What do you think?
Rate this book
Er was eens een rendier
Halley raakt een belangrijk pakketje kwijt in Zweeds Lapland. Gelukkig wil de lokale rendierfokker haar wel een handje helpen.
Postbezorger Halley rent al jaren weg voor haar problemen, dus dat ze nu voor haar werk naar Zweeds Lapland mag, komt haar uitstekend uit. In haar tas zitten twee kostbare trouwringen die ze moet bezorgen. Maar dan verdwijnt plotseling haar tas en kan Halley de situatie niet langer ontkennen.
Halley kan de bruiloft alleen nog redden door samen te werken met de mysterieuze rendierfokker Björn. Hij is de enige persoon die haar over de besneeuwde toendra kan leiden om herenigd te worden met haar tas.
Ze vertrekt op de reis van haar leven onder de sterren, met alleen de rendieren en een slechtgehumeurde vreemdeling als gezelschap. Zullen de nachten naast het kampvuur haar tot nieuwe inzichten brengen?
Postbezorger Halley rent al jaren weg voor haar problemen, dus dat ze nu voor haar werk naar Zweeds Lapland mag, komt haar uitstekend uit. In haar tas zitten twee kostbare trouwringen die ze moet bezorgen. Maar dan verdwijnt plotseling haar tas en kan Halley de situatie niet langer ontkennen.
Halley kan de bruiloft alleen nog redden door samen te werken met de mysterieuze rendierfokker Björn. Hij is de enige persoon die haar over de besneeuwde toendra kan leiden om herenigd te worden met haar tas.
Ze vertrekt op de reis van haar leven onder de sterren, met alleen de rendieren en een slechtgehumeurde vreemdeling als gezelschap. Zullen de nachten naast het kampvuur haar tot nieuwe inzichten brengen?
320 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2022
88 people are currently reading
882 people want to read
About the author
Jo Thomas
60 books532 followershttps://www.facebook.com/pg/JoThomasA...
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 6, 2020
If you follow me for a while, you know that year 2018 will be remembered in my reading life as a year I discovered Jo Thomas. So far I read three of her books and loved them all. Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard made me fall in love with Thomas’ writing and made me want to read everything she wrote, while The Olive Branch won my heart completely and is now one of my all time favorite books.
I can’t even tell you how happy I was when I got A Winter Beneath the Stars unsolicited in my mailbox (thanks to wonderful Becky Hunter). I read it immediately because I didn’t want to wait, but I’m writing my review 1,5 months after finishing the book, so please forgive me if it’s not the best one.
The most important thing is that I really, really liked (loved it actually) it and that if you love funny chick lit stories, you will too.
The story follows Halley who has a job to deliver important wedding rings in Sweden. Things get complicated when her bag is switched in the airport, and now she has to find a guy who’s bag she got with hope that the rings are still in the bag and that her job will be successfully completed.
When I say I really, really liked the book, I mean that I loved it, but I wasn’t in love with it. I appreciate the story and it is obvious that the author put so much effort into researching.
However, I feel like I have never clicked with our main character Halley on the level that I’d like, nor did I like our male character Bjorn. Somehow he was dislikeable.
Other than that, Winter Beneath the Stars was really fun to read. I liked getting to know Swedish Lapland and the (few) people who live in that side of the world, as I have never been there nor do I know anyone from there.
Some parts were filled with so much snow and the only thing that was happening was our main characters talking or thinking something to themselves, while sleigh riding and coordinating dogs.
So if I’m being honest, at some point I lose my orientation and forgot for how long we were riding with our characters.
There were two twists or surprises in the story, but I figured them out before they were revealed. I can’t tell you if the reason for that is because the plot was predictable or maybe I would write the story the same way if I was a writer.
Whatever it is, I just want to stress out that I didn’t mind the predictability.
The story is written in first person, from Halley’s POV, but it also has some (small) parts written in third person.
A Winter Beneath the Stars is Jo Thomas’ first winter novel but I hope it won’t be the last, because it brightened my mood when I was reading it, and I am really looking forward to read her other work.
I feel like this author is the one I’ll always like to come back to.
If you’re looking for a light and fun novel to read during winter, look no further: A Winter Beneath the Stars is the one for you!
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
I can’t even tell you how happy I was when I got A Winter Beneath the Stars unsolicited in my mailbox (thanks to wonderful Becky Hunter). I read it immediately because I didn’t want to wait, but I’m writing my review 1,5 months after finishing the book, so please forgive me if it’s not the best one.
