The Little Swiss Ski Chalet by Julie Caplin
Publisher: HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter
Genre: Romance
Release Date: January 30, 2021

The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is the seventh book in the Romantic Escapes series by Julie Caplin. I have not read the previous books in the series and was able to quickly jump right into this book!

I really enjoyed reading this book! It features a heartwarming romance with a little bit of humor!

I loved how this book made me want to curl up in front of the fireplace with hot cup of coffee and some yummy chocolate!

This really is an adorable read and I would recommend it to anyone looking to escape for a few hours and travel to a wonderful place like the Swiss Alps!

I'm so grateful to Julie Caplin, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

I received an e-arc of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3/5 stars

I own one other book by Julie Caplin but have yet to read it but wanted to give this one a shot as it seemed like a nice winter read. One thing I like is that it seems like each book takes you somewhere else in the world and the stories are all stand alone so it doesn't matter what order you read them in. Julie did a wonderful job of making me feel transported to the Swiss Alps and really feeling that small town vibe up in the mountains.

Overall, the story itself was good I just never really felt that connection or need to continue reading. On the other hand I also wasn't completely bored or annoyed with the characters or development but it just wasn't creating an urge in me to continue with the story. For that reason alone I did rate it 3 stars but there was honestly nothing wrong with the story. It did exactly what it needed to do and had good writing as well as characters. I'm hoping if I read others by this author that maybe some of the plots will appeal to me more.

A decent cosy romance. The setting was cute and fun and the characters all quirky enough to keep the readers interested. Nice to see the author call out The Helvetic Kitchen too, I love that site. Some thing I could do without in these types of books like overly descriptive text about bad fashion choices or hair/makeup etc. less of that and more food, people and romance please.

I LOVED this book! I appreciate Julie Caplin keeping it a closed door romance and very clean. But above all, I adore her descriptions of beautiful settings, incorporating local food dishes and really placing the reader IN the setting. She completely took me back to my memories of Switzerland, and now I want to travel there (and soon!). I have really enjoyed her books, and I look forward to her Ireland books next (another cancelled 2020 trip for me, so I look forward to traveling there through her Cosy Cottage book). Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book!

3.5⭐

I was fortunate to receive a copy of this ARC from NetGalley and Harper Collins One More Chapter.

Once again, Julie transports the reader to a destination, particularly needed at the moment! I always end up starting a Pinterest board to add to as I read Julie's books. I particularly want to ride on the chocolate and cheese train!

This is a lovely, comfortable, enjoyable story. Perfect to snuggle up and read with a hot chocolate!

My favourite quote:
"Chocolate or churches? Was there even a choice? Chocolate, after all, was a serious business. Churches could wait."

Julie Caplin has written a champion seventh novel in her 'Romantic Escapes' series set in this case in the Swiss Alps.

In The Little Swiss Ski Chalet, the reader meets food technician Mina Campbell who is suffering from a bad break up. She had a proposal for her colleague and now ex-boyfriend, Simon, which led to him revealing a betrayal. In the ensuing mêlée, including a video of the incident going viral, Mina's boss suggests that she would benefit from a work break. So Mina heads off to her Godmother Amelie’s cosy Swiss chalet.

This was a delightful tale that took me on an emotional journey of friendship, adventure, acceptance, romance, understanding, and self-discovery. In a fascinating story that drew me in right from the first pages, Julie Caplin vividly describes the cheesy, savoury staples, treats and edible delights that both Mina and Amelie are passionate about. Staying in the charming chalet, Mina meets all kinds of wonderful characters, including the mysterious and gorgeous Luke. I liked that the relationships between the core group of characters were as much of a focus as Mina's romance, helping to keep matters even more interesting. Mina's enthusiasm and upbeat personality were refreshing, though my favourite character was generous, warmhearted Amelie, and the dashes of humour and smouldering amour between Mina and Luke were a delight to read about.

The Cheese and Chocolate train journey sounded amazing (something I would like to do, should I ever visit Switzerland). Certain to thrill all cheese and choccy lovers this offering will also appeal to fans of Julie Caplin. I hope to read some of the instalments I've missed and I'm keen to see what's happening in book eight, The Cosy Cottage in Ireland. A great, very highly recommended story.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from One More Chapter via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

I admit I am a huge fan of Julie Caplin and all the books she writes, so I am not an unbiased reader or reviewer at all ! However, I love my romance, I love humour in my stories and I’m pretty good at knowing a good romcom when I read one and this is why I’m a huge fan of Julie and all her books. The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is a great read, full of romance, adorable characters and lots of humour, I love the fact I find myself so invested in Julie’s characters, rooting for them, heart breaking for them and laughing along with them. Looking for escapism, for a smile, then jump in, but be ready to care about what happens and be ready to want to read more. Absolutely highly recommended, go read it like yesterday

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

This is the 7th book in the Romantic Escapes series but fear not, these can easily be read as a stand alone, so feel free to choose your destination and enjoy the ride, just be warned though after reading these fab books your bucket list of countries to visit will be as long as your arm!

