Member Reviews

A Winter in New York will transport you to the magic of New York City during the holidays. The story follows Iris, a young chef seeking a fresh start in the lively city, as she stumbles upon a secret gelato recipe and becomes intertwined with a family run gelateria. Through gelato and NYC she comes across unexpected connections to her own past, making for a journey filled with nostalgia and love. The slow-burning romance between Iris and Gio unfolds gradually as they work together to recreate the secret family gelato recipe.

This book is SO sweet and perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Warm and cozy is how I would describe it. The book encapsulates the nostalgia of family ties and the sweetness of newfound love. This book is perfect for a chilly winter evening. A Winter in New York will leave you daydreaming about the festive spirit of NYC and will make you crave gelato. If you enjoyed One Day in December, this one is a must-read!

Thank you, NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Dell for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. A Winter in New York was released on October 3rd 2023!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

@hellolongweekend

Was this review helpful?

Winter in New York by Josie Silver tells the tale of Iris, how she came to be in New York City, and the secret recipe that could ruin what she has fought so hard to build.

Iris, after losing her mother, gets caught up in a toxic relationship in her native England. When she finally breaks free, the only place she can think to go is New York City. Growing up, Iris’ mom told her about how much she loved NYC and that’s where she ran.

Once there, Iris lives a small but peaceful life. Her best friend Bobby lives upstairs and encourages her to get out. One day she listens and unwittingly comes upon a shop that is in her mom’s scrapbook along with a picture of the only man her mother really loved. Iris goes back the next day and meets Gio in his family’s gelato shop. The only issue is he does not have the secret gelato recipe. His uncle (Santos - the man from her mother’s picture) is in the hospital and can’t remember it. Iris realizes that she has the recipe on a napkin in the scrapbook. But Iris can’t tell Gio she has it as it will reveal Gio’s uncle gave the secret recipe to someone else. And she is not sure what her mother and Santos were to each other. Wanting to help, Iris offers her services as a chef, to help them recreate the famed gelato.

The more time she spends with the family, the harder it is to keep her secret. Then Gio’s father comes back and figures out who Iris is. He knew Iris’ mom a long time ago and knows the truth will hurt his family. He asks Iris to quietly leave and soon Iris feels more alone than ever before.

I loved how this book told a bit of Iris’ mom’s story in a short dual timeline. It made the things that happened more interesting and gave the backstory.

Gio’s big Italian family was fabulous and his nosy sisters were fun! And the setting - New York City at Christmas was perfect!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

After moving to New York City after her mom died, Iris eventually meets Gio and they are a super cute couple. Slow burn romances are not usually my favorite books to read but this one was executed so well and I enjoyed every minute. Not only was this book a holiday romance, but it centered around food which made it even better. I highly recommend that people read this around the holidays as it is such a warm and cozy read.

Was this review helpful?

A Winter In New York
By Josie Silver

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5

“You make a good team, when you’re not going for each other’s throats.”
“We’re Italian, it’s how we love.”

I have a couple of Josie Silver’s books on my TBR, but with A Winter in New York just released, the pretty cover, and New York setting, it seemed like a great place to start.

After the passing of her mother, and to escape an abusive relationship, Iris moves to New York City to see for herself all of the places in her mother’s stories. While wandering Little Italy, Iris stumbles on gelateria, and the handsome Gio, who both somehow seem all too familiar.

Full transparency, as this book started, I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to like it. With the exception of the 80’s movie and song references and New York City landmarks, which as a New Yorker are close to my heart, I wasn’t that into it. Something shifted about halfway through and, oh my gosh, what a wonderful story. I blame outside factors for my reservations in the beginning because I really loved this book. I could see New York in the winter, and Little Italy and Coney Island, right along with Iris. When they referenced different songs, I found myself humming them later on in the day. To me, this book was a love letter to family, including found family, traditions and New York. I really loved it. Definitely give this one a read!

