This is a book I downloaded a while ago and although I am more into thrillers and crime stories at the moment, it does feel good to, once and again, leave that cruel world behind and focus on the beauty our planet has to offer.

So I decided to accompany Nari and Sylvie on their way to Finnish Lapland. I most certainly would not be my first choice. LOL. I don't like Christmas a lot and I think it has something to do with the fact it is winter at that time here. I totally hate winter with a vengeance and I could not imagine being without the daylight for so many hours. 

On the other hand though, I do understand that people are in awe by that winter wonderland. It just is not for me. :) I would visit Finland during the summer. ;)

Anyways, I enjoyed learning a bit more about Finland and their customs, about the food they eat and their history. 

I do realise certain things that are 'normal' in one country, can seem very weird to people from another country and in my opinion both deserve respect. Some people are more introvert, whilst others are the complete opposite. There is nothing wrong with that, is there? It seems like Stellan did not really took the time to see things form Sylvie's point of view. He did and behaved in a way he thought best even if other persons were involved. That made me not like him very much not even afterwards when he more or less realised it.

When you read a romcom, you know that people often don't talk a lot to each other about important things. They jump to conclusions and it are often the wrong ones. Thank God, it's fiction and the author can fix everything in the end, but in real life, people should talk more too and the world would be a lovelier place.

An enjoyable read where I though Sylvie was the most honest where her feeling were concerned. 4 stars

Thank you

this was such a cute read! it’s definitely got me in the mood for christmas! i loved how it was a dual pov and how there were two stories running alongside each other both with some lighthearted romance and winter vibes. it was a really easy read and i got through it really quickly - i always love books about travelling so i can read about places that i haven’t seen before. it adds an element of adventure to the story and i really enjoyed it.

thank you netgalley and hera books for the arc!

Christmas at Frozen Falls is a romance, a second chance story, and a bit of an armchair travel story all rolled into one. Sylvie Magnusson should be going on her honeymoon over the Christmas holidays, but her fiancé called off the wedding. She originally planned to go without him, but just couldn't do it. Instead, her friend Nari and her head off to Lapland to see the Northern Lights and celebrate the holidays near the North Pole. This reminds her of her University boyfriend, Stellan Virtanen, who was visiting and she fell head over heels. He disappeared and broke her heart, so imagine her surprise when she comes face to face with him at the resort she is staying at, his resort. There is still some feeling there and it doesn't take long for those feelings to rekindle. Meanwhile Nari, also meets someone who she becomes attracted to. Before you know it, neither woman wants to leave, but their time in Lapland comes to an end. What will they do?

I really liked Sylvie and felt bad for her. She was trying to deal with heartbreak, but her friends wanted to help her to get back to living. It was a fluke that she ended up at Stellan's resort, but it is a good coincidence for both of them. I enjoyed the various activities and learning a bit about the area. Stellan has a lot of baggage based upon expectations of his parents and he projected that onto Sylvie when they were young. This was a lovely escape romance with a wonderful winter setting, adorable husky puppies, reindeer and even an ice restaurant. With a double romance there was a lot to smile about. I would love to spend my Christmas holidays in Lapland, even though I don't like the cold, a once in a lifetime thing. A great story to read by the fire, or in my case, Christmas in July. I recommend this one if you enjoy an uplifting holiday romance with a unique setting and great characters.

Not a good start but it turned out ok in the end. Christmas always turns out right. I didn’t want it to end. Well written and well done.

This is a perfect and sweet book for the holiday season, packed with Christmas love and cheer. I truly enjoyed reading this book because it upped my mood and spirits and helped me remember the reason and magic of the holiday season. I would highly recommend adding this book to your holiday reading list; it is like reading a Hallmark movie!

This book was so fun! In Christmas at Frozen Falls Sylvie & best friend Nari decide to seize the day and take control of their own destiny by whisking away to a holiday in Frozen Falls, a Lapland winter wonderland. What Sylvie does not expect is to see someone she knows. Especially not Stellan, the-one-that-got-away.

I loved the winter atmosphere of Frozen Falls. I loved the friendship between Nari & Sylvie. And I absolutely LOVED the scene with all the puppies! I do wish we got to know Stellan a bit more, I felt like his character was slightly lacking because he was so quiet and introspective. But overall this is a fun Christmas/winter read that I will most likely read every year just because of the winter vibes.

When Sylvie's fiance calls off the wedding a week ahead of time, she is at a loss. So what is a girl to do? Her best friend talks her into keeping her honeymoon trip, but instead of tropical they change it to Lapland. With a choice of two places she picks the home of her old college romance. Stellan, however, is not overly happy to see her, but his friend is very happy to meet her best friend. A sweet and fun holiday romance. I did like it, but did tend to skim a bit, especially during the youth angst (since I'm over 50 I find that silly, but that is just me). Would recommend.

This book was a brilliant read and one that is perfect to escape for a few hours and loose yourself.
Characters that fall out of the pages of the book and make you fell apart of the story, the setting is lovely and captured well with words.
A great read. that I would highly recommend.

