I’m not usually a romance/rom com reader but boy, has 2020 changed that! They are so fun and cathartic and easy to read. I chose The Little Swiss Ski Chalet because hello, FOOD! I loved Mina’s zest for life and her relationships with her godmother and with food. I loved that while there is a romantic element to the plot, the book seemed to focus more on Mina’s self-awareness and growth. While her relationship with Luke was a factor in her changing future and plans, it didn’t read as Mina becoming a better person because of a guy. Luke was a difficult character for me to wrap my head around...there was just something in cohesive about all his traits and experiences and while the romance was cute, I felt maybe Mina and Luke were too similar/too perfect for each other. The hints of possible shadiness and secret didn’t work for me, and the “love triangle”/jealous friend subplot was completely unnecessary. Lastly I am not a steamy romance book reader but I will say, for all the mentions of lust and electricity, I was a bit surprised that the romance was so “closed door,” it felt like it was leading up to SOMETHING but all we got was “Luke spent the night” or “They said their final goodbye under the cover of night” (not exact quotes). Overall I really enjoyed the book and all its food, travel, and Swiss culture. And now I need to read all the other books in the series!

CW: cancer, heart attack, death of parents

The Little Swiss Ski Chalet was the perfect cute contemporary romance for the season. Mina escapes on an two week adventure to the Swiss Alps to find herself and heal from a romance gone horribly wrong. With help from her strong supportive godmother, Mina grows as a character.

This is my first dive into Caplin's writing. Her imagery of the setting is absolutely divine. Add she created a cast of interesting and well thought out characters. I adored the interactions between the characters. The romance followed the usual format of a meet cute, conflict, and resolution. And let's not forget the food! I love a good read with delicious meals, a tasty love interest and an absolutely rich setting. Despite being a bit predictable, this was a perfect holiday read for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review The Little Swiss Ski Chalet.

Another romantic escapes book in the series, if you have read the previous books in the series you know that you will be transported to a different country and that the girl gets the guy. But what is always enjoyable in this series is the ups and down of getting there.
Meet Mina, she has just broken up with her partner and decides to get away and visit her godmother in Switzerland. Serendipity then strikes and she meets Luke, who she is instantly attracted too but is not her type, Cue a romantic story where Mina learns to love again, reconnect with her godmother and decides what she really wants in life.
The story is set in the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps, and the authors descriptions of life and food in the Alps make you wish to go and stay.
The book is a wonderful read and is perfect to escape with during these challenging times, and due to the authors excellent writing, with just the right pace, It is easy to immerse yourself in the story.
Another excellent read in the romantic escapes series, looking forward to the next book

Thank you to Netgalley and One more chapter for the advance copy of this book, for which I have given my honest review.

As with other books in this series you are transported to another country, this time Switzerland. An ideal way to escape from home in these times and the description of the food and drink had me positively drooling. Although there is romance involved it is also about making decisions on lifestyles and careers. I'm certainly not the impetuous type like Mia, but she certainly has vision and her passion for creating new dishes is contagious - what can I add to my culinary prowess with cheese omelette and beans?
This is another of those books that allow you to escape everyday life for a while, definitely worth a read.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Forget about packing your bags, instead slip away for Julie Caplin's Swiss escape read! A jarring meet-cute leaves Mina sprawling over Luke as the train leaves the station. Putting aside her pointy elbows, Luke and Mina share stories, chocolate and a serendipitous surprise that leaves both wanting to continue the conversation after reaching their destination.

Picking up the pieces of her broken heart, Mina embraces a rejuvenating vacation and swears off her impetuous ways. Vowing to look before she leaps, the handsome stranger's stirring kiss makes her rethink her decision.

The lull of the Alps, coziness of the chalet and the tantalizing smell of chocolate will tempt Mina with a delicious European divergence. Readers will find themselves curling up under the cover equipped with a steaming cup of hot chocolate to indulge in Caplin's latest adventure.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition in exchange for an honest review. Having an engaging escape read to review during the pandemic was a delectable treat. I could almost smell the chocolate and the fresh mountain air from my living room. I didn't want to check out of the 'Little Swiss Ski Chalet!".