As I said above, Switzerland is now on my list! As ever, Julie’s descriptions make you feel like you are there and reading this during lockdown gave me that well needed chance to escape reality. I especially want to take a trip on the Pullman Swiss chocolate train, I’ve even been googling! Ha! The characters are as always warm, relatable and before I had finished the first chapter I wanted Mina as my best friend! Someone who believes chocolate will solve everything is getting a Christmas card from me! Unlucky in love Mina decides its time to forget about finding Mr Right and concentrate on what she wants out of life so with bags packed she arrives on her Godmothers doorstep. Mina’s Godmother Amelie was a favourite of mine, running a beautiful cosy ski chalet serving coffee and cake, what’s not to like. I won’t mention the mysterious stranger as I wouldn’t want to ruin anything and shall leave you to find out but rest assured his a dreamboat! All in all, this book didn’t disappoint, it made me smile, laugh and it also made me hungry..! Big thanks to the author and Rachel Random Resources for the ARC.

#7!?! By god, there are more of these? I must find them! These are all stand-alones so reading in order is not necessary but I’m sure they will all leave me with this lovely, amazing happy feeling.

This was the cutest book. I felt like I was in a lovely dream the whole time I was reading it. Not overly romantic, no big sex scenes, just a story about a woman who needs a change in her life, goes to visit her godmother in Switzerland and finds all new experiences, new adventures, new friends and a new way of seeing her future.

It was a sweet, happy read. I could imagine the beautiful scenery with the great descriptions written by the author. I now want to go live in Switzerland as well – so thanks for that! 😊

Oh, and make sure you have some chocolate or other dessert nearby as this story has a lot of yummy cakes and chocolate references, enough to make your mouth water and your tummy grumble.

And now I’m off to find the first 6 books in this series.

Thank you to #NetGalley for providing this book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy and all views expressed are only my honest opinion.

If you are a fan of chocolate and love romance novels, then “The Little Swiss Ski Chalet” is your book!

There are so many moments that I adored! The author has a beautiful and smooth style of writing. Firstly, I loved the food theme of the story. While I am not a connoisseur of food, I enjoyed the culinary details the author included. Moreover, she seamlessly provides recipes in the character’s conversations, which makes it entertaining.

Secondly, I loved the beautiful descriptions of Switzerland. I felt like I was with Mina and the group as they toured the beautiful landscape. The author describes the lush beauty, as well as various sightseeing spots. I would love to visit “The Gruyere Factory” and even the “Giger Bar” after reading the book.

Thirdly, I enjoyed the characters. Mina is adorable in the lead as she tries to start a new life and find a new path. She shares beautiful chemistry with Luke, and I loved their moments of ‘serendipity.’ On a side note, I also loved Luke’s passion for miniature models. Furthermore, I am a sucker for love stories where people believe in fate and luck, and their romance puts a smile on my face. Moreover, Mina shares a beautiful relationship with Amelie. Similarly, even Johannes was an interesting character. He is direct and intimidating but fond of Amelie and has a good heart.

However, my only minor complaint in the story is that it was too sweet at times. The characters are adorable and charming for the most part, and it would have been nice to have a prominent person like Belinda spice things up.

Apart from that, “The Little Swiss Ski Chalet” is a beautiful romance with many beautiful moments, making it memorable.

Fabulous book, set in the Swiss alps Meena has an encounter with a stranger on a train, not expecting to ever see each other again they share a kiss but they meet again at Meenas aunts hotel and slowly get to know each other better.
Lovely read, couldn't put it down

If the title, Blurb and cover draw you in, you will not be disappointed. I knew I was going to absolutely love this book.

Poor Mina right from the start she has heart break when she is least expecting it and immediately I warmed to her. She didn't wallow she just took and break and carried on.

I really like the serendipitous meeting between Luke and Mina and you know its going to be an exciting story. I was routing for them from the get go.