Was this review helpful?

What would you do if you had a secret family recipe but it wasn’t for your family? Would you immediately give it back, even if brought you comfort? This is the quandary of Iris as she happens upon the gelatria that is in her mom’s scrapbook. Yes this is a romance novel but it’s also about family, found family and letting go of the past. I loved Iris and her struggle to do what is right for her and also this new found family in the Belotti’s.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Random House for sending me an e-Arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I'm a HUGE Josie Silver fan and I was extremely excited and grateful to be able to read this book early. Unfortunately, I just wasn't able to connect to the story as I have with Silver's past novels. The novel started off extremely slow and i really didn't connect with Iris and also didn't feel the chemistry with Gio. The plot was a bit too far-fetched. I dnf it sadly.

Was this review helpful?

First I would like to thank Random House for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the story of Iris who after the death of her mother and leaving a bad relationship moves to New York. While at a street fair in Little Italy she has a sense of deja vu when walking past a door. When she realizes the door is from a picture in her mom’s photo album she decides to check it out. While visit she meets Gio and learns that his uncle can’t remember the secret recipe for the gelato, which Iris knows as Gio’s uncle gave it to her mother. Iris feels bad and decides to help Gio figure out the recipe, by pushing him in the right direction. As they spend more time together Iris starts developing feelings for Gio and falls in love with his big family.

What I loved:
- Gelato, I love gelato and love how Iris and Gio fall in love while working on a gelato recipe
- Gio, a widower who is raising a teenage daughter and keeping the family business afloat and its no wonder Iris falls for him
- Bobby, Iris’ boss and best friend who will physically fight anyone who dares mess with Iris like the good big brother figure he is
- NYC, I love how this book really gets the essence of the city the different parts and the typical locations which became popular through different movies throughout the years
- Gio’s Family, they are a big family who does regular family dinners and just adopt Iris as one of their own. As someone from a big family I appreciate how well this book really captures that feeling
-Flashbacks, there are a few flashback chapters which follows Iris’ mom and you learn how she met Gio’s uncle and got the gelato recipe. I think that added to the story cause you got to understand how Iris ended up in this situation

Overall I really enjoyed this story. There were parts where I really wanted to shake Iris for some of the decisions she made but I don’t think there is a book where I don’t feel that way. If you are looking for a sweet wintertime romance with gelato, family and growth then I would absolutely recommend this books for you.

Was this review helpful?

Josie Silver is back with A Winter in New York, just released on October 3rd! Iris has just moved to the big city and starts uncovering pieces of her past that tie her to the Belotti family. Unbeknownst to them, Iris holds a secret that could make or break their gelato business. Working with Gio Belotti, single father and the man Iris lied to when she said that her ex boyfriend was her dead ex husband (oops!), Iris finds her life changing around her for the better. But when all these secrets threaten to ruin the happiness Iris is creating around her, what can she do?

Told with flashbacks to the past, A Winter in New York is full of nostalgia and heartache. From touching on subjects like loss, sickness, and found family, Josie Silver creates a sweet world full of even sweeter characters. While this is far from my favorite book from her (One Day in December will always a hold a special place in my heart), this one will make for a nice winter read this year!

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver, available everywhere, a solid 4⭐️ read! Thank you @netgalley for an ARC of this book!

Was this review helpful?

Highlights:

Holiday romance
Meet-cute
Single dad
Found family
Gelato
TW: cancer, death of a loved one, an abusive relationship in the past.

I am a big fan of Josie Silver's books, so I was excited to read A Winter in New York, especially since the book is set in one of my favorite cities. I enjoyed the book but didn't love it as much as Silver's other books. The romantic relationship starts with a lie that leads to another lie and another lie. The primary conflict of the book is built on the heroine's dishonesty. It is not my favorite kind of romance. But if anyone can make it work, it's Josie Silver. Overall, A Winter in New York was a good read. I recommend it to readers who enjoy holiday/Christmas romance and fans of Josie Silver.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars

In an attempt to honor her recently passed mother, and spread her ashes, Iris moves to NY from London. She’s got a job, some friends and makes a killer gelato from a recipe her Mom gave her with strict instructions to never give anyone else the recipe.

