Member Reviews
I had never read a book by this author before, but the cover attracted me to read it.
The book starts with Frankie who is about to be married, but she has doubts. She feels forced into the marriage by her over-bearing Grandmother. She breaks off the Wedding, and runs away to Norway, where she hopes to find her estranged Mother who left when she was a baby.
She meets Jonas, who leads her to get Mother, and helps them to rekindle their relationship. Frankie learns the truth about why her Mother left, and encourages her to come home with her when there is bad news from home. Jonas comes too, as he and Frankie are beginning to have feelings for each other. Back in England it is apparent that Frankie leads a completely different lifestyle to him.
Frankie is torn between her love for Jonas, and family commitments. It seems impossible that their relationship can continue.
This book is amusing in places, but also has a strong moral theme, about family, and how making the right choices can be difficult.
The story moves seamlessly between England and Norway. The descriptions of Norway are stunning, and make you wish that you are there. I was sorry when the story finished as I would have liked to have read more about Frankie and Jonas. I enjoyed this book very much, it was well written, and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a preview copy of this book from Netgalley in return for a fair review.
This is another brilliant 5* romance from this highly talented author, IMHO, possibly her best story so far. Starting with a hen party, then Frankie Ashford absconding from her own wedding, this story has a hilarious start and is an emotive adventure as Frankie travels to Oslo hoping to meet her mother who left when Frankie was just a baby. It is a story of discovering what happened in the past, reuniting and moving forward to a new destiny.
There are plenty of sub plots interwoven into this story to create a beautiful tapestry of events. The evocative descriptions of Norway bring it to life and make it easy to believe you're actually there - including tasting some of the delicious foods on offer, which were mouthwateringly portrayed. It has really made me want to visit to see it all for myself! The characters are easy to relate to, many feeling like people you really know as their motivations both now and in the past, together with their actions and emotions are described, bringing them to life in the imagination of the reader. There isn't just one romance in this story, there's a new one for Frankie and a second-chance one for another couple. It is a story of heartbreak but is also heart warming, I loved it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
I do love a bit of escapism with Darcie Boleyn.Off to the Northern Lights with this one and it’s very fluffy and nice to just head off with Frankie, spend time with her and her Viking man and then head to the wonders of Tromso. And oh that cake! There’s lots to enjoy here, it’s all very cosy but then sometimes this is just what you need.
The scene setting as ever is lovely with little snippets of history and observations thrown in. The colours of the sky, lying underneath reindeer skins....it might be a Christmas set read but I enjoyed this in the middle of September.
Review: Love at the Northern Lights is an exceptional read. I am a very big fan of Darcie Boleyn's and love all her stories but this one is now my firm favourite story. I was super excited to be asked to review and to be apart of the blog tour and would like to thank Canelo.
Before I get into the review I just want to make note of the beautiful cover and title of this book. It just screams 'you must read me now' it has a lovely Christmas vibe to it.
I was totally blown away by the depth to the characters. Darcie always creates great characters but there is something about Frankie, Freya and Jonas that is special. Love is at the heart of the plot and not just shown through a romantic relationship but with family relationships as well.
The setting Norway is lovely I wont give too much away here as it is just amazing reading it and discovering it for yourself as a reader but it's very romantic and Christmas in London sounds so cosy.
This is a must read for any one who loves a good romance with elements of family pressures. It is full of love and hope for the future.
Darcie Boleyn is one of my favourite romance authors so it’s always a pleasure reading her latest book. She consistently manages to sweep me away to wonderful locations and Love at the Northern Lights is no different. Norway is a place that I’ve never even thought about visiting but the descriptions of Oslo made me want to “do a Frankie” and jump on the next plane over there!