I’ve just finished the first chapter and stopped to tell you...
THIS is the first book I have read in a LONG time where I feel like I KNOW these CHARACTERS and I could comfortably sit around the table with them, like old friends. What WONDERFUL WRITING!

Mina our main character struggles throughout this book to discover what she really wants out of life, what will make her happy and satisfied. I think this is something most of us can relate to and this is the strength of this novel.

I highly recommend this wonderfully written, next level novel which combines deep and meaningful, with light and uplifting. I’m so happy to have a new author in Julie Caplin to add to my favourite author list!

Bravissimo to Julie.

- The blurb from the publisher, as they do it best. -

Preorder the new book in Julie’s bestselling series for a slice of escapism at the turn of a page!
‘Up there with the best of them…A big, fat five stars from me’ Sue Moorcroft.
‘An irresistible slice of escapism’ Phillipa Ashley.

It’s time to pack your bags and head to the breathtaking, snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps for velvety hot chocolates, delicious cheeses and a gorgeous love story…
Food technician Mina has always believed that chocolate will solve everything – and it’s just what she needs when her latest relationship mishap goes viral!

So with her bags packed and a new determination to sort her life out, Minna decides to drown her sorrows with the best hot chocolate in the world at her godmother’s cosy Swiss chalet. Chocolate: yes. Romance: no. Until she has a run in on an Alpine train with a mysterious but oh-so-gorgeous stranger…

Thank you to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an advance copy.
#TheLittleSwiss SkiChalet #omcreads #OneMoreChapter #NetGalley #BubblyBookReviewer

(Amazon & other social media will be shared closer to publication date)

Like most Julie Caplin books, this was a sweet way to tend to travel lust in times of lockdown. It doesn't link to other tales in the story collection, like the original Copenhagen one, but it is a great addition to the collection of Romantic Getaways. Mina and Luke's story is all about Serendipity, which is wonderful, and the tale is broken up well without being sappy or too hot and steamy. It's a light read when you need to get away and can't travel. I truly enjoyed this.

A perfect winter read. I was transported to a snowy alpine setting with this sweet reading morsel. Mina escapes the city to visit her godmother and uncovers what is really important to her. Thanks NetGalley!

I have been well and truly transported to Switzerland. To a beautiful hotel run by the wonderful Amelie, with stunning scenery abs plenty of white crisp snow. I’ve eaten her mouthwatering cakes and devoured her home cooked meals sat around the dining table chatting with friends old and new.
Mina is staying with her Godmother Amelie, she has gone for a two week break which reignites her love of baking and experimenting with flavours.
This book follows the relationship between a Godmother and her grown up Goddaughter which is just wonderful.
A perfect book to immerse yourself in, thank you Julie Caplin, you’re a very talented author.

I loved this book so much, I've looked forward curling up to read this between Christmas and New Year. The location was a perfect setting filled with love and more amazing food, I loved exploring Switzerland in this story and learning more about their local dishes, chocolate and amazing cakes.

Mina was a great leading lady and I loved her relationship with her godmother as it reminded me of my daughter and her godmother.

A story that was like a giant hug and the perfect feel good read to enjoy whilst snuggled under cosy blankets and drinking hot chocolate.

Thank you @netgalley and @harpercollinsuk for my gifted copy of this novel 👏🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Mina thinks that she has everything figured out: the perfect guy, the perfect job, the perfect plan. That is, until she discovers he has been having an affair with her best friend and mortifies her in front of their friends when he turns down her proposal. Mina thinks this is the perfect time to get out of dodge and visit her godmother Amelie’s Swiss Chalet with the ideal cure: chocolate. On the way there, fate steps in and brings Luke, who is all wrong for her in so many ways and yet may be exactly what she needs. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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💭 This novel was so cute and made me want to travel ASAP. It was the perfect quick paced novel that satisfied the travel bug in me. The author has great writing style in keeping the novel moving by doing quick recaps of events and the imagery was amazing. If you’re looking for a fun novel about getting lost, finding yourself, and being at crossroads this one is for you! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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📖this novel will be available 1/29

A wonderful story of how when your lucks down and your love is unwanted. When life is becoming unsettled and your unhappy. A visit to your godmother in the alps, unexpectedly leads to a new career and love at first sight. I just loved it and the description of all the cakes had my mouth watering.