The most important thing is that I really, really liked (loved it actually) it and that if you love funny chick lit stories, you will too.
The story follows Halley who has a job to deliver important wedding rings in Sweden. Things get complicated when her bag is switched in the airport, and now she has to find a guy who’s bag she got with hope that the rings are still in the bag and that her job will be successfully completed.
When I say I really, really liked the book, I mean that I loved it, but I wasn’t in love with it. I appreciate the story and it is obvious that the author put so much effort into researching.
However, I feel like I have never clicked with our main character Halley on the level that I’d like, nor did I like our male character Bjorn. Somehow he was dislikeable.
Other than that, Winter Beneath the Stars was really fun to read. I liked getting to know Swedish Lapland and the (few) people who live in that side of the world, as I have never been there nor do I know anyone from there.
Some parts were filled with so much snow and the only thing that was happening was our main characters talking or thinking something to themselves, while sleigh riding and coordinating dogs.
So if I’m being honest, at some point I lose my orientation and forgot for how long we were riding with our characters.
There were two twists or surprises in the story, but I figured them out before they were revealed. I can’t tell you if the reason for that is because the plot was predictable or maybe I would write the story the same way if I was a writer.
Whatever it is, I just want to stress out that I didn’t mind the predictability.
The story is written in first person, from Halley’s POV, but it also has some (small) parts written in third person.
A Winter Beneath the Stars is Jo Thomas’ first winter novel but I hope it won’t be the last, because it brightened my mood when I was reading it, and I am really looking forward to read her other work.
I feel like this author is the one I’ll always like to come back to.
If you’re looking for a light and fun novel to read during winter, look no further: A Winter Beneath the Stars is the one for you!
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
November 17, 2019
Haley is a courier who hand delivers personal and precious items. Her latest job involves her flying to Sweden to hand over two handmade wedding rings. There is a mix up at the airport which ends up with her taking someone else’s bag. After looking through the bag she works out that she has Michelin star chef Daniel’s bag and she needs to find him ASAP!!
The book is about her search for Daniel. She travels with Bjorn who promises to take her to Daniel, if she help him cross the frozen Lapland countryside with his reindeer.
It is beautifully written, the descriptions so vivid and lifelike, I felt like the frozen grip of winter was seeping from the book!!!
A heartwarming story about Haley’s personal journey as well as her physical journey, throw in some romance and you have the perfect book to snuggle down with, in front of a real fire with a glass of wine!!
The book is about her search for Daniel. She travels with Bjorn who promises to take her to Daniel, if she help him cross the frozen Lapland countryside with his reindeer.
It is beautifully written, the descriptions so vivid and lifelike, I felt like the frozen grip of winter was seeping from the book!!!
A heartwarming story about Haley’s personal journey as well as her physical journey, throw in some romance and you have the perfect book to snuggle down with, in front of a real fire with a glass of wine!!
December 1, 2019
Започвайки четенето си помислих , че това е една пълна измишльотина , граничеща с фантастика, отгоре на всичкото доста наивна.
Постепенно ми стана интересно , защото се оказа нетрадиционна.
Само си представете - действието се развива в снежната шведска тундра.
Действие разказано от първо лице.
Защото авторката е минала през голяма част от описаните случки.
Хареса ми, е с малки изключения , където е наляла повечко шербет.
Постепенно ми стана интересно , защото се оказа нетрадиционна.
Само си представете - действието се развива в снежната шведска тундра.
Действие разказано от първо лице.
Защото авторката е минала през голяма част от описаните случки.
Хареса ми, е с малки изключения , където е наляла повечко шербет.
November 28, 2021
Скучна, предвидима и... студена! 😁
November 18, 2022
Много приятна ,зимна история .Описанията на авторката бяха невероятни и успяха да ме пренесат в студената и снежна Лапландия!❄️☃️❄️
September 9, 2020
Пригответе си топли дрехи и се впуснете в едно приключение в шведската част на Лапландия.
December 19, 2020
Много исках да я прочета и първоначално помислих, че няма да ми хареса. После обаче романтиката ме увлече, също и постепенното наместване на пъзела и необичайната обстановка на действието - в шведска Лапландия. Кучешки впрягове, заледени реки, биваци на открито и спане в лавву, вкусно приготвена и топла храна, срещи със саами, елени и Северното сияние създадоха една необичайна обстановка и ме накараха после да търся в интернет по-обстойна информация. Допадна ми тази снежна книга, в която сякаш замръзваш, но пък топлата храна, приятелството с животните и един висок мъж създадоха уютна картина.
