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A Snowfall by the Sea
The brand-new heart-warming seasonal romance from Isla Gordon. This is the perfect festive treat for fans of Sarah Morgan and Heidi Swain!
'Heart-warming and full of hope' HEIDI SWAIN on A Season in the Snow
Cleo loves winter in Wavebreak Bay. The tourists leave as the temperatures drop, the fairy lights go up and it really starts to feel like home again. It also happens to be the time of year that her best friend Eliot comes back from San Francisco.
Though the seasons change, not much else in Cleo's life does. She's in a people-pleasing rut taking the worst shifts at the family restaurant, pet-sitting for her parents and making little time for herself. Cleo has spent so long thinking about everyone around her that she's lost sight of what she wants. And she wants Eliot. And she's decided that, this year, she's finally going to tell him.
But as the snow settles on Wavebreak Bay, Cleo's Christmas-for-two is disrupted by the arrival of her entire family - and more guests keep arriving. As Cleo works hard to make sure everyone else is having the most wonderful time of the year, will she finally pluck up the courage to stand up for herself . . . and to follow her heart?
Filled with beach walks, hot chocolates and a will-they-won't-they romance, this is the perfect festive treat for fans of Sarah Morgan and Heidi Swain.
Praise for ISLA
'The most beautiful, heart-warming story. Gorgeously cosy, uplifting . . . utterly lovely book' HOLLY MARTIN, bestselling author
'Dogs + snow + romance = Sunday afternoon bliss!' - Fabulous
' A warm, beautiful read full of hope and friendship - of both the two-legged and the four-legged kind' Laura Bambrey, author of The Beginners Guide to Loneliness
'Heart-warming and full of hope' HEIDI SWAIN on A Season in the Snow
Cleo loves winter in Wavebreak Bay. The tourists leave as the temperatures drop, the fairy lights go up and it really starts to feel like home again. It also happens to be the time of year that her best friend Eliot comes back from San Francisco.
Though the seasons change, not much else in Cleo's life does. She's in a people-pleasing rut taking the worst shifts at the family restaurant, pet-sitting for her parents and making little time for herself. Cleo has spent so long thinking about everyone around her that she's lost sight of what she wants. And she wants Eliot. And she's decided that, this year, she's finally going to tell him.
But as the snow settles on Wavebreak Bay, Cleo's Christmas-for-two is disrupted by the arrival of her entire family - and more guests keep arriving. As Cleo works hard to make sure everyone else is having the most wonderful time of the year, will she finally pluck up the courage to stand up for herself . . . and to follow her heart?
Filled with beach walks, hot chocolates and a will-they-won't-they romance, this is the perfect festive treat for fans of Sarah Morgan and Heidi Swain.
Praise for ISLA
'The most beautiful, heart-warming story. Gorgeously cosy, uplifting . . . utterly lovely book' HOLLY MARTIN, bestselling author
'Dogs + snow + romance = Sunday afternoon bliss!' - Fabulous
' A warm, beautiful read full of hope and friendship - of both the two-legged and the four-legged kind' Laura Bambrey, author of The Beginners Guide to Loneliness
400 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2023
18 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 27, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this very christmassy and family oriented chick lit book! So many things is happening in there! This book is all about the relationship between Cleo and Eliot, the best of friends for so long. Cleo is secretly in love with him since day 1 and after so many years of friendship she is determined to let Eliot know her true feelings for him this Christmas! When I really really ( and i mean REALLY) enjoyed reading about their relationship and the chapters about it, I thought the many many many parts in between where too long and made the book a bit annoying. I think it is written this way in purpose but as a reader I thought this made the book a bit boring in many parts and this really a shame as the storyline is very good and the story between Cleo and Eliot is exciting!
I hesitated to give this book a 3 or a 4, at the end I am giving it a 4 as it was still very enjoyable to read!
I hesitated to give this book a 3 or a 4, at the end I am giving it a 4 as it was still very enjoyable to read!
November 23, 2022
Cleo lives in her hometown of Wavebreak Bay which is by the sea. She's in a bit of a rut but never mind because Eliot is coming back from San Francisco for Christmas... She's been in love with him for a long while and has decided the time has come to let him know. A lovely festive read, heartwarming with a great setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my request, from Little, Brown via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my request, from Little, Brown via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 11, 2022
This gorgeous festive cover invites you in to read this cosy Christmas romance. It is written with present day events mixed in with earlier memories of both Cleo and Elliot, the two main characters of the story.