Leaving your fiancé at the alter takes a lot of courage but Frankie did exactly that! Although I couldn’t blame her once I met aforementioned fiancé but still, it seemed a very extreme way to end a relationship. Frankie wasn’t the most likeable of characters to begin with, I found her a little spoilt and shallow but that soon changed once she arrived in Oslo. The journey to reconnect with the mother who abandoned her as a baby was a brave one to take but it lead to her meeting Jonas, the Thor lookalike, who lives a life a million miles away from the one enjoyed by Frankie. Their resulting romance is a sweet, and almost innocent, meeting of perfect soulmates that brought a warm fuzzy glow to my heart.
This is a captivating tale of lost opportunities, forgiveness and taking chances that pulled me immediately into the beautifully written storyline. I adored Jonas, especially his outlook on life, so I think we definitely need more Norwegian men in romantic fiction! And now I’m off to price up that weekend break in Oslo!
Great romance highly recommended by me.
When we first meet Frankie she is due to be married to Rolo, when her dad tells her its not too late to back out, if she doesn't want to marry him. Frankie runs off, but not before a chastisement from her grandmother. Heading to the airport with just her suitcase that was packed for her honeymoon. Frankie isn't sure what to do next. The scene in the airport bathroom had me laughing. Trust me I'm sure it will make you laugh too. While pondering what to do next Frankie decides to head to Norway its time to find her mum. Darcie Boleyn does a lovely job of describing the scenery, you really feel as if you are with Frankie. With a little internet search Frankie tracks down her mum Freya. She also meets the lovely Jonas too, who is a great help at facilitating the relationship between mother and daughter. Jonas feels an attraction to Frankie but realises nothing can become of it as she will be going back to her world. When the grandmother is taken ill Frankie rushes back home with her mother and Jonas with her. When we first meet the grandmother she isn't a likable person, but we find out what has made her that way, she does redeem herself a little. I really enjoyed my time with Frankie and co, as they navigate their way to a happy ending.Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance.
Fab-U-lous!! Different to any other Christmas book I've read this year, this one sparkles and dazzles from beginning to end!
Frankie find herself wearing her designer wedding dress, with her hair pinned in place and decides it's the last place she wants to be. Making an undignified exit, she needs to get away somewhere and plumps for Oslo where she may even manage to find her estranged mother. Who she bumps into is a viking-like man who saves her from a nasty fall and, attractive as he may be, the last thing on Frankie's mind is romance. After all, she's just had a lucky escape!
This is a humdinger of a read; a wonderful storyline, stunning location and lots and lots going on. The author skilfully brings it all together into a heart-warming, enriching tale which will make every reader yearn for snow this Christmas! A novel to wallow in and soak up and which will truly leave you with plenty of festive spirit. What a fantastic cover too, and one which this book definitely deserves. Just gorgeous from beginning to end, absolutely perfect!
My thanks to publisher Canelo for my copy via NetGalley and the invitation to join in this Blog Tour, which I'm thrilled to be kicking off today. This is my honest, original and unbiased read.
I was drawn to read this book because of the title, as I have long wanted to view the Aurora Borealis. The descriptions of the lights and Norway itself did not disappoint and I thought the story of her childhood, her parents love for each other and her getting to know her mother were sensitively written. However I didn’t feel the chemistry between Frankie and Jonas and any romance seemed incidental to her relationship with her parents. I found the ending of the story rushed and the timeline of events in the epilogue confusing. I doubt I will read more by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A story of mothers and daughters, injustice and second chances in scenic Norway and fashionable London and romance that will last longer than the festive season.
A lovely, romantic tale with a festive twist. Frankie runs away from her wedding and her controlling grandmother and decides to find the mother who walked out on her when she was a baby. Her only clue a postcard her mother sent from Norway.
Norway is full of surprises and possible romance until a call from London means she has to go home. The relationship between Frankie and her mother is poignant and realistic and there is lots of simmering romance amid the snow and the Northern Lights.
An easy to read festive tale which will make you smile.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Frankie runs from her wedding and as she doesn't have a place to stay, she goes to the airport and decides to go to Norway. She wants to find her mother, who left her, when she was a baby. When Frankie locates her mother's gallery, she also meets Jonas and the two feel mutual attraction right from the start. The trip to Norway did good to Frankie and her mother, they finally have a chance to talk about everything. Frankie was finally able to overcome her doubts and fears about her mother and her past. A handsome Norwegian man also has a special place in her heart since they met for the first time.
I really liked the book in general, but the parts that were set in Norway I absolutely adored. I loved the description of the cold and snowy weather, watching the northern lights while laying on the reindeer skin by the fire and the local food. The characters were are likeable, except Frankie's grandmother, who didn't really want to consider other people's opinions or feelings. Frankie came from money, but she wasn't snooty or spoiled at all and Jonas was a real gentleman, a bit modest but really caring and sweet. Overall I found it well written book with interesting characters and a lot of emotion in the story.
It is extremely rare that I give a book only 1 star, but I just found this book such a drag. I’m usually very keen on Darcie Boleyn’s work, so I was rather surprised that ‘Love at the Northern Lights’ just didn’t deliver in the way I had hoped it would. I have quite the weakness for a cheesy chick lit read, as I find them uplifting and a great bit of escapism from reality. However, this book had a very slow-moving plot, it wasn’t very adventurously written, and the writing itself left a lot to be desired. It felt like it had been rushed. The plot was very predictable, which it often is with books of this genre, but this isn’t a problem as long as the writing makes up for it. I would certainly recommend other books for Darcie Boleyn, but I’m afraid not this one.
A story as magical and wonderful as the aurora borealis ...
Darcy Boleyn has become one of my go to authors for stories that I know will take me to a place of wonder that will fill my heart with warmth and joy. Each story that the author writes you can appreciate the setting and almost experience it just like the characters written on the pages. Love at the Northern Lights is a story that takes you from the city metropolis of London to the idyllic sounding city of Oslo, Norway. A city that sounds full of culture, charm and with the added wonder of a community that enjoys the spectre of the mesmerising dance of colours within the night sky, known as the northern lights.
Frankie Ashford was on the countdown to her wedding to fellow socialite Rolo Bellamy. Frankie's family was full of wealth and living in the grand house with her Grandmother and Father, Frankie was used to her life being mapped out before her, including her forthcoming nuptials. However, on her wedding day Frankie felt that something was amiss and before she makes the biggest mistake of her life she has to make a big decision. Frankie's decision takes her to Norway with just her honeymoon clothes and a mission to find her estranged mother.
With the drama and mayhem of escaping her own wedding we follow Frankie to the snowy climes of Norway. A journey that is filled with trepidation, enlightenment, forgiveness, new beginnings and new friendships.
I loved Frankie's story. It was such a whirlwind of emotional upheaval for her. I felt like I'd laughed with her, cried with her and fallen in love with a new country and new friends. A story that will have you absorbed and entranced from start to finish. It will also have you reaching for the Norwegian travel brochures!
Beautiful, feel-good literature to bring a warm glow to you during the changing seasons; seasons that were meant for reading.
This is a first for me by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The cover is what first drew me to the book... I'm glad it did as it's a fantastic read.
The first few chapters are hilarious, and the way the story develops is just amazing.
Frankie runs from her fiancé on the morning of their wedding, she doesn't love him and only said yes to the engagement because of family expectations.
With her family fuming and no where to go... she ventures to Norway in search of her estranged mother.
Jonas works for Frankie's estranged mother Freya... he's a dreamboat from the beginning... he is set on getting mother and daughter back together. He knows that anything he and Frankie share has an expiration date - the British heiress has a life to return to in London that’s a world away from his own.
There are some fabulous storylines, great writing, beautiful descriptions, some emotion, plenty of laughs and of course some romance!
A book about family, secrets and relationships.
Thank-You Netgalley for my ARC.
I love a good romance and this is exactly what you get with this novel.
An easy read that makes you smile and feel all warm inside!
Cannot fault it at all.
A story that with all its simplicity really manages to draw you in and become invested in what happens to the characters.
