After the death of her mother, Iris decides to move to New York as a way to remember her mother. She gets to visit the places seen in movies, that she watched with her mother, whilst eating her special secret-recipe gelato. When she is dragged to the famous autumn street fair in Little Italy, she is stunned to find the family-run gelateria that is captured in one of her mother’s old photos. When Iris meets Gio, she discovers that his uncle is in a coma, and they are unable to make their famous vanilla gelato. When Gio gives Iris a sample of the last remaining batch, she realizes that their gelato and her gelato are one and the same. However, she doesn’t know why Gio’s uncle gave it to her mother in the first place? So, Iris offers to help them but trying to recreate their gelato, knowing that when Gio’s uncle awakens, that her love affair with Gio, might come to an end.
This book had it all with amazing chemistry, romance, family loyalty and heartbreak, all wrapped up into an amazing story, that had me reading through the night. Gio is divine and despite his past, embraces Iris and takes her into his family. The Belotti family were so accepting, and I found myself, falling in love with each and every family member. One of the best reads for the year.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Let's start with the plot. It's your typical fresh-start female protagonist story, but it's done brilliantly: Iris has recently moved to New York, having escaped a horribly controlling ex-boyfriend and grieving the loss of her mother. She arrives with very few belongings and no plan. Pure luck lands her on the doorstep of Bobby, who gives her a flat to live in, a noodle restaurant to work in, and a friend to trust. One day, whilst Bobby and Iris explore the streets of Little Italy, they stumble across the door to an ice-cream parlour that is strangely familiar to Iris, with gorgeous single dad Gio serving up more than just gelato. In fact, he isn't serving gelato at all. It turns out the top-secret family recipe is currently lost, and unbeknownst to Gio, Iris could hold the answer to his gelato prayers, and more...

Now, if you've read any of my reviews, you'll know I love a festive romance; but you'll also know I don't allow even the cheesiest holiday novels to rest on their laurels. This brand new little gem from Josie Silver was the perfect fit for my fussy festive tastes. It actually reminded me of one of my favourite Christmas films: the 1990s Sandra Bullock-at-her-best classic, 'While You Were Sleeping'. So let's jump right into some positives.

The characters were dreamy, but not unrealistic - a hard balance to strike! Iris was the perfect struggling heroine, trapped in her own grief but slowly coming out of her shell. Bobby and Sophia, Gio's cousin, were two supporting characters worthy of main character recognition: Bobby's humorous best friend act made me want to move in downstairs from him, whilst Sophia's boldness added the perfect light relief and made her the perfect pseudo-matchmaker. Finally, our romantic hero, Gio. What can I say other than, mamma mia! Silver writes his character with such a perfect mix of tough and tender, protective and supportive, and hot-as-hell sexy, we'll all be hoping to find a gorgeous Italian under our Christmas trees this year! (Although, don't we every year?)

Silver's development of Iris and Gio's relationship was another strong point. As they unravelled the layers of each other's past experiences and helped to heal each other, I found myself fully invested in their growing love and passion. Their dialogue was believable, natural banter that somehow never became mundane chat, particularly moments that became their own little private jokes - 'Moonstruck' references were a particular highlight for me! Their emotions were realistic and not too soppy. And their steamy moments... well, I'll let you see for yourself, but I can promise you will not be disappointed!

I also loved the wintry New York imagery. Having visited New York in February myself this year, I was ready to revisit the cold chill blowing around woolly-hatted crowds, pound the snow-covered sidewalks and dig into some hot NY hot dogs to warm up. As I mentioned, Silver's novel covers a whole lot more than Christmas, so prepare to watch New York transform through the seasons and enjoy the snowdrops falling over Christmas lights when the time comes. It was beautifully and warmly written, and made me want to do my own trip all over again!

All in all, a delightful festive rom-com featuring all your classic archetypes, but done in Josie Silver's own, unique way.