This is a cute quick read. She's a foodie who proposes to her boyfriend in front of er friends only to find out he's been in a relationship with her best friend. She's spontaneous ad goes to visit her Godmother in Switzerland where she experiences a "meet cute." He's on vacation with friend and they end up at the same place! It's a solid 3 stars!

************************I received an ARC from Net Galley for my honest review.******************************

When I read a book about a dreamy, far off destination, I want to feel like I am being transported to that destination even if I’m just sitting on my couch at home. A lot of times, books feel as though they could be set anywhere. When I started reading The Little Swiss Ski Chalet, I instantly felt as though I was in Switzerland! The travel and foodie aspect perfectly balanced out the romance aspect in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this read!

Not normally my type of read but I found it to be a good story line with interesting characters and I can recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins OMC for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is a tale of family, friendships, gorgeous sounding cakes set in the beautiful Swiss mountains with a sprinkling of romance.

Mina is a good technologist and has always believed chocolate will solve everything. When her latest relationship goes south, she decides to head to the Swiss Alps to the godmother’s chalet where she hopes to drown her sorrows in hot chocolate and forget all about men. Well that is until she has a chance encounter on a train.

I loved this book from the very first page. The characters are likeable and relatable and the plot line flows smoothly. I would rate this book 4.5 stars and Julie Caplin is becoming one of my favourite authors.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.

Chocolate... check!
Cheese... check!
Snow... check!
Skiing and Snowboarding... check!
A real feel that you have been in Switzerland while reading... check!
Made to feel hungry while reading... check!
Wonderful attention to detail and enchanting storyline.... check!

I mean what more do you want, or need me to to tell you have the latest standalone Romantic Escapes book! It's wonderful, I feel as though I've spent some time in the Swiss Alps, and met some truly wonderful people.

I would love to stay at Amelie's Swiss Chalet. She has such a way of mixing her guess, and bringing them out of themselves. I found I felt as though I was there alongside all of her regulars. And it was just so cozy, and even featured a daily cake each afternoon.

And the Swiss food and cooking, especially their cakes had me continually hungry as I was reading this. Then again so did the whole of the Cheese and Chocolate train journey and I was fascinated by Minna's love of improving recipes, and the science behind the food.

Actually I just loved all of Minna's personality and wish i was as impulsive as she is, then again if I was able to swap lives with her, I'd also have multiple serendipitous meetings with the luscious Luke! And I wouldn't say no to him!

There is just so so much to love about this book but I don't want to spoil any of of it for you. It is just so wonderful and another excellent addition to this amazing series. Although Switzerland in winter is certainly a lot colder than the countries I tend to favour, I loved its picturesque charms and really wish I was able to visit a real live ski resort at some point.

I just really really loved this book, and it was perfect to curl up with while at the time of reading, rueing the real life travel restrictions in place. What an incredibly lovely book that I couldn't get enough of.

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Absolutely loved this! All of Caplin’s books are so lovely and are full of character! This one was no different. It’s the perfect book to read over Christmas!

I love this series having read all the others pretty much back to back over the course of a month during lockdown. This was a brilliant addition to the series and I’m already excited for the next one.

I loved Mina and getting to know her. I loved Luke as the main love interest and the instant spark between the two.

I loved the setting. I have actually been to Switzerland and this has left me wanting to return in the winter to see all the snow. Goodness knows when that will actually happen so this is the closest I’ve got to a holiday this year.

This series of books always contains lots about food and this was no exception so left me hungry for swiss cake and chocolate. All of the chocolate so make sure you have plenty of reading snacks prepped before you start.

I loved the whole host of characters we met across the course of the book. All of them felt like friends by the end.

In short I loved it entirely.

A perfect snowy Alpine mystery, just right for the holiday season. This is the story of a girl that is driven by a bad break up to the wintery slopes, and the love she finds in the process. Sweet and entertaining!