On an outing to a feast celebration in Little Italy she notices a door that looks familiar. Once home, she looks through her Mom’s photo album and finds the door. What she decides to do next has the ability to change lives, not just Iris’, but Gio and his whole family.

I thought this was a good book, a little long for the storyline in my opinion. Family values , secrets and loss all play major roles in the plot. I will continue to read books by this author.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

What a fantastic book for the holidays. This book was wonderful and will get you in the mood for the Christmas season! Kept my attention and I would definitely recommend to others. I will be reading again closer to Christmas!

Was this review helpful?

"A Winter in New York" by Josie Silver is a heartwarming 4-star read that beautifully captures the magic of love, family, and the power of a secret family recipe.

Iris's journey to restart her life in the bustling city of New York is a tale filled with nostalgia, hope, and unexpected discoveries. Josie Silver masterfully portrays the enormity of the Big Apple and the sense of longing for her mother's special secret-recipe gelato. The way the story weaves in Iris's memories and the bond she shared with her mom through movies and gelato is truly touching.

Bobby, Iris's best friend, plays a pivotal role in helping her come out of her shell and explore the city. Their friendship adds depth to the narrative, reminding us of the importance of supportive and caring relationships.

The discovery of the little family-run gelateria in Little Italy sparks curiosity and sets the stage for a captivating tale of tradition and love. Gio, the handsome gelato shop owner, becomes the gateway to Iris's connection with her mother's past. The mystery surrounding the secret recipe is both intriguing and emotionally resonant.

Iris's offer to help recreate the flavor of the gelato becomes a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and love. Her growing affection for Gio and his family is portrayed with tenderness and authenticity. As they work together, it's clear that they share more than just a love for gelato.

The story takes an emotional turn when Gio's uncle wakes up, and all the secrets Iris has been holding threaten to unravel the life and love she's built throughout the winter. The tension and uncertainty are palpable, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in the outcome.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you @randomhouse and @netgalley for early access to Winter in New York. I haven’t been reading as much, so I’m super behind. 🥲

Iris moves to New York to start fresh. Her mom recently lost her battle to Cancer, and Iris brews up enough strength to leave her mentally abusive terrible boyfriend back in London.

Iris explores many tourist destinations her mother loved while she toured with her band 30 years ago. Iris comes face to face with a gelato restaurant that she’s seen in her mother’s scrapbook. Once inside she meets adorable Gio Belotti and her life is never the same. She is flung into the Belotti family circle, where she discovers she might have information the family desperately needs.

Without any spoilers…. I wish Josie Silver would have added another chapter explaining how the end came to be. I feel like the explanation is missing….

Favorite quote:
“You make a good team when you’re not going for each other’s throats.”

“We’re Italian, it’s how we love.” 🇮🇹

Favorite character: Gio💚🤍❤️
Steamy rating: Moderate 🌶️
Profanity: Also Moderate 🤬
How I discovered: Bookstagram 📱
Method: E-book from NetGalley 🖥️

Trigger: Cancer, loss of a parent, & mental abuse.

Was this review helpful?

I went into this one blind.. and I’m not sure if maybe that contributed to me not enjoying this one as much as I thought I would! Don’t get me wrong, this is still a good book! But it didn’t meet up to my expectations, and I wanted a lot more “holiday” feel than I got. I also felt this was a lot longer than necessary..

This book will undoubtedly make you grave vanilla gelato— I really think there needs to be the family recipe in here so that we can all try it out! Overall, pick this one up if you love gelato, New York City, family secrets, and a HEA.

Was this review helpful?