3.25/5 stars! This reminded me of "While You Were Sleeping." But what worked in a movie (an innocent lie) didn't have as much buy-in in written form. I found myself more annoyed by Iris than rooting for her. That being said, there is a surprising amount of depth to this story that some readers would really enjoy.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Iris moved to New York to escape from an abusive ex and follow in her late mother, Vivian;s footsteps.. Her mother had spent time in the Big Apple hoping to make it big but met a big hearted Italiancalled Santo instead. Santo gave Vivian his family's secret recipe for vanilla gelato as a sign of his love. After spending time finding her feetV Iris stumbles across the Belottis ice cream parlour run by Santo's nephew Gio. They sell any variety of ice cream you like as long as it is vanilla. Obviously following the famous Henry T Ford maxim of any colour you like as long as it is black. However, there is a problem, Santo is in hospital following a stroke and only he knows the original recipe. Read the book to see if together Iris and Gio can save his family business. Will there be a HEA or will it be as cold as the famous vanilla ice cream. A lightweight but enjoyable story. Some characters better developed than others. Despite that an enjoyable book to read on a chilly autumn / winter evening. Vanilla ice cream an optional extra.

Iris is just getting settled in NYC after the death of her mother and escaping an abusive ex when she meets a dashing stranger in a bookshop. Fast forward a few months and their paths cross again but Iris realises they have more in common than just books. What she knows could ruin what is starting to look a lot like love.

This was a cute romance with some quite sad undertones. Iris is a determined and likeable heroine. I enjoyed this love story especially as there were so many obstacles for them to navigate.

I loved the Italian family extravaganza, I love Gio and I loved the NY atmosphere. The writing is well done and I thoroughly enjoyed the flashback chapters.

Unfortunately, that is sort of where the love ends.
The lies.....oh the lies. She had ample amounts of opportunities to right the wrongs and continuously chose not to. She knew the fragile state of Gio, his obligation to his family business, family and daughter and still continued on. It grated on my nerves. This could have been such a beautiful story of finding family and a home but instead turned into one massive guilt trip. It was then all resolved off page and everyone reunited in classic Hallmark style. That's it? No grovelling? No repentance?

It also didn't feel like Christmas until about the last 40% of the story so don't feel you can only read this at Christmas time.

I loved this book so much!
The story was gripping but romantic. You knew there was more to come which kept you in tender hooks!

I was looking forward to this book but due to family issues I was unable to attempt it. until today which appears to be the day after it was archived and it has now disappeared from my kindle.

Thank you so much @netgalley and @penguinukbooks for the gifted digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Read this if you:

✔ Love gelato
✔ Want to visit New York 
✔ Enjoy books with family secrets
✔ Love a strong female MC who learns how to stand up to men who hurt her


My Thoughts:

This book was full of intrigue and excitement from start to finish. I loved witnessing Iris' adventure in New York, where she found a family to be part of after having lost everything.

The fact that the male character came from an Italian family added so much charm to this love story. I found Iris' and Gio's interactions realistic and I think they made a great couple.

I loved that the story included little bits of Iris' mom's life in New York before she was born. Having this snapshot of Vivien' life  made all the family connections much clearer and also added life to this secondary character.

The third act conflict between the main characters  was well written and, despite it becoming a cliche in most books, I think it was necessary here. I believe that by dealing with this, Iris and Gio learned the importance of honesty and braveness.

I really like Gio's family. They are the kind of people you want by your side in times you need help as well as when you want to have fun. I think the author did a great job in building up all the characters.

I enjoyed all Josie Silver books that I read so far and I'm excited to see what she writes next

Josie Silver is a new author to me, but the premise of the book seemed interesting to me, so I requested my free copy from NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book. It started off slightly dark, and the dark undertones continue throughout the story, but the book ultimately feels hopeful and happy. I feel that this juxtaposition is well captured in the idea of a story set in an ice cream shop during Winter.

Iris feels very relatable, with her constant missteps and good intentions. She is a beautifully complex character that I wanted to see get all the good things by the end of the story. Gio was initially a little too soft and quiet for my liking, but I warmed to him as the story progressed, and saw a whole different light to him about half way through the book ;)

While I came for the romance element of the story, what really had me hooked more than anything else. Seeing the Belotti family dynamic play out across the drama of the story was heartwarming and just the right amount of tense to keep me wanting to read more.

The book felt festive without it being overdone, you could just as easily read this at any time of the year, but it would be extra special during the festive season.

A beautifully written, heartwarming story about love, loss, family, and most importantly, food! This is a slow burn love story between Iris and Gio, who bond over their love of ice cream - both for sentimental reasons of their own. As well as the romance between the pair, I loved getting to know all of Gio’s family and the relationships he had with each of them.

I only deducted one star because I don’t think Iris should have been as stubborn as she was when it came to the secrets she was keeping. Another fab read by Josie Silver as always!

*Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I loved this book and it made me cry! A wonderful story of love and loss and new love that blossoms in the same place. Iris escapes to New York after her mother’s death and a bad relationship, as it’s the place her mother was most happy. Iris hopes to recreate that happiness. She recognises a doorway from one of her mother’s photos and she finds out the connection. She finds herself in the midst of a wonderful family who have been making ice cream to a special recipe which is now lost to them but to which Iris may just have the answer if she chooses to disclose it.

So many Christmas stories end up being the same scenario but this was a breath of fresh air.

This was such a lovely book!

It starts with the most embarrassing/hilarious meet cute and the awkward laughs run throughout! Iris is a chef recently moved to New York under not great circumstances, and she has no one. But as she investigates some of the places her mum visited when she lived in NYC she starts to accidentally build a life, and family, for herself.

With talk of food throughout, set against gorgeous New York scenes, this book is the perfect, heartwarming Christmas gift!

This book was a delightful surprise, adorable, cozy, romantic, I love Gio, such a lovely book to in joy if you want a ligth romantic book. That can make you smile and be happy

Another delightful Josie Silver Christmas read - she never disappoints! I loved the setting, the characters and the story and now want to visit New York in winter and eat some gelato!

This is a lovely romantic story set in wintry New York. Iris seeks a sense of belonging and identity after her beloved mother's death and her recent escape from an abusive relationship. Her mother went to New York before Iris' birth. When Iris discovers a gelateria she recognises, she has to explore and begins an emotional and life-changing journey. I like the story's emotion, the believably complex characters, the family dynamic and the romance. The final scenes are angst-filled and full of drama worthy of this epic love story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

A heart-warming and cosy seasonal read. Very engrossing and was hard to put down. There is something magical about festive books and this one is no exception.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin UK Books and Viking Books UK for this advanced review copy of “A Winter in New York” by @josiesilverauthor - this was such a lovely, warm and cosy read.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This was such a warm and cosy book. The setting of New York in winter and at Christmas was magical and just added to the cosy vibes. It was the perfect book to read on a crisp autumn day, wrapped in a blanket and with a cup of tea.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This was a story about loss and found family, as much as romance. It was beautiful. I fell in love with Gio and Iris and especially felt for Iris and the journey she was on. She was ultimately so sad and lonely and finding the amazing and loving Belotti family was a gift.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In many ways this book had similar vibes to the film “While you were sleeping”, winter and Christmas in New York and a big found family for someone who is totally on their own. And that is one of my favourite films.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I enjoyed this lovely and cosy romance so much.

This is the second book I read by this author and as with the first one, I truly enjoyed it!! A winter romance set in one of my favourite cities, New York, was more than enough to convince me to read it, but the storyline, the fluency of the writing and just the feel good vibes were a welcome bonus not to be refused!!
Another great book that I believe you should all add to your bookshelves!!!

Thank you so much to Georgia @vikingbooksuk and @netgalley for this ebook!!!

4.5 stars
A beautiful love story with echoes of past and future lives written within. I loved how Iris found memories all over New York and how she was able to reset her life and her heart in the city. The idea of the vanilla gelato sounded perfect and Christmas in New York, the most idyllic setting.