The "friends who could be more" plotline weaves around the Christmas plans and ultimate chaos of family descending unexpectedly that was brilliant fun and build the inner conflict of Cleo especially, struggling to find her voice and balance all the demands put on her (I think we can all relate to that especially at Christmas time!) Sprinkled with coastal snowy scenes and lots of heart this is a book to warm your soul.
The "friends who could be more" plotline weaves around the Christmas plans and ultimate chaos of family descending unexpectedly that was brilliant fun and build the inner conflict of Cleo especially, struggling to find her voice and balance all the demands put on her (I think we can all relate to that especially at Christmas time!) Sprinkled with coastal snowy scenes and lots of heart this is a book to warm your soul.
December 15, 2022
2.5 Stars
November 18, 2022
Oh my.
Started reading the book with huge expectations - well, it's Isla Gordon's book. Lisa Dickenson. But, sadly, I must state that it was a very flat read. That, actually, the last releases by this author, as Isla Gordon, were flat reads. I keep requesting them out of sentiment probably, I LOVED Lisa's books, but now they are something completely different. Unfortunately, not good different.
The premise was so promising, and the beginning as well. But then I started to feel like Cleo in her goundhog year. Firstly, Cleo herself. It was not funny. It was desperately desperate the way she was behaving, trying to please everybody and her sister not inviting her to celebrate Christmas together as a result. I didn't feel sorry for Cleo, I felt angry with her for being such a push - over.
The main thing in the plot, Cleo telling Eliot about her feelings to him. Oh. My. God. She repeated over and over again she's going to do this and I couldn't wait for her to do this just so that this thing is over. But when she finally told him, well, then Eliot actually disappeared as a character. He was almost not there. Confusing.
The writing style was OK, flowing nicely, though there was nothing from Dickenson's brilliant humour. Yes, it was light - hearted, but nothing more. It was a very slow read, even with many things happenning. I wanted to love this book, really, but not this time, sadly.
Started reading the book with huge expectations - well, it's Isla Gordon's book. Lisa Dickenson. But, sadly, I must state that it was a very flat read. That, actually, the last releases by this author, as Isla Gordon, were flat reads. I keep requesting them out of sentiment probably, I LOVED Lisa's books, but now they are something completely different. Unfortunately, not good different.
The premise was so promising, and the beginning as well. But then I started to feel like Cleo in her goundhog year. Firstly, Cleo herself. It was not funny. It was desperately desperate the way she was behaving, trying to please everybody and her sister not inviting her to celebrate Christmas together as a result. I didn't feel sorry for Cleo, I felt angry with her for being such a push - over.
The main thing in the plot, Cleo telling Eliot about her feelings to him. Oh. My. God. She repeated over and over again she's going to do this and I couldn't wait for her to do this just so that this thing is over. But when she finally told him, well, then Eliot actually disappeared as a character. He was almost not there. Confusing.
The writing style was OK, flowing nicely, though there was nothing from Dickenson's brilliant humour. Yes, it was light - hearted, but nothing more. It was a very slow read, even with many things happenning. I wanted to love this book, really, but not this time, sadly.
November 17, 2022
A Snowfall by the Sea
Cleo loves the sea. She’s always been a waterbaby. But it seems the sea doesn't love her and despite living with the most beautiful view of Wavebreak Bay she’s not able to seek the sanctuary in the waves. Maybe because she somehow lost her way. She’s been treading water by working at her parent’s seafood restaurant for ten years since she came home from university. The only event to look forward to is the arrival of best friend Eliot here for the winter season. She wants to be more than friends but is afraid of losing their close link.
This year it will be different and she starts to be less passive and more go-getting. She plans a cosy Christmas and a big declaration but then her family descend and it seems she is never going to tell him. It’s time for even more drastic action otherwise the family murder mystery game they are all playing might just be the real thing!
Isla Gordon brings a fresh take on the human need to change and grow. She adds some laughs too and a lovely heart to heart as Cleo seeks to reconnect with her estranged twin Gabriela. The horror of a snowed in Christmas with unwanted guests is also only funny if it’s not happening to you.
Altogether a fun book with a mushy centre that will warm your frozen heart unless you really are the Grinch.
Cleo loves the sea. She’s always been a waterbaby. But it seems the sea doesn't love her and despite living with the most beautiful view of Wavebreak Bay she’s not able to seek the sanctuary in the waves. Maybe because she somehow lost her way. She’s been treading water by working at her parent’s seafood restaurant for ten years since she came home from university. The only event to look forward to is the arrival of best friend Eliot here for the winter season. She wants to be more than friends but is afraid of losing their close link.
This year it will be different and she starts to be less passive and more go-getting. She plans a cosy Christmas and a big declaration but then her family descend and it seems she is never going to tell him. It’s time for even more drastic action otherwise the family murder mystery game they are all playing might just be the real thing!