A fabulous festive treat set in the Frozen Falls resort of Finnish Lapland, I really enjoyed this book. The setting was beautifully described and made me want to visit. A good cast of characters who I could empathise easily with. Well paced, a story of heartbreak, friendship, second chances and romance. I loved the husky puppies. A great story to escape into away from the wet english weather.

A lovely cosy story perfect for an afternoon on the sofa.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

I think that next Christmas I need to spend it in Lapland. This was a cute, festive story that had me feeling warm and fuzzy!

My thoughts
Narrative and Plot


Christmas at Frozen Falls is a cozy holiday read which will make you long to visit the Laplands for once in your life. The scenic beauty and the landscape in itself is an important part of the narrative and you're taken into this magical world of snow and reindeers and other countless delights of the Finnish land. The backdrop and the holiday spirit is definitely what you expect from a Christmas read.

The story is told from Sylvie's perspective for most parts. Although the abrupt shift to Nilo's pov threw me off the first time. The beginning of the book is particularly witty and lively despite Sylvie being in dull spirits. But as we go on it takes on a more serious tone of longing and belonging which I believe anyone can relate to.





Characters and Conflicts




Sylvie starts as your typical chic lit/romance heroine wallowing over her situation and love life. She is also someone who can laugh at her own misgivings. She is kind, fiesty and strong who isn't afraid to speak her mind but later overthink it all. ( Personally, that's so me)
Then we have her bestie Narie who is a solo traveller and a blogger. I loved the blog posts in between.

Together they embark on a journey to the Arctic circle and swept by the warmth of the Finnish Laplands during holidays. The simultaneous love stories is a clever thought to keep the readers interested in finding out more about their respective love stories.

While Nilo is your typical romance book hero , Stellan protrayed the real life version of men who are not emotionally expressive.
The ending was a bit abrupt. You would want to know more about them. In fact I wouldn't mind another book to know how they figured it all out (the whole poles apart thing).





Conclusion


Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It features many of the modern day relationship issues and yet manages a light tone to the whole plot. The Scandinavian atmosphere definitely puts you in the holiday spirit. Curl up with this rom-com on a perfectly good festive season, to enjoy your Christmas at Frozen Falls.

I loved this book. There’s a light hearted freshness to the writing and it fizzes with energy and anticipation throughout. Lovable characters and an amazing setting made this thoroughly enjoyable. Great read!

Thank you Netgalley.

This was a fab little Christmas read! Set in Lapland so it’s all snow, lights and festive feelings. It’s really put me in the Christmas mood and made me want to visit Lapland so much more. There are 2 love stories in this book and I really enjoyed following them through to the end. I’d definitely read another book by this author.

**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**

Title Christmas at Frozen Falls

Author Kiley Dunbar

Release Date September 4, 2019

Description from Amazon

Sylvie Magnusson is going to be lonely this Christmas. Instead of jetting off for her honeymoon, she’s freezing at home in Cheshire. Guess that’s what happens when your fiancé dumps you a week before your wedding…

Sylvie’s best friend, Nari, plans a trip to see the Northern Lights and get Sylvie’s mojo back. But as their Lapland getaway approaches, Sylvie realises that Frozen Falls is the hometown of Stellan Virtanen, her dreamy Finnish ex-boyfriend, the one that got away.

When they meet, Stellan’s still gorgeous – and her heart is warmed when he shows her the romantic delights of Lapland (as well as some adorable Husky puppies). But when she returns to England, can she really leave Stellan behind? Or will she find that her heart belongs in the frozen North?

Initial Thoughts

Ok, so the name of the game for the month of December is finish up all outstanding items in NetGalley. I actually purposefully saved a Christmas book for December and I’m so glad this is the one I chose.

Some Things I Liked

Two stories for the price of one! I loved that we got to see two completely different types of love stories develop during this book. Sylvie and Nari are both amazing and totally different characters who were at different places in their lives when the story began. I loved seeing the separate chapters about each of them.
Sylvie as a narrator. She was a wonderful narrator and I loved her inner thought monologues throughout the book.
Christmas as a setting. I love Christmas time – and I think it always makes an amazing backdrop to a cute story. There are so many magical elements: cookies, snow, decorating trees, need I go on? Everything about using Christmas in this story made it better.

Final Thoughts

I’m so glad I saved this book. I loved it and it really kicked me into Christmas-gear. (I’m super behind on my shopping and schedule right now!) But, this story was so cute and it made me want to get back on track.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

The Last Note by Grace McGinty – if you liked all of the feelings and slightly older characters in this story, give The Last Note book a try. It’s a bit more of a tear-jerker, but still has a ton of emotions and a really nice story.
The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft – if you like cute, Christmas rom-coms, check out this book.
Coming Home to Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters – if you like Gilmore Girls and adorable Christmas stories, give this book a read.

If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, you'll love Christmas at Frozen Falls. Treat yourself to a fantastic holiday romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

4.5*
I reckon Sylvie had a lucky escape when Cole dumped her a week before their wedding. I’m not sure how she stuck with him during their ten year engagement, to be honest, especially given his behaviour and with what would have been the mother-in-law from hell. But still, Sylvie didn’t relish the prospect of a miserable Christmas alone instead of honeymooning in newly wedded bliss on Mauritius.