January 26, 2024
“Звездите винаги са там, познати и успокояващи, винаги на разположение, ако търсиш посоката си там, горе.”
“ Толкова си зает да гониш онова, което силно желаеш да притежаваш, че пропускаш това, което е под носа ти.” ⭐️🦌❄️🛷
“Ние нямаме представа кога бихме намерили любовта или кога ще я загубим. Но знаем, че ако веднъж сме я намерили, трябва да й се отдадем и да й се радваме максимално, докато е възможно.”
“Може да не е каквото сме си пожелали и каквото сме търсели, може да е нещо съвсем ново и непознато.”
“Не искаме ли всички това – да обичаме и да бъдем обичани?”
“Вече знам – има само един начин да стигнеш края на пътуването си. И той е да не спираш, докато не пристигнеш, а когато го сториш, там може да те очаква съвсем ново начало. “
“На всички ни се струва, че можем да избягаме от чувствата си, но истината е, че чувствата идват с теб, където и да отидеш, независимо колко далече стигаш. В крайна сметка, винаги те догонват. Не можеш нито да ги зачертаеш, нито да ги оставиш зад себе си.”
“ Толкова си зает да гониш онова, което силно желаеш да притежаваш, че пропускаш това, което е под носа ти.” ⭐️🦌❄️🛷
“Ние нямаме представа кога бихме намерили любовта или кога ще я загубим. Но знаем, че ако веднъж сме я намерили, трябва да й се отдадем и да й се радваме максимално, докато е възможно.”
“Може да не е каквото сме си пожелали и каквото сме търсели, може да е нещо съвсем ново и непознато.”
“Не искаме ли всички това – да обичаме и да бъдем обичани?”
“Вече знам – има само един начин да стигнеш края на пътуването си. И той е да не спираш, докато не пристигнеш, а когато го сториш, там може да те очаква съвсем ново начало. “
“На всички ни се струва, че можем да избягаме от чувствата си, но истината е, че чувствата идват с теб, където и да отидеш, независимо колко далече стигаш. В крайна сметка, винаги те догонват. Не можеш нито да ги зачертаеш, нито да ги оставиш зад себе си.”
December 26, 2018
A enjoyable book although you do have to suspend belief at the storyline! However, I liked the mix of characters and the descriptions of the setting and life & customs in Swedish Lapland. There were lots of humorous moments but the story had a serious side too which gave a good balance. A cosy, winter read!
October 10, 2018
I've always loved Jo Thomas' novels, so when I got an opportunity to read her first ever winter novel, I jumped at the chance. I saw this cover and instantly fell in love, add in some reindeer and snow and it sounds like the perfect novel to cosy up with a hot chocolate. I love the deep colours on the cover, the gorgeous deep white snow and the beautiful stars dotted around the sky. It gives you a real understanding of what happens in this novel.
With regards to the story itself, I simply loved it. It was certainly what I would call different to what I usually read. As well as it being a quick, easy, heartwarming novel, there's a real deep theory behind it as well. You can tell as you're reading it, that a huge amount of research has gone into this novel and I think it's amazing! I really loved reading about the Sami way of life and it was just so intriguing and enjoyable!
I absolutely loved the setting of this novel, it sounded so surreal and beautiful. I have a huge urge now to go and visit!! The character of Halley was interesting. I had a feeling that she was hiding something and I was so intrigued to get to the bottom as to what it was. This is the same for Daniel. I knew that there was something that had happened for both of them that had caused them to be so anxious and so withdrawn to love. It was just such a beautiful read that I found myself eager to read more, tempted to pick up the novel at every opportunity to read on.
The Oyster Catcher will always be my favourite read by Jo Thomas, but this is a very strong contender that's fighting for that top spot! This novel is like a huge warm hug. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
With regards to the story itself, I simply loved it. It was certainly what I would call different to what I usually read. As well as it being a quick, easy, heartwarming novel, there's a real deep theory behind it as well. You can tell as you're reading it, that a huge amount of research has gone into this novel and I think it's amazing! I really loved reading about the Sami way of life and it was just so intriguing and enjoyable!