Isla Gordon brings a fresh take on the human need to change and grow. She adds some laughs too and a lovely heart to heart as Cleo seeks to reconnect with her estranged twin Gabriela. The horror of a snowed in Christmas with unwanted guests is also only funny if it’s not happening to you.
Altogether a fun book with a mushy centre that will warm your frozen heart unless you really are the Grinch.
November 10, 2022
I’ve been enjoying Isla Gordon’s books for many years now (under her various pen names). This one is no exception.
The story follows Cleo, who has got a bit stuck in her life, and wants to start speaking up for herself more. I think Isla Gordon does an excellent job of showing us how trapped Cleo has become by her own inertia and wanting to please the people she loves, and really making the reader feel that frustration build. I really enjoyed seeing Cleo start to break that shell and figure out what she wants from life.
Of course, as well as the personal development, there’s a lovely romance too. I loved seeing all the almost moments through the years that Cleo and Eliot have known each other. I love romances that don’t just start over a few days!
I enjoyed the relationship between Cleo and Gabriela, how they support each other. I loved the chaotic Christmas caused by the snow, with new people turning up every five minutes! Oh, and I loved the location so much.
Overall, this was a lovely story of both romance and a personal journey, set in a beautiful location.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
The story follows Cleo, who has got a bit stuck in her life, and wants to start speaking up for herself more. I think Isla Gordon does an excellent job of showing us how trapped Cleo has become by her own inertia and wanting to please the people she loves, and really making the reader feel that frustration build. I really enjoyed seeing Cleo start to break that shell and figure out what she wants from life.
Of course, as well as the personal development, there’s a lovely romance too. I loved seeing all the almost moments through the years that Cleo and Eliot have known each other. I love romances that don’t just start over a few days!
I enjoyed the relationship between Cleo and Gabriela, how they support each other. I loved the chaotic Christmas caused by the snow, with new people turning up every five minutes! Oh, and I loved the location so much.
Overall, this was a lovely story of both romance and a personal journey, set in a beautiful location.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
December 31, 2022
Really nice story about Christmas in Devon, and about Cleo finding herself and getting herself out of a rut
For a fair amount of time Cleo's inner voice drove me bananas. She is a big time people pleaser, and procrastinator (although thinking about it, both of those could apply to me to!).
It's a will they, won't they get it together sort of a book, and from the flashbacks of Cleo and Eliot's friendship, we get to see clearly how everyone has felt over the years.
Once the story got going and we approached Christmas and Cleo's self imposed deadline for a few things the book picks up speed, and became are more compelling to read.
I could picture the setting and everything so vividly and I absolutely adored the story once we got to Christmas, where nothing goes quite according to plan.
It's highly enjoyable and kept me entertained throughout.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
For a fair amount of time Cleo's inner voice drove me bananas. She is a big time people pleaser, and procrastinator (although thinking about it, both of those could apply to me to!).
It's a will they, won't they get it together sort of a book, and from the flashbacks of Cleo and Eliot's friendship, we get to see clearly how everyone has felt over the years.
Once the story got going and we approached Christmas and Cleo's self imposed deadline for a few things the book picks up speed, and became are more compelling to read.
I could picture the setting and everything so vividly and I absolutely adored the story once we got to Christmas, where nothing goes quite according to plan.
It's highly enjoyable and kept me entertained throughout.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 11, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I have read and enjoyed other books by this author. She is an accomplished writer of romantic fiction, building a good image of the characters and settings as the story progresses. In this novel she creates the atmosphere of living by the sea and shows the differences in behaviours and attitudes of the twins. Chloe is shown to be a people - pleaser lacking in self-confidence which makes it difficult to carry out her plan to tell Eliot she wants to take their relationship to the next level. By a third though the book she had dithered so long and wasted so many opportunities that I couldn't read any more, the book was much too slow for me.
I have read and enjoyed other books by this author. She is an accomplished writer of romantic fiction, building a good image of the characters and settings as the story progresses. In this novel she creates the atmosphere of living by the sea and shows the differences in behaviours and attitudes of the twins. Chloe is shown to be a people - pleaser lacking in self-confidence which makes it difficult to carry out her plan to tell Eliot she wants to take their relationship to the next level. By a third though the book she had dithered so long and wasted so many opportunities that I couldn't read any more, the book was much too slow for me.
February 13, 2023
A new author for me, but I see she has written a few books previously.
Her style is very easy to read and the story does trot along at quite a pace but in two different times.
It's all about Cleo now and her past and then all of those around her. I do wish at times she wasn't such a doormat and her love interest was a bit braver and said how he feels but of course this is all part of the tale.