The ski chalet that Minas godmother has sounds so amazing, its something I've always want to do visit a ski chalet or lodge.

It has been my dream to own a cafe and I love that books like this can take you to a magical place and make you think more about your dreams. The talking about chocolate made my mouth water. It made me want to visit Switzerland so much.

I was so happy with Mina's decision at the end of the book.

I also really like Character Ktristien, he starts off so shy and a bit wayward and with Mina and her godmothers encouragment begins to become more confident and throughout the book you begin to warm to him more, he is a kind and lovely person but he just needed someone to give him a chance.

I really enjoyed reading acknowledgments in books because you find out quite a bit more about the reason why the book was written or where the idea for the story came from.

Loved this book will definitely read more by this author.

The Little Swiss Ski Chalet was a wonderful book. Tells the story of Mina, she has had a nasty break up with her boyfriend and decides to try to recover by having a holiday visiting her godmother in Switzerland.
Mina falls in love with life on slopes. The story is full of love and friendship. Mina follows her dreams here it even looks like she’s met Mr Right in Luke.
This book made me feel warm and happy.I’d love to visit Switzerland and ride on the trains and chairlifts. Filled with chocolate and cheese it made me lick my lips.
My first Julie Chaplin book and I’m already looking for more.
Thank you Julie Chaplin, Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for an early copy.

This is a cosy, romantic read which I really enjoyed and loved. The story is about a woman called Mina who goes to the swiss alps to see her godmother and for a little holiday, after having a hard time. There she has a great time sampling the local cheese and chocolate, as well as other goodies. She is a food technician and her godmother runs a hotel/ski chalet, so she helps her make delicious food for the guests, such as yummy cakes and other delights. She learns how to ski and she meets a gorgeous man called Luke, who sweeps her off her feet. She doesn't want to go back home, so she decides to stay where she is and set up shop there, living happily ever after with her godmother, Luke and some friends. This is a lovely story to read at any time of the year, but especially around the winter time when it is cold outside. I really loved this book and I highly recommend it!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really cosy read with a picturesque setting and bright characters. Switzerland was a perfect setting and I definitely had a sneaky snack or two whilst reading as the food descriptions were lovely.

As a fan of Julie Caplin's book, I loved reading The Little Swiss Ski Chalet. Mina visits her godmother's chalet and falls in love with a mysterious stranger and the town. Caplin's quick wit and scenic descriptions, allow readers to armchair travel during the pandemic.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read Caplin's latest novel in exchange for an honest review. The description of the town made me want to visit the Alps and take part in chocolate tasting in Switzerland.

I read and enjoyed Julie’s ‘The Little Teashop in Tokyo’ , great escapism in this time of armchair travel. So I was quick to partake in an adventure to the Swiss Alps with her latest offering. Although this is part of a series called ‘Romantic Escapes’, each of these novels are stand-alones. This is a story about Mina and her chance for a fresh start in an idyllic location with the added bonus of loads of culinary delights.

‘She would never tire of this view. It still held the same magic for her, the mighty guardianship of the mountains, the clear, brilliant sky, and the pretty village with its sturdy buildings, nestling in the valley. It spoke of longevity, tradition, and steadiness, which she found reassuring. All this would be here long after she was gone.’

If skiing in the Alps and coming back to the chalet for warm drinks with lots of chocolate involved takes your fancy, then you are sure to appreciate this escapist read. I truly admire Julie’s skill (and remotely done so during these pandemic days) to capture and transport her readers to wonderful locations one might literally never traverse. It was wonderful to adventure throughout the serenity of Switzerland ... the home to chocolate! For me, the most enjoyable aspect of this book (as with The Little Teashop in Tokyo) is the window into different cultures, traditions and cuisine it provides. Julie always includes loads of information.

‘For the first time, it occurred to her that she’d been settling for a long time, just existing without really giving things much thought. What had happened to the high hopes and aspirations she’d had?’

Of course this book is also about finding yourself, what is important in life and trying to remain true to that. Sprinkle in some fun romance and it is the perfect recipe for light escapism. I like how Julie’s heroines tend to be at the crossroads of both career and love life (giving that added dimension), attempting to be bold enough to take strong steps to live their best. Personally, on this occasion, I found the ‘serendipitous’ connection too easy and the ending ... hmmm .... sweet but sensible? I’m not sure.

So, wait no more ... grab a hot drink and snuggle up in your favourite reading spot to spend a few hours up in the Swiss Alps with this comfort read. If you are pining to escape to somewhere ... anywhere ... be sure to grab one of Julie’s romantic escape books.

‘Isn’t it simple? You do the things that make you happy. That make you feel glad to be alive. And avoid the things that don’t. If you’re not happy, you change things. Only you can do that.’








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the privilege of reading this arc.

This was my first book in this series and with this author. Although 3.5 stars, the book is quite enjoyable. This is the perfect light fluffy romance to get you through this pandemic or after reading something heavy. My short summation of the story is: Mina, our heroine lives life at a million miles a minute - she is impulsive and sweet. When she proposes to her idiot boyfriend who is cheating on her with her best friend and her whole world comes crashing down in a very embarrassing way. In the aftermath, she decides to go visit her Godmother Amelie in Switzerland - the land of Chocolate, Cheese and skiing (purposely have ommitted banking and law for the purpose of the story). Our heroine is a food techie, and self proclaimed chocolate aficionada - she is always creating new recipes, so the land of chocolate and cheese are perfect for her. She meets Luke on the train ride to the Chalet - a dreamy man, who has a lot in common with her and who happens to be staying at the chalet 0 the two hit it off.

Scenery: I can't tell you how beautifully the author described Switzerland, the cheese and chocolate process, the types of cheese and chocolate and their history and how Mina finally finds her calling - her joy in life and the place she belongs. One of my favorite parts of the book was the trip to Gruyere in an antique pullman train. I was sucked in and now want very badly to travel to Switzerland. The book also shares some incredible cake recipes - I think I gained weight just reading it.

Characters - loved them all... I would love a vacation at that chalet with these people.

The book is cute, light is the perfect read when you wish to be entertained. At times, we all need cozy books like these in are lives.

Will I read the next book? Yes.... I am looking forward to reading the story on Hannah - the sister.

I discovered Julie Caplin on a lark, I saw one of her books and thought it had a cute cover and dove in. I immediately fell in love with the characters and the setting and devoured the rest of the the Romantic Escapes novels and have loved every single one of them. The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is yet another charming and delightful entry into the series.

Every novel of Ms. Caplin's makes me want to travel to wherever she's writing about and this book is much the same. I also feel the need to devour copious amounts of chocolate!

Escapism during a pandemic is a delight and I highly recommend this and all the other books in the series. You don't need to read them in sequence although a few have reoccuring characters so it helps if you 'know' them from the previous novel but it isn't necessary.

Thank you to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for an eARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

The Little Swiss Ski Chalet made my little baker’s heart happy.

Not only is this an incredibly cute romance, but its pages are filled with some wonderful confections that I can’t wait to try out. Then our main character, Mina, starts experimenting with the recipes, and I was in heaven.

After having only skied once in my life (if we can call falling my way down the slope skiing), I can honestly say that I usually have no desire to continue in the sport. However, while reading The Little Swiss Ski Chalet, I was convinced that there is nothing more romantic, adventurous, or idyllic than taking a train to the Swiss Alps and heading downhill.

Have you ever seen the movie White Christmas? If so, do you remember the song on the train, “Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow.” Well Bing Crosby and I were harmonizing to that tune on nearly every page. Talk about a perfect winter read.

There is a literal snowstorm happening as I’m writing this and I couldn’t be more excited. Yeah, I don’t live anywhere near a mountain, I don’t own skis, and my toddler probably wouldn’t appreciate me going, but I am so in the mood for fresh powder and a chalet.

As for the actual story, we start off with a bunch of bangs. The first few chapters almost move at light speed, which was great because it got Mina to the Chalet as quickly as possible.

Then there was the train ride. Swoon.

Once we reach Switzerland, Mina and the book really slow down and settle in. After that fast start, I didn’t mind this pacing at all, but some people get annoyed by scenic descriptions with mostly character development but not a great deal of action, which is what occurs in most of the kitchen scenes.

I am not one of those people.

Some of my favorite moments in the entire book came when Mina was baking. Talking about the food, the different Swiss desserts, their origins, and techniques made my fingers itch to get into some dough. That hazelnut cake will be made in this house at some point.

Mina is a likable character, but a little flawed. What’s truly great about The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is how aware she is of her faults and that she’s actively working to overcome them. My only issue is how she uses them to avoid being with someone. That slight aspect seemed a little forced and I would have preferred a slightly different obstacle for the couple.

Conclusion
If you want to have the perfect winter evening: grab a warm drink, cozy up by the fire, put on some Bing Crosby, and prepare to fall in love with The Little Swiss Ski Chalet.