3/5 - This was a lovely read! I enjoyed the story and feel like it’s a perfect cozy read for this time of year. The plot, NYC setting and cast of characters were a real treat!

I love Josie Silver - I was utterly gutted by her first One Day In December and The Two Lives of Lydia Bird. And I LOVED One Night On The Island. Her books are not for the faint of heart - there are some tough topics and themes, and this one was no different. It also had Silver’s beautiful, lyrical language and lovable but flawed characters.

My main issue was that while I liked Iris, and love that this was written from her perspective with smatterings of background from her mom’s POV, I didn’t LOVE her. Her internal dialogue was a lot and became redundant at times. I didn’t find myself as captivated by the storyline near the end, either.

That being said, I LOVED Gio, enjoyed the cooking references and city scenes and was pleased with the ending. Definitely one to add to your fall/winter TBR list! Thank you to @netgalley, Dell and Josie Silver for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

I'm not sure where to start. I really hated how focused on a recipe this plot line was, but eventually I was able to overlook it and somewhat enjoy the characters. In the end I think it was just an "ok" book. Everything wrapped up in a bow (isn't that why we read rom-coms?) left this as a 2.5/3.0 star read for me. I probably wouldn't recommend as a page turner, but if you have some free time and like gelato then dive right in.

Thanks Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

(I thought this was a Christmas book at first and it’s really more of a winter book. Christmas is much closer to the end of this book.)

This book was very emotional with memorable, lovable characters and a beautiful writing style. I kind of thought it would be lighter than it was though.

Iris has recently moved to NYC. She’s wound up there, in a way, to kind of retrace her mother’s steps. Her mom talked loving about her time in NYC but raised Iris in the UK.

Iris’ mother passed away a few years ago, while very young. Iris jumped into a relationship not long afterwards, she was in an emotionally vulnerable place. Her mom was her only family and losing her meant Iris was all alone. Her ex took advantage of Iris in many ways and they had a relationship that was abusive (though not physically, quite upsetting).

One day Iris just dumped the abusive boyfriend and left the country.

She’s been in the Us for a short while and is doing a great job restarting her life. Her new best friend lives directly above her and she’s enjoying exploring the city.

One day she wanders along a gelato shop and realizes quickly that it’s the one her mom often mentioned. She had a brief relationship with one of the family members who owned the gelato shop and while she ultimately left him, he trusted her with the secret family recipe.
Iris’ mom made that recipe for her so many times growing up that it became their tradition too and Iris long ago memorized it.

When Iris meets Gio, she finds out that the holder of the family recipe is in the hospital and has forgotten the recipe. Iris knows she can help since she has the recipe herself but she has no way of telling them that without uncovering the family patriarch, Santos’, relationship with her mother.
So, instead she stays and tries to help Gio recreate the recipe. And she slowly starts falling for him despite the massive secrets she is keeping from him.

Man did I ever feel bad for Iris. She was keeping a secret entirely to keep Santos’ good name and it was only putting her in a precarious place with Gio. Iris is just such a good person.

Here’s my two cents: I really really could have done without the storyline about Iris’ abusive ex. This story did not need it. There were enough obstacles and it just made Iris’ backstory even sadder.

I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley. I thought the writer’s way with words was beautiful and enjoyed this story.

Was this review helpful?

You know those stories that hook you from the first page? That you get so caught up in, you can't wait to find out what happens? Then you get to the last couple of chapters and don't want it to end?

That was A Winter in New York by Josie Silver for me. The writing, the story, the characters, every bit of this book was extraordinary.

I loved Iris; her strength, her growth, her compassion. I also loved the Belotti family, Bobby, and the flashbacks to Vivian's life. There was so much to this story, and all of it was fantastic!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me to read an ARC of A Winter in New York from by Josie Silver in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A really sweet story about love, family (I want to go to a Belotti family dinner!), loss, healing, food and, of course, New York City during the holidays. ♥️🍨🇮🇹🍝🎁

Was this review helpful?