This is a cozy romance with no swearing, sex or violence so suitable for all the people in your life that like a read without the 'offensive' bits!
I did enjoy it and would recommend for all who like some sweet romance.
It's all written from Cleo's point of view but I do enjoy it when we hear other people's points of view especially the lead male/ love interest.
Her style is very easy to read and the story does trot along at quite a pace but in two different times.
It's all about Cleo now and her past and then all of those around her. I do wish at times she wasn't such a doormat and her love interest was a bit braver and said how he feels but of course this is all part of the tale.
This is a cozy romance with no swearing, sex or violence so suitable for all the people in your life that like a read without the 'offensive' bits!
I did enjoy it and would recommend for all who like some sweet romance.
It's all written from Cleo's point of view but I do enjoy it when we hear other people's points of view especially the lead male/ love interest.
November 22, 2023
3,5/5 ⭐
Petite déception malheureusement avec ce livre... J'en attendais BEAUCOUUUUUUP parce que j'ai eu de réels coup de cœur pour les précédents livres de l'autrice.
Malheureusement, j'ai été un peu moins convaincu avec celui-ci, même si ça reste une bonne lecture. J'ai pas été aussi transporté dans l'ambiance de Noël que ce que j'aurai voulu. Cleo m'a aussi beaucoup énervé pendant le livre parce que j'ai trouvé qu'elle se plaignait beaucoup de sa vie, sans rien faire pour en changer... Jusqu'à ce qu'elle se réveille enfin. J'ai quand même trouvé la romance mignonne mais je trouve que le personnage d'Eliot n'était pas assez approfondi, ce qui m'a empêché de réellement m'attacher à l'histoire je pense.
Bref, lecture sympa mais pas transcendante.
Petite déception malheureusement avec ce livre... J'en attendais BEAUCOUUUUUUP parce que j'ai eu de réels coup de cœur pour les précédents livres de l'autrice.
Malheureusement, j'ai été un peu moins convaincu avec celui-ci, même si ça reste une bonne lecture. J'ai pas été aussi transporté dans l'ambiance de Noël que ce que j'aurai voulu. Cleo m'a aussi beaucoup énervé pendant le livre parce que j'ai trouvé qu'elle se plaignait beaucoup de sa vie, sans rien faire pour en changer... Jusqu'à ce qu'elle se réveille enfin. J'ai quand même trouvé la romance mignonne mais je trouve que le personnage d'Eliot n'était pas assez approfondi, ce qui m'a empêché de réellement m'attacher à l'histoire je pense.
Bref, lecture sympa mais pas transcendante.
November 29, 2022
Cleo is a people pleaser who can't say no but needs to tell her best friend Elliot that she is in love with him when he comes back from America to spend the winter working in the family restaurant. Unfortunately her parents are about to ask him if he wants to work at a new place they are opening in America full time so she needs to do it quickly but can't work out how
Deciding to do it at Christmas she invites Elliot to stay at her parents house on as they will be spending Christmas at her twin sister Gabby's house
Things certainly don't go to plan as not only do her parents and sister arrive back, so do other family members and they end up with a house full
A nice easy Christmas read
Deciding to do it at Christmas she invites Elliot to stay at her parents house on as they will be spending Christmas at her twin sister Gabby's house
Things certainly don't go to plan as not only do her parents and sister arrive back, so do other family members and they end up with a house full
A nice easy Christmas read
October 16, 2022
This was a new author to me and always good to find a new one to add to my favourites. The cover and title of this book enticed me and I was hooked from the first page. This book had a cosy uplifting festive feel and really drew me in with its engaging characters and dual timelines intertwining the past to present day. This was a lovely feel good escapism read which I devoured in almost one sitting and also have taken away from reading that it's ok to say no occasionally and that we all don't have to be people pleasers all of the time.
November 12, 2022
A Snowfall by the Sea is a really heartwarming festive read. It focuses on Cleo and her life with friends and family in an idyllic setting by the sea. Somewhere along the way, Cleo has lost her way and this Christmas is her opportunity for new chances and to change the focus. This story left me with a feeling of wanting to be a little braver myself, try new things and to sometimes prioritise me instead of others. The story jumps between past and present, giving glimpses into Cleo and Eliot’s past. I really enjoyed this story and found it a page turner.
November 24, 2022
This is the story of Cleo who lives in Wavebreak bay, she loves her home especially in the winter when the tourists are gone and the lovely festive lights start to go up. This is also when her best friend Eliot comes home from San Francisco. She decides that this is the year she is going to tell him how she feels.