I absolutely loved the setting of this novel, it sounded so surreal and beautiful. I have a huge urge now to go and visit!! The character of Halley was interesting. I had a feeling that she was hiding something and I was so intrigued to get to the bottom as to what it was. This is the same for Daniel. I knew that there was something that had happened for both of them that had caused them to be so anxious and so withdrawn to love. It was just such a beautiful read that I found myself eager to read more, tempted to pick up the novel at every opportunity to read on.
The Oyster Catcher will always be my favourite read by Jo Thomas, but this is a very strong contender that's fighting for that top spot! This novel is like a huge warm hug. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
April 14, 2023
This was so much better than I expected. I started to read this book because a friend recommended it to me. After 50 pages or so I almost stopped reading this book because I thought it was going to be a very frustrating read about a girl chasing after a wedding couple to get them their rings. Thankfully I decided against this and finished this addictive, funny, lovely, inspiring book about Sami culture.
December 9, 2022
3.5-4⭐️
February 20, 2020
За мен "Среща под звездите" е книга заслужаваща шест звезди. Джо Томас ни прави част от живота на Халей - куриерка, която прави доста��ки, дори до най-отдалечените дестинации. Последните две години, животът й се върти около летищата и нейният дневник, където описва своите преживявания, за да ги разкаже на съпруга си. Едно объркване при вземането на куфара й от багажното отделение я отвежда в снежните преспи на Лапландия, където я очакват куп приключения.
December 22, 2022
the best romance book I’ve ever read!!!
I’m probably on a 5 star high right now but I really loved it !!
No toxic people in this one :)
I’m probably on a 5 star high right now but I really loved it !!
No toxic people in this one :)
December 28, 2023
Една много снежна история, която, макар и за кратко, определено ме накара да копнея за едни по-различни места и страни. Предвид че снегът у дома е мираж за поредна година, си го докарах в съзнанието с прочита на тази книга. Още една приятна история, която макар също да не беше типично коледна, все пак беше някак подходяща за сезона.
Историята донякъде беше емоционална, макар големият обрат за мен да беше ясен на много ранен етап. В хода на историята става ясно, че всеки от главните има своя вътрешна битка, която води. Интересно беше и цялото приключение с местенето на елените. На места дори тръпки ме побиваха от целия този сняг и зимната атмосфера. Но пък ми донесоха нужното мразовито настроение.
Макар и мудна на места и сравнително предвидима,все пак книжката не беше лошо четиво за този период от годината. Прочитът в Сторител също беше на ниво.
Историята донякъде беше емоционална, макар големият обрат за мен да беше ясен на много ранен етап. В хода на историята става ясно, че всеки от главните има своя вътрешна битка, която води. Интересно беше и цялото приключение с местенето на елените. На места дори тръпки ме побиваха от целия този сняг и зимната атмосфера. Но пък ми донесоха нужното мразовито настроение.
Макар и мудна на места и сравнително предвидима,все пак книжката не беше лошо четиво за този период от годината. Прочитът в Сторител също беше на ниво.
December 27, 2022
Er was eens een rendier ~ Jo Thomas
Boekerij, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Ik heb ingezien dat er maar een manier is om aan het einde van een reis te komen, en dat is gewoon verder gaan totdat je er bent. En als je er bent, kan daar een heel nieuw begin voor je liggen." ~ p229
Wat een prachtig verhaal. Dit boek lees je niet alleen, maar beleef je bijna. Het is zo'n verschrikkelijk mooie reis die Halley maakt, dat ik, grootste hater van kou en sneeuw, bijna zou willen dat ik bij haar was om dit avontuur te beleven. De ongerepte natuur, het winterse Lapland, de rendieren, de sledehonden. Jo Thomas zorgde dat ik het echt voor me zag, en genoot van ieder moment. Het had voor mij niet hoeven stoppen... maar helaas zijn er maar zoveel bladzijden die een boek kan hebben. Dit was het aller eerste boek dat ik las van dede auteur, maar ik weet nu al dat dit absoluut niet mijn laatste zal zijn. Er zit zoveel liefde in haar schrijven, dat vraagt er gewoon om om gelezen te worden. ♡
Boekerij, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Ik heb ingezien dat er maar een manier is om aan het einde van een reis te komen, en dat is gewoon verder gaan totdat je er bent. En als je er bent, kan daar een heel nieuw begin voor je liggen." ~ p229
Wat een prachtig verhaal. Dit boek lees je niet alleen, maar beleef je bijna. Het is zo'n verschrikkelijk mooie reis die Halley maakt, dat ik, grootste hater van kou en sneeuw, bijna zou willen dat ik bij haar was om dit avontuur te beleven. De ongerepte natuur, het winterse Lapland, de rendieren, de sledehonden. Jo Thomas zorgde dat ik het echt voor me zag, en genoot van ieder moment. Het had voor mij niet hoeven stoppen... maar helaas zijn er maar zoveel bladzijden die een boek kan hebben. Dit was het aller eerste boek dat ik las van dede auteur, maar ik weet nu al dat dit absoluut niet mijn laatste zal zijn. Er zit zoveel liefde in haar schrijven, dat vraagt er gewoon om om gelezen te worden. ♡
November 25, 2018
This time of year I love watching and reading cheesy festive rom coms, and A Winter Beneath the Stars fit this genre perfectly. Halley is a courier travelling to Sweden on a mission. While she imagined to be in and out of the country in a heartbeat, a bag mix-up makes the job harder than she anticipated. Suddenly she finds herself teaming up with a reindeer herder travelling across a snowy tundra to get his reindeer to safe grounds for the winter and her rightful bag returned so she can finish the job.