Unable to get a refund after leaving it until the last minute, best friend Nari saves the day with the idea of a transfer to ‘Santa’s Enchanted Lapland.’ Sylvie chooses the resort of Saariselkä, not altogether unselfishly as she remembered Stellan, her first boyfriend who she had thought was ‘The One’, and knowing he lived there. When Stellan left her and went back home without a word, Sylvie always wondered why. Perhaps now, at last, she could find out…

The story is told mostly from Sylvie’s first person perspective, interspersed with other third person points of view, giving a greater understanding of each well drawn character’s thoughts and feelings. There’s obviously been a lot of research undertaken and I appreciated how Kiley Dunbar worked Finnish and Sámi traditions and culture into the narrative.

Sylvie is easy to identify with, the knock backs she’s had making her doubt herself but buoyed up by Nari, a confident, independent and seasoned travel blogger who loves her lifestyle. The friendship between the two is lovely. Stellan and Niilo, the reindeer herdsman at the resort and Stellan’s business partner as well as best friend, are perfect for the male leads and couldn’t be more different.

After reading this, I really want to spend a Christmas in Lapland, specifically at Frozen Falls (please don’t tell me it’s a fictional place!) The descriptions are magical—the snow, the modes of travel, the guest cabins and glass bedrooms with an unobstructed view of the night sky, hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire, sleigh rides…not forgetting the gorgeous husky pups, one in particular.

A lovely story of self discovery and second chances in a wonderfully vivid and Chrismassy setting.

I just finished the book one minute ago and I just cannot wait to let you know how much I LOVED this book from first to last page! This book made me so emotional! I almost cried! I absolutely loved the storyline, loved the setting in Lapland, Finland (!!!! yes!) and loved the characters! This book is even more dear to my heart as I am half finnish and I miss Finland all year round when I am not there (I only visit in the summer). I felt like I was in Finland for a few hours thanks to Kiley Dunbar and her description for all things finnish is really accurate. Good job! Oh I loved this book so much! Cannot wait to read another book from this author! 5 stars out of 5 for "Christmas at Frozen Falls" for me!!!!!

Everybody knows I love RomComs, they are one of my guilty pleasures.  Everyone also knows I am a sucker for Christmas novels, they are another one of my guilty pleasures.  Could you imagine my absolute bliss when I saw that Kiley Dunbar was writing a Cozy Christmas Romcom and I had the opportunity to read and review it for a blog tour?   I can't believe you didn't hear me squeal in anticipation!  This is a Hallmark Channel lover's dream come true.

When Sylvie's fiancee cancels their wedding after a ten year engagement, six months later she is still dealing with the aftermath while stuck in a prescheduled honeymoon trip over Christmas.   Instead of taking the trip to the sunny beach of Mauritius she and her best friend Nari head off to the winter wonderland of Saariselka to celebrate the holiday.

Needless to say, choosing to change the destination to Sasriselka was not an accident, as "the one that got away" in Sylvie's eyes happens to live in this lovely arctic town.   It seems that when Stellan left 15 years earlier, Sylvie never knew why, and maybe while there she can find out, and if she's lucky, quite possibly give it a second chance.

This book is the epitome of Christmas, winter wonderlands, sleds, warm fires and the coziest of romances.  It truly is the best of both worlds.  There are funny moments, touching moments, and the overall warm fuzzy feeling you want to feel when reading a holiday romance.  The characters are fun, likable and people that you downright want to see find some type of happiness in the end.  The story is told in multiple POV, which adds to the characters depth and emotions, and the author does a brilliant job of making you fall in love with each one of them.  If you are looking for a second chance love story during your favorite holiday season, in one of the most "Christmasy" places you can imagine, pick this one up right away.  Kiley Dunbar has written a beautiful story that does not come off as "cheesy" or "cliche" but still gives you all the Holiday charm that would make even the Hallmark Channel CEO proud.  If she keeps writing holiday stories like this I may give up all other genres of books.  Solid 4 stars.

3,5 Stars

What a truly beautiful setting! Although I couldn't imagine living with so much darkness and even more with the freezing cold every day, it sounds lovely spending a Christmas holiday in Finnish Lapland.

No wonder that Sylvie is so smitten with the Frozen Falls resort, and its owner! He was her boyfriend 15 years ago, and broke her teenage heart (and she stresses that she was a teenager - 19 - back then every time she mentions it, which is quite often) by running away from her after she said the L-word. When she appears at his doorstep now, he doesn't welcome her with open arms but reacts rather grumpy and abrasivly. Is that just the way Finnish men are, or does he really not feel a thing for Sylvie anymore.

I liked Sylvie as a character and could identify with her in some points. But her overly musing about the same things were also annoying in the latter part of the book. I also could have done without Nari & Niilos story, this seemed too forced.
Nevertheless, I would definitely read a sequel.

This was a magical, atmospheric, Christmas second chance romance. I loved it. It was a great escape book to cozy up with.
Many thanks to Hera Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.