Of course life is never that easy and things are made difficult by the fact her entire family have shown up for Christmas.
This is just such a gorgeous festive story that will really make you feel festive and cosy, highly recommend!
Of course life is never that easy and things are made difficult by the fact her entire family have shown up for Christmas.
This is just such a gorgeous festive story that will really make you feel festive and cosy, highly recommend!
November 28, 2022
Cleo is a people pleaser who works hard for her family business. She puts the business needs before her personal life and also has a secret love for her best friend, who spends half the year abroad.
Cleo is planning to take control of her future, but things conspire against her plans.
She finally thinks things are going right when her well made plans for a quiet Christmas fall apart around her. II loved all the scenes set around the beach and could imagine living by the cafe .Such a great read.
Cleo is planning to take control of her future, but things conspire against her plans.
She finally thinks things are going right when her well made plans for a quiet Christmas fall apart around her. II loved all the scenes set around the beach and could imagine living by the cafe .Such a great read.
December 18, 2022
I completely adored this so much, such a cute, warm , humorous and romantic Christmas read, I loved our MCs Chloe and Eliot , I felt so much for Chloe, as a people pleaser myself I really did relate to her and loved her journey through the story. The writing is wonderful and so many funny lines, it’s really addictive and such a warm , mushy and gorgeous book, if this doesn’t make you all gooey inside do you have a functional heart ?
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in return for an honest review
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in return for an honest review
October 15, 2022
A nice story . It moved back and for which I am not a fan of but it worked. .It was slow burn love story. Neither of the main characters had the confidence to admit how they felt. Also Cleo was a complicated main character. She just wanted to please every one and at times you were frustrated with her. She was also a twin and she lost her love of the sea. Not the ending I thought but a better one.. A good read
October 20, 2022
Thank you for the advanced copy which I devoured in one sitting. A new author to me and I was drawn by the cover (seems to be a new thing for me!).
Well written, well put together and overall a fantastic book, perfect for this time of year.
Cleo and Elliot are the main characters in this could we be more story, flitting between past and present. I enjoyed how it developed and would recommend it.
Well written, well put together and overall a fantastic book, perfect for this time of year.
Cleo and Elliot are the main characters in this could we be more story, flitting between past and present. I enjoyed how it developed and would recommend it.
March 12, 2023
Unfortunately I find it irritating when there are umpteen times that she could've said what she needed to say and find it pretty unbelievable that it would go all these years without happening if it was gonna, but I'm maybe just cynical. Having said that it also makes you read on to see if she ever does!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2023
Very frustrating book. The synopsis very simple, she is in love with her good friend she sees every winter but hasn't told him but everyone else knows. The point is made repeatedly, the story moves slowly forward, then the next chapter goes back to the past. One step forward, two steps back. I persevered until 21% but when time went back to 2008 again, I admitted defeat.
November 2, 2022
This is a really lovely Christmas book. I enjoyed the characters and navigating the story along side them. I enjoyed the romance in the story and the pure pleasure of discovery of the characters development.
December 19, 2022
Found this book to be a bit of a slow start, however once I was about 35% in I was invested, and apart from wanting to shout at the main character multiple times, in the end I was cheering her on and smiling at her journey. A lovely Christmas read, especially for those who love the sea.
January 7, 2023
This was a nice enough story that I did enjoy reading. It was a nice light romance story with plenty of winter swimming in the sea. The characters were nice and easy to connect with. They were also realistic. For me, I could have done with a bit more excitement and more unpredictable events to give it a higher rating. It was well written, with a nice relaxed pace. It was great that it was full of family along with their drama's. This book will be better suited to those who like light slow relaxed pace romance novels. I would suggest reading a sample to see if this book is a perfect fit for you.
Many thanks to the author and publishers for creating this enjoyable winter story.
Many thanks to the author and publishers for creating this enjoyable winter story.
January 23, 2025
A sweet slow burning winter romance. Childhood best friends to lovers. Cleo was such a relatable FMC. As someone who is a big people pleaser, always in my head and struggle to put myself first I felt her struggles to my core but was so sweet to watch her grow as a character.
January 30, 2025
Lovely book easy going story of Cleo, twin sister Gabreila and longtime friend Eliot. Will Eliot be more than just a friend to Cleo? Will Cleo forever be working in her families restaurant waiting every Winter for Eliot to return from America?
December 12, 2022
Review to come.
December 19, 2022
Exactly what you’d expect and want from a book like this. Nice, cosy, comforting and makes you smile.
December 25, 2022
loved this cozy and sweet book. it was very slow burn, which was super frustrating.
January 2, 2023
I enjoyed it. A nice gentle and easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews