i only focused on him i didn’t barley knew who joe was until like the 23rd of december (in the book). overall i did enjoy this book but i think it should have been clear that she wasn’t going to get with andrew in about the middle of the book and developing joe and norahs relationship rather than waiting all that time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.75 stars
this book is so confusing like it was entertaining but the ending annoyed me so much i want to hate this book. i finally know how it feels to fall for the wrong person in a 'love triangle' like i don’t know if im just a hopeless romantic but i wanted her to get with andrew. it kinda did annoy me, not so much that she ended up with joe, but with how to story was planned out like the whole book is about andrew that i only focused on him i didn’t barley knew who joe was until like the 23rd of december (in the book). overall i did enjoy this book but i think it should have been clear that she wasn’t going to get with andrew in about the middle of the book and developing joe and norahs relationship rather than waiting all that time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.75 stars
December 20, 2022
Non l’ho neanche finito, mi stava proprio annoiando😂
August 28, 2021
You hear people talking, jokingly, about getting together in x amount of years, if you're both still single, but in Baby, It's Cold Outside, the pact to meet in ten years in Dublin is something our main character Norah Jones is seriously considering.
Having met Andrew in Italy, as a fresh-faced young woman, and been swept off her feet, fate brought them together but tore them apart too.
As the date of reckoning approaches, life throws Norah a curveball, leaving her at a loose end at Christmas, and she finds herself going to Dublin to see if this meeting will really happen, with her long time friend Joe with her.
I really loved Norah Jones, singer, turned music teacher. She's been dealt a tough hand by life, in so many ways, losing people she loved, and I really wanted her to get her happily ever after,
She gets her Happily Ever After, but, maybe, not in the way she expected.
The cast of characters within the book was great, with Norah's circle of friends, her mum, and several special other people she meets in Dublin.
And, talking of Dublin, reading this book makes me want to go and visit!
A lovely Christmas story to warm the cockles of your heart.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Having met Andrew in Italy, as a fresh-faced young woman, and been swept off her feet, fate brought them together but tore them apart too.
As the date of reckoning approaches, life throws Norah a curveball, leaving her at a loose end at Christmas, and she finds herself going to Dublin to see if this meeting will really happen, with her long time friend Joe with her.
I really loved Norah Jones, singer, turned music teacher. She's been dealt a tough hand by life, in so many ways, losing people she loved, and I really wanted her to get her happily ever after,
She gets her Happily Ever After, but, maybe, not in the way she expected.
The cast of characters within the book was great, with Norah's circle of friends, her mum, and several special other people she meets in Dublin.
And, talking of Dublin, reading this book makes me want to go and visit!
A lovely Christmas story to warm the cockles of your heart.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2021
This wasn’t in the least bit taxing, it’s pure fluff, but it’s really warm-hearted, nicely written and an easy pageturner.
Norah is a secondary school music teacher in London and spending Christmas alone after being ditched by her mother. On the spur of the moment, Norah makes the decision to spend Christmas in Dublin and fulfil a pact made ten years earlier to Irish musician Andrew, with whom she shared a whirlwind summer romance in Verona ten years earlier. Will Norah find her happy every after?
A perfect easy festive read. Banish the cynic in you and enjoy it for what it is, is my advice!
Norah is a secondary school music teacher in London and spending Christmas alone after being ditched by her mother. On the spur of the moment, Norah makes the decision to spend Christmas in Dublin and fulfil a pact made ten years earlier to Irish musician Andrew, with whom she shared a whirlwind summer romance in Verona ten years earlier. Will Norah find her happy every after?
A perfect easy festive read. Banish the cynic in you and enjoy it for what it is, is my advice!
December 29, 2021
Fun and Festive
3.5 stars
A lovely festive read set between London, Dublin and Verona; full of charm and feel good vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found myself playing some of the music mentioned in the book too which was fun.
Recommended if you want a romantic, Chistmassy, easy read. It ticked all those boxes.
3.5 stars
A lovely festive read set between London, Dublin and Verona; full of charm and feel good vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found myself playing some of the music mentioned in the book too which was fun.
Recommended if you want a romantic, Chistmassy, easy read. It ticked all those boxes.
December 29, 2024
⭐3,75⭐
I enjoyed this book a lot, but I can't say that I loved the ending.
✨SPOILERS✨
I didn't see real chemistry between Norah and Joe until the very end of the book, they were cute it's true, but I had to get my head around it. It was a good read overall, I absolutely loved the vibe and the main characters, as well as their background stories, it's the perfect romance book for Christmas.
I enjoyed this book a lot, but I can't say that I loved the ending.
✨SPOILERS✨
I didn't see real chemistry between Norah and Joe until the very end of the book, they were cute it's true, but I had to get my head around it. It was a good read overall, I absolutely loved the vibe and the main characters, as well as their background stories, it's the perfect romance book for Christmas.
December 31, 2025
Pido permiso al concilio de amiguitas para marcar esto como leído después de haberme comido la mitad sin haberme dormido, I’m so sorry odio DNF un libro pero preferiría leerme las instrucciones de uso de un exprimidor de naranjas
November 27, 2022
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
December 27, 2024
Ik denk niet dat kerstboeken iets voor mij zijn
November 5, 2024
Eine richtig tolle Geschichte mit einem unerwarteten twist ✨ - jetzt freue ich mich umso mehr auf Weihnachten 🎄
February 4, 2022
I really wanted to enjoy this one, on Paper it is my kind of book light hearted fun But I really struggled, I didnt gel with the characters at all, I found Norah a little bit frustrating, and I saw the end coming from a mile off. Thats not to say I wont try the next book that Emily Bell writes I think she has a nice style of writing and I did like the snippets of when Norah was in Italy wov the story together its just that this one unfortunately just didn't do it for me.
December 26, 2022
— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Baby It's Cold Outside
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Emily Bell
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 2nd September 2021
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5
- first person narrative
- Christmas theme (that seems obvious by the title)
- romcom
- strong 'oldie' music theme
Norah's Christmas plans have fallen through, and she's suddenly wondering about a promise made ten years ago with a holiday romance in Verona. A decade ago, on the condition that they are single, Norah and Andrew had agreed to meet on Christmas Eve 2019 in Dublin outside Brewley's at 6pm. They have kept in touch over the years but things had fizzled out when both their lives got too busy. Norah decides to take the jump, dragging her friend Joe along with her, who also doesn't have plans for Christmas, Norah wonders whether the luck of the Irish will finally rub off on her love life.
No matter the time of year, I can never resist a Christmas themed romance. Baby It's Cold Outside reinforces that passion by being the exact immersive, cheerful, heartwarming story that I wanted it to be. The storyline actually resonated strongly with my own life however I know that won't ring true for many readers - but it was another reason why I could invest in the characters and plot.
I adored the author describing the Irish setting and culture, it was seeping in history and colloquial language, however it was all easy to imagine in my mind's eye. Perhaps too easy as I finished this book in a matter of hours.
All the characters are likeable and compliment each other really well. I was touched by Norah's journey and I loved how the author wrapped things up. With its music theme I could really see this book being turned into a musical, however that may be my Christmas-Spirit-In-July talking.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
🧚🏻♀️
♡ my bookstagram • my twitter ♡
↑ follow my socials for more bookish content. ↑
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Baby It's Cold Outside
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Emily Bell
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 2nd September 2021
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5
- first person narrative
- Christmas theme (that seems obvious by the title)
- romcom
- strong 'oldie' music theme
"Just because you have this connection and you're fated to meet, it doesn't mean you are fated to stay together. Some couples have fate without destiny."
Norah's Christmas plans have fallen through, and she's suddenly wondering about a promise made ten years ago with a holiday romance in Verona. A decade ago, on the condition that they are single, Norah and Andrew had agreed to meet on Christmas Eve 2019 in Dublin outside Brewley's at 6pm. They have kept in touch over the years but things had fizzled out when both their lives got too busy. Norah decides to take the jump, dragging her friend Joe along with her, who also doesn't have plans for Christmas, Norah wonders whether the luck of the Irish will finally rub off on her love life.
No matter the time of year, I can never resist a Christmas themed romance. Baby It's Cold Outside reinforces that passion by being the exact immersive, cheerful, heartwarming story that I wanted it to be. The storyline actually resonated strongly with my own life however I know that won't ring true for many readers - but it was another reason why I could invest in the characters and plot.
I adored the author describing the Irish setting and culture, it was seeping in history and colloquial language, however it was all easy to imagine in my mind's eye. Perhaps too easy as I finished this book in a matter of hours.
All the characters are likeable and compliment each other really well. I was touched by Norah's journey and I loved how the author wrapped things up. With its music theme I could really see this book being turned into a musical, however that may be my Christmas-Spirit-In-July talking.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
🧚🏻♀️
♡ my bookstagram • my twitter ♡
↑ follow my socials for more bookish content. ↑
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