I'd happily read it again.
A fun filled Christmas with a difference
Highly amusing in parts
Keeps you entertained to the end can highly recommend
I was drawn by the cover of this book...beautiful and magical and although the setting was wonderful, this book left me feeling a bit Meh! The story of Frankie, leaving her fiancé at the alter and her decision to find her mother was conveyed brilliantly by the author, it lacked conviction... the characters didn’t really show any real emotion, anger, frustration etc, it was all very ZEN like, they accepted everything, and forgiveness was given too quickly! It became hard to care about the characters as you never were allowed to get inside their minds
This is my first book by this author the cover really attracted me to the book and so glad it did as simply brilliant and didn't want it to end as so good. The characters are outstanding and the plot to the story is sparkling and so true to life. Didn't want to put it down at all and full of amour, finding family members and deciding what is best for you instead of being told by others. It's heartbreaking but exhiliriting to. Also about being who you want to be and happiness.
Words cannot describe just how much I LOVED this novel. It was romantic, it was adventurous and was just overall a really lovely, cosy novel. The cover is absolutely stunning - I love the colours of the sky, the snowy trees and the cute little buildings with the huge Christmas tree in the centre! Everything draws you in and automatically makes you want to read it.
The story itself was completely gripping - straight from the first page. I felt so sorry for Frankie and everything that she'd been through and I was so happy for her when she ran away from her own wedding! I was so pleased that she decided to get away from her awful relationship and I'll be honest I found myself getting so irritated with Frankie's grandmother! I just thought, how dare she speak to Frankie like that? That's why I was shocked when Frankie decided to go back to England - but to be fair, family is family in the end.
Jonas was an absolute dreamboat and I loved him! He was such a gentleman and I was so hoping that him and Frankie would work out their differences and be together! It was such a romantic setting, what with the snow, the northern lights and then Christmas. It was just such a great novel and I cannot praise it enough. Another part of the novel that I loved was Frankie and her mother, Freya's relationship. It was so lovely to see their relationship blooming and going from strength to strength. One of my favourite parts was when they were baking together. It just made me feel so warm inside and it was lovely to read.
Overall, I cannot recommend this novel enough. It deserves more than 5 stars and I urge you to read this. It was a perfect novel to cosy up with and Darcie Boleyn at her finest. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
Loved loved loved this book!! Didn’t want it to end. A great book of love, forgiveness and deciding ur own path. Definitely looking out from more by this Author
This is my first book by this author the cover really attracted me to the book and so glad it did as simply brilliant and didn't want it to end as so good. The characters are excellent and the plot to the story is brilliant and so true to life. Didn't want to put it down at all and full of romance, finding family members and deciding what is best for you instead of being told by others. It's heartbreaking but heartwarming to. Also about being who you want to be and happiness. Worth far more than the five stars I have given it and now want to read more from this author.
Hayley is getting married but on the day her father says she needs to what is best for her age if that means not marrying he is fine with that but she realises it isn't what she wants and she's trying to please her grandmas who has brought her up and wants her to marry someone in the same class as her and with money but when she tells her grandmother and tells her she's not marrying and is going away to which she is told if she does that she will never be able to return she she will be cut out of her will. She's upset and decides to go and find her mother who left when she was a baby she recieved a letter when she was 18 saying where she lived but she has know idea if still there. She heads to Oslo and googles her mothers name as she knows she's an artist she finds her but at the gallery Jonas works for her mother and he's handsome and not normally Hayley's type. Jonas is set on getting mother and daughter back together but he knows he will not be able to stay with Hayley if they do love each other as she knows she has a life to go back to in England. With she learn the truth to why her mother left and will she be able to have a relationship with her again what will her grandmother say when she's heard she is with her mother and how will her father react as she was his only love. Will Hayley and her father find happiness and move forward or will they still be under the thumb of the grandmother.
Simply brilliant read and so hooked and didn't want it to end.