I love snow and mountains, so the beautiful Swedish backdrop within this novel was right up my street and I loved reading about Halley's unexpected adventure and learning all about the Swedish tradition of reindeer herding along the way; with homely food from the forest and cheeky animals completing the picture. While the romantic storyline was predictable and as a reader you uncover the 'mystery' far earlier than Halley, this was still a delightfully sweet read to cosy up with on a cold winter's day.
3.5 stars
I love snow and mountains, so the beautiful Swedish backdrop within this novel was right up my street and I loved reading about Halley's unexpected adventure and learning all about the Swedish tradition of reindeer herding along the way; with homely food from the forest and cheeky animals completing the picture. While the romantic storyline was predictable and as a reader you uncover the 'mystery' far earlier than Halley, this was still a delightfully sweet read to cosy up with on a cold winter's day.
3.5 stars
January 13, 2019
Aside from the fact that the main storyline was completely unbelievable, I adored this romance! I don't think I've ever read a book that has been so incredibly well researched - the vivid descriptions of both the sceneey and the Sami way of life were simply incredible and took my breath away at times. It is rare indeed (very rare!) that I cry at books but towards the end of this i had tears overflowing my eyes as I got well and truly caught up in it. Simply beautiful.
I borrowed this from my local library but will absolutely be purchasing my own copy as it is a book I will re-read - as I'm trying to clear limited shelving space that is the highest accolade I can give it!
I honestly can't wait to read it again.
I borrowed this from my local library but will absolutely be purchasing my own copy as it is a book I will re-read - as I'm trying to clear limited shelving space that is the highest accolade I can give it!
I honestly can't wait to read it again.
November 30, 2021
It did not get me into the christmas-spirit i had hoped. It only made me bored. :/
April 19, 2019
Admittedly I read this book on a very hot day but still a brilliant read and a great winter read. Such a heartwarming read and full of warmth and romance but learning who you are to so you can do what you want to. Brilliant read and highly recommend it plenty of snow and cold to contend with when reading it and is a perfect read.
Halley is a courier after loosing her husband a few years before and she hasn't come to terms with it and she wrote to him with all her travels. She's been asked to take some wedding rings out to a couple in Sweden Lapland and she wants to make sure she doesn't loose the bag with the rings in. But when leaving to go to the hotel she gets her bag but as soon as she's at the hotel and gets things out of the bag she realises she has the wrong bag someone else must have had hers and they got swapped so she looks for clues to who it could belong to. She finds he has a restaurant so she travels to where that is but finds it is empty and a lady who says she doesn't know where he is but may be at his parents. So she then heads to where the parents live and she meets Bjorn who is getting the reindeers in but has to travel he doesn't give his real name but says he can take her to the person she needs. They travel over deal snow and sleep in huts so she's cold and tired but she opens up to him about her life and he gives parts of his to but when they finally reach his parents and she realises Bjorn is the person she's been looking for and isn't happy with him that he didn't tell her the truth so she says she just wants her bag and to get the rings to the couple so she can go home. She gets the rings to the couple and is going to go home but hasn't she fallen for Bjorn and can she leave him or not. A problem she has to face will she choose the right decision and can she move on and be happy again.
A brilliant read.
Halley is a courier after loosing her husband a few years before and she hasn't come to terms with it and she wrote to him with all her travels. She's been asked to take some wedding rings out to a couple in Sweden Lapland and she wants to make sure she doesn't loose the bag with the rings in. But when leaving to go to the hotel she gets her bag but as soon as she's at the hotel and gets things out of the bag she realises she has the wrong bag someone else must have had hers and they got swapped so she looks for clues to who it could belong to. She finds he has a restaurant so she travels to where that is but finds it is empty and a lady who says she doesn't know where he is but may be at his parents. So she then heads to where the parents live and she meets Bjorn who is getting the reindeers in but has to travel he doesn't give his real name but says he can take her to the person she needs. They travel over deal snow and sleep in huts so she's cold and tired but she opens up to him about her life and he gives parts of his to but when they finally reach his parents and she realises Bjorn is the person she's been looking for and isn't happy with him that he didn't tell her the truth so she says she just wants her bag and to get the rings to the couple so she can go home. She gets the rings to the couple and is going to go home but hasn't she fallen for Bjorn and can she leave him or not. A problem she has to face will she choose the right decision and can she move on and be happy again.
A brilliant read.
December 5, 2018
Visit the locations in the novel
What a lovely Swedish Christmas escape!
This is really a magical book set in Swedish Lapland. It’s the story of Halley, a courier on her way to Tallfors with a bag containing two precious wedding rings inside for delivery… well she’s on her way if the bag is no where to be found! The story takes the reader to Halley’s journey as she tries to get the rings back with the help of a very handsome Sami man.
You can tell the author has done the actual journey herself as there’s snippets and scenes that you couldn’t recreate without feeling it. when Halley has to relocate a bag lost at the airport, she gets help from a Sami man who takes her on a sledge and takes her to where she needs to go. She needs to get there fast, but this is Sami territory now where you have to respect them and the animals. It’s cold, remote and the deep dark forest is hard if you don’t know the land. There’s pressure to find this bag, but it’s not the destination that’s the best thing here – it’s definitely the journey and Jo Thomas takes us on a really fun one.
I now want to live in Swedish Lapland and find out more about the Sami culture. It’s fascinating insight and with a little romance along the way too, it’s enough to warm the cockles of your heart despite all that snow.
Curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy!
December 6, 2019
The storyline is quite unbelievable but then it’s fiction and you can gloss over that for the lovely romantic story and beautiful descriptions of the setting.
March 21, 2021
Журналистическият опит както и личните ѝ преживявания в Швеция определено бяха в полза на Джо Томас при описанията на снежна Лапландия, в която героинята ѝ се впусна в приключение сред стадо елени и кучешки впряг. Ако надникнете през прозореца си и вали сняг, ви препоръчвам да се потопите в компанията на „Среща под звездите“.
September 7, 2018
With this book Jo Thomas has proved that she can write wonderful wintery romances just as well as all her marvellous summer books.
I was hooked and enchanted from the first few pages, and the pages just kept on turning so fast, I was amazed when I looked up and saw how much I had read.
After all this is a book set in Swedish Lapland, with teams of husky dogs, reindeer and a gorgeous Samii man. With gorgeous scenery, you will be exhilarated at the adventure that Halley goes on, against her best wishes.
She is normally an international courier, but when she loses her bag with some vital wedding rings in it, she is in a race against time to re-locate it and get the rings to the couple in time for their wedding. Only snag is the only way she can get to the home of the person who has her bag, is by helping Bjorn with his reindeer as he is going that way anyway.
Halley though is rather scared, but has to face all manner of fears in this wonderful journey. I was enthralled with all the action, and the various things that happened on this trip. It also included a journey of personal growth for both characters, as they discover who they need to be now.
With the level of description, it is clear this is book that has been well researched, and I learnt a lot about the Samii way of life, how they use every part of a reindeer, and don't take more from the earth than they need. It is a simple way of life, that is traditional and fascinating.
There are exhilarating scenes, fabulous wildlife, a growing connection between two characters, some light relief with Lars, this is a book you don't want to miss. I absolutely adored this book, I didn't want it to end. I just can't get enough from Jo Thomas, but may have to wait for her to write the next one!
I was hooked and enchanted from the first few pages, and the pages just kept on turning so fast, I was amazed when I looked up and saw how much I had read.
After all this is a book set in Swedish Lapland, with teams of husky dogs, reindeer and a gorgeous Samii man. With gorgeous scenery, you will be exhilarated at the adventure that Halley goes on, against her best wishes.
She is normally an international courier, but when she loses her bag with some vital wedding rings in it, she is in a race against time to re-locate it and get the rings to the couple in time for their wedding. Only snag is the only way she can get to the home of the person who has her bag, is by helping Bjorn with his reindeer as he is going that way anyway.
Halley though is rather scared, but has to face all manner of fears in this wonderful journey. I was enthralled with all the action, and the various things that happened on this trip. It also included a journey of personal growth for both characters, as they discover who they need to be now.
With the level of description, it is clear this is book that has been well researched, and I learnt a lot about the Samii way of life, how they use every part of a reindeer, and don't take more from the earth than they need. It is a simple way of life, that is traditional and fascinating.
There are exhilarating scenes, fabulous wildlife, a growing connection between two characters, some light relief with Lars, this is a book you don't want to miss. I absolutely adored this book, I didn't want it to end. I just can't get enough from Jo Thomas, but may have to wait for her to write the next one!
January 3, 2021
I have long steered clear of Romance novels like these - which is definitely weird as I love a cheesy Hallmark movie. However, I am trying to branch out and seeing as I can use some light and romantic reading A Winter Beneath the Stars seemed a good place to start.
I really enjoyed this book - but the reason I just gave it three stars is because I felt that main characters Halley and Bjorn were just blurting out oneliners and quotes and often repeated these throughout the novel. The quotes fit the overall story but felt misplaced and I don't believe that people really talk like that. There were also some inconsistencies between characters like someone introducing him/herself on one page, to do it again on the next page.
So what did I like: I like the setting. The romantic snowy landscape and the reindeer herd and sleeping beneath the stars. Both Halley and Bjorn were very relatable and likeable characters, despite there cheesy lines. I would have liked some more information about Sami, just because it is a romance novel does not mean it doesn't need a bit of depth. I think the way of life of the Sami are important in the story and could be more fleshed out. This novel reads like a movie - including the cheesy bits.
It is good, and entertaining but missed depth and had way too many oneliners and quotes.
I really enjoyed this book - but the reason I just gave it three stars is because I felt that main characters Halley and Bjorn were just blurting out oneliners and quotes and often repeated these throughout the novel. The quotes fit the overall story but felt misplaced and I don't believe that people really talk like that. There were also some inconsistencies between characters like someone introducing him/herself on one page, to do it again on the next page.
So what did I like: I like the setting. The romantic snowy landscape and the reindeer herd and sleeping beneath the stars. Both Halley and Bjorn were very relatable and likeable characters, despite there cheesy lines. I would have liked some more information about Sami, just because it is a romance novel does not mean it doesn't need a bit of depth. I think the way of life of the Sami are important in the story and could be more fleshed out. This novel reads like a movie - including the cheesy bits.
It is good, and entertaining but missed depth and had way too many oneliners and quotes.
December 16, 2021
Прекрасен наратив на Даниела Йорданова, скучна история и изключително глупава героиня
December 13, 2018
Halley is a courier personally delivering precious items. A mix up at an airport results in her bag being switched and to her horror she’s lost some precious wedding rings she’s supposed to be delivering for a wedding in Tallfors in Sweden. She works out from items in the bag she has that her own bag is probably with enigmatic Michelin chef Daniel Nuhtte. The only way to reach him, is to go with the equally enigmatic Bjorn as he herds his reindeer across the frozen Lapland countryside.
Jo Thomas is so brilliant at transporting you to a different place. Whether it’s the wet and windy West Coast of Ireland in The Oyster Catcher, the sunnier climes of Italy in The Olive Branch or snowy Sweden in this book, her attention to detail just makes it so easy to visualise the world her characters inhabit. In A Winter Beneath the Stars there was lots about the frozen landscape which she depicts as beautiful, of course, but also as a place where it can be difficult to survive. Halley learned about the importance of creating warmth with fire and a warm glow with candles. She learned too about not taking more than you need to survive from the natural environment. Although she was quite squeamish (as I would be!) about slaughtering reindeer, she understood the respect shown to the animals by using every part of them when they are killed. Traditions passed on through the generations meant wisdom from the past was not lost.
I loved this book and was with Halley and Bjorn every snowy step of the way. They were such strong and interesting characters. The book was as much about their own personal journeys of self-discovery as it was about the physical journey they were undertaking in real life. Halley in particular was strong, brave and determined even though she perhaps felt as though she was running from her past and not fully facing up to what had happened in her life. I was so happy for her when she realised that the best way to honour her past was to start really living in the present.
For me, the author has captured perfectly the importance of hanging onto love when you find it, as love is so precious. As Halley says, “we don’t know when we’re going to find love or lose it. But I do know that if we find it, we should make the most of it while we can.”
Jo Thomas is so brilliant at transporting you to a different place. Whether it’s the wet and windy West Coast of Ireland in The Oyster Catcher, the sunnier climes of Italy in The Olive Branch or snowy Sweden in this book, her attention to detail just makes it so easy to visualise the world her characters inhabit. In A Winter Beneath the Stars there was lots about the frozen landscape which she depicts as beautiful, of course, but also as a place where it can be difficult to survive. Halley learned about the importance of creating warmth with fire and a warm glow with candles. She learned too about not taking more than you need to survive from the natural environment. Although she was quite squeamish (as I would be!) about slaughtering reindeer, she understood the respect shown to the animals by using every part of them when they are killed. Traditions passed on through the generations meant wisdom from the past was not lost.
I loved this book and was with Halley and Bjorn every snowy step of the way. They were such strong and interesting characters. The book was as much about their own personal journeys of self-discovery as it was about the physical journey they were undertaking in real life. Halley in particular was strong, brave and determined even though she perhaps felt as though she was running from her past and not fully facing up to what had happened in her life. I was so happy for her when she realised that the best way to honour her past was to start really living in the present.
For me, the author has captured perfectly the importance of hanging onto love when you find it, as love is so precious. As Halley says, “we don’t know when we’re going to find love or lose it. But I do know that if we find it, we should make the most of it while we can.”
November 29, 2021
Винаги съм предпочитала слънцето пред снега и не мога да си представя такъв живот - нейде, където има само сняг, сняг и още сняг.
Приятна за четене/слушане история, в която главната героиня Халей разменя по погрешка куфара си и се оказва в дълбоката провинция на северна Швеция, в Лапландия, в земите на елените. За да върне собствения си багаж, тя трябва да помогне на един непознат да прекара стадото си елени от едно местообиталище до друго като по пътя трябва да кара шейна с хъскита, да спи в затънтени колиби, да лови риба от дупка в леда и все такива "весели неща". Така градското момиче таящо в себе си дълбока скръб се изправя пред предизвикателствата на природата и на пленителен мъж.
Малко изкуствен финал, но като цяло е простено на такъв тип книжки, така че който иска да затъне до шия в сняг нека се отправи към Лапландия. 3*
Приятна за четене/слушане история, в която главната героиня Халей разменя по погрешка куфара си и се оказва в дълбоката провинция на северна Швеция, в Лапландия, в земите на елените. За да върне собствения си багаж, тя трябва да помогне на един непознат да прекара стадото си елени от едно местообиталище до друго като по пътя трябва да кара шейна с хъскита, да спи в затънтени колиби, да лови риба от дупка в леда и все такива "весели неща". Така градското момиче таящо в себе си дълбока скръб се изправя пред предизвикателствата на природата и на пленителен мъж.
Малко изкуствен финал, но като цяло е простено на такъв тип книжки, така че който иска да затъне до шия в сняг нека се отправи към Лапландия. 3*
December 15, 2018
Another wonderful story from author Jo Thomas, she certainly knows how to keep her readers engaged.
I loved the story, the setting, so much snow not to mention the fabulous husky dogs and reindeers. I literally fell in love with it all.
As for the character's, what a delightful bunch they all were, loved getting to know each and ever one of them.
It's been an absolute joy from start to finish.
I loved the story, the setting, so much snow not to mention the fabulous husky dogs and reindeers. I literally fell in love with it all.
As for the character's, what a delightful bunch they all were, loved getting to know each and ever one of them.
It's been an absolute joy from start to finish.
January 30, 2021
Страхотна снежна история, която ме пренесе в шведска Лапландия. Имах възможността да усетя начина на живот на саамите и прелестната храна, която сътворяват под звездите. Понесох се в пътешествите им из снежната тундра и нелесното умравление на шейните на лап-кучетата, заедно с хъскита и шейните от приказни елени.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews