Holly and George are packing up to leave London, get married, and live in the countryside in a brand new home. They have been engaged for years and now George wants to settle down and start a family. Holly isn’t convinced that’s what she wants quite yet. After being made redundant from her corporate job, she settled in to work in her favorite French restaurant as a sous chef. No, it doesn't pay a lot of money., but she loves it. As her wedding day approaches, she’s so excited but George does a runner and jilts her. She is so depressed and after soon after her boss at the French restaurant tells her of a job working at a Swiss chalet for a wealthy duo. As she hates the cold, she’s not sure but realizes she needs to make a drastic change in her life so she accepts.

When she arrives, she is delighted to meet the chef, Xavier, and chalet girl, Liv. Holly will be working directly with Xavier preparing meals and choosing the perfect wines from the owner’s vast collection.

Owners Luca and Genevieve, twins, arrive the next day and are served an elegant dinner. They have many business people that they will entertain while they are there.

As Holly settles in, Xavier and Liv introduce her to snowboarding and the apres-ski scene.

I really enjoyed the delicious descriptions of the food that Xavier prepared. So yummy and so French! This is a fun book that imparts lots of secrets about food preparation and secrets to learning to ski. The characters are all so genuine. Enjoy!

Copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Escapist rom-com fans unite, there's a new author in town!

If this book is the debut, I can't even imagine how great subsequent books will be. A delight from beginning to end, allow yourself to be swept into the world of Holly Roberts and all of her friends.

Set in a wanderlust-inspiring Swiss village, join Holly as she tries to sort herself out after heartbreak lands her a job working at private chalet. Filled to the brim with beautifully written scenery, characters, and food (THE FOOD), fans of Lindsey Kelk will be in heaven with this book.

I counted down the minutes until lunch at my job so that I could pop open my Kindle to read more, and I simply cannot stop gushing over this great book. Perfect with a cup of coffee and a crisp breeze, you won't want to miss out on this story of self-discovery, love, and finding your people.

I can't wait for the next book from Ms. Walker.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries Publishing for the opportunity to read this book for free and provide my honest review.

This was an amazing debut novel by Carrie Walker. I loved the character development- you knew everyone and felt like you were there with them. Although I have never wanted to learn to ski- this book had me yearning to experience a luxury holiday in amongst the mountains.
Holly is offered a winter season in a luxury lodge as part of the team. She is hoping to learn a lot from the very talented chef- and he is keen to take her under his wing. There are lots of smiles along the way and mouth watering descriptions of the food and drink.
I loved absolutely everything about this book.

A shock on her wedding day
Has Holly looking for another way.
She takes a chance and goes to stay
And work in the Swiss Alps and learn along the way.

In a millionaire's chalet she's making a fresh start
Now her and her groom-to-be have to part.
But what will happen whilst she's being bold -
Especially as everyone knows she hates the cold!

What an adventure, with temptations, too,
Learning more about wine, food and winter sports to do.
Will she fall on more than the ski slopes
Or will fate intervene and dash all her hopes?

A fun read with plenty of surprises along the way
But what will happen at the end of her stay?
Working as a sous-chef, for the wealthy twins
Will it prove to be a loser or a really great win?

An enjoyable read with friendships and more
As this nesh lass new opportunities starts to explore.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

✨ 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓?

| Holly Roberts hating the cold is a fact. That is why by announcing that she will work as a sous-chef in a chalet in the Swiss Alps for a season, she takes everyone by surprise.
| After a broken heart, she is willing to take a step in the process of getting things together, working for two rich twins - Genevieve and the handsome Luca. In the middle of the cold and feeling out of place in all the luxury, she thanks God for having her roommate Liv and chef Xavier as good friends there. In addition, there is Luca, the rich man with a charming reputation who apparently has an interest in the girl. But then, what would be the problem?

💭 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:

| This is a story that I see the possibility of pleasing the YA (Young Adult) readers, mainly because of the setting, the plot and writing style.

| I found it fun to follow Holly's story, breaking her own barriers and leaving her comfort zone at a time in her life when her choices made sense. Strengths were the various culinary moments (which made me craving for good food), fun scenes on the ski and the vast knowledge of wine. Even I, who doesn’t know anything about it, think that I learned some names by reading this book! In terms of characters: Xavier and Rachael are the ones who deserve honorable mention.

| Now, let's go to the part I didn't like. I was waiting for the romance to happen and nothing, not at least up to 60% of the book... Not even a considerable interaction. Holly's bad decisions because of a man also bothered me, especially cause he was the one that clearly didn't deserve the slightest of her attention. At several times I wanted her to realize the mess she was facing, but it didn't happen... she kept putting a lot of faith in him - and only her was thinking that he was a perfect man. Which, for me, he was one of the most boring, selfish and arrogant man I've ever read about.

It is Michelle's debut novel and I think her future works will be promising, as her ideas are good and her writing style is really enjoyable. I definitely want yo give a try to her next book.

I was really excited about this one but unfortunately this particular book didn't work for me.

✨Thank you NetGalley, Carrie Walker and Aria & Aries for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Woolly jumper, fleecy blanket, hot chocolate and an afternoon spent in the company of Holly with the picturesque Swiss Alps as the backdrop...the perfect afternoon, don't you agree?

I had no idea I was reading a debut until I'd actually updated my Goodreads, it certainly didn't read like one. It was immensely enjoyable, with wonderful characters and food, glorious food...have the biscuits close to hand throughout!

It's a gorgeously heartwarming romantic comedy, guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart and fill your heart with joy.

Holly has recently gotten her heart broken so packing up and leaving to the Swiss Alps and working as a Sous-Chef to get away from it all sounds like a good idea; although she does not like the cold.
It’s not long before she’s finding friends and maybe a lot more along the way.
Walker gives us a cosy narrative with a realistic main character whom I just wanted to have a happy ending.
This author writes with great description having the reader visualising everything; I never felt I was missing out.
This was a great read to get me into the Christmas season.

2.5 Stars
The book opens with Holly as her wedding approaches to long-term partner George who she has been with since university. Straight away I didn’t like her fiancé. As anticipated, things go awry with their wedding and Holly is left picking up the pieces of her life.
As a means of escape and a new start she accepts a job in a Swiss Chalet, as the title suggests, helping in the kitchen as well as playing the part of wine expert for the owners. Jumping in the deep end she flies to Switzerland to start her new chapter. Things don’t exactly go to plan, but she finds her feet.
This book reminded me of a more grown-up version of the film Chalet Girl. It focuses less on competitive snowboarding and more on food, but it definitely felt reminiscent of the setting. The Chalet owners reminded me of the male lead in the film as well. Rich man used to pay and getting his way, including women. I liked the female side character, Eliza, who was a breath of fresh air in the group of annoying characters. Holly, at times, came across a bit naïve and immature. Like her relationship with Luca or her reactions to George.
The men in this book drove me mad. From her annoying, selfish fiancée to the short romance with her millionaire boss Luca, and even Xavier who until the end we all thought was happily married to his wife Christina.
This was OK. It wasn’t amazing but it was fun to read. Thank you for the eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aria for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

3 stars!

This story was a quick read, and the characters were likeable for the most part. I had a hard time liking Holly. For most of the book I felt as though she was extremely naive and unprofessional. I think this is why I didn't love the book. Her behavior caused problems for other people, and it was extremely annoying. However, if you're just looking for a quick read that you can finish in one sitting, then this one would be good for that.

Loved this snowy, funny and lighthearted read.

Genevieve and Luca own a chalet in the Swiss mountains and need a new member of staff. Lucky for them Holly has just been stood up on her wedding day and wants to leave London fast. Holly doesn’t like the cold or can’t ski, but she’s going to try and give it her all.

A brilliant read with tangled relationships and loads of lovely snowy scenery. A great Christmas/Winter read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

A little delayed because I am in France but a belated Happy Pub Day to Escape to the Swiss Chalet!!! I so enjoyed this book. It’s a fun, goofy, and Bridget Jones style. This book gave me all of the cozy aprés ski vibes that I love for this season, and it made me that much more excited for my annual ski trip! Walker hinted at the conflict throughout the story, so while it wasn’t exactly shocking, it was appropriate and didn’t bother me at all. The resolution was everything I needed. I laughed, I gasped, and I swooned my way through this novel and will totally read more of her books in the future! My bookstagram review will be posted later today. Link to my profile added below.

The story begins with Holly packing and looking forward to her new adventure, but when her wedding ends in the worst possible way, she wants to run away. An unexpected opportunity sees her heading for the ski season in Switzerland even though she doesn't like the cold or winter sports. Feeling daunted, she makes new friends, has plenty of laughs, and finds that she can have a future without heartbreak. Holly'a journey of self-realisation is emotional and satisfying. The vividly described setting and the vibrant characterisation make this a romantic comedy to escape with.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I really enjoyed reading this book.
From the start all I could think was - why is Holly marrying someone who doesn't like her cat?
But watching the story develop it became pretty clear. It was fun watching Holly find herself in a world of skiing, food and wine. Finding new friendships and relationships in an new and adventuresome environment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a great read, excellent wintery vibes

I really enjoyed the main character and the journey we went on with her and how her life completely changed overnight and did a full reset ending up in a completely different place than were she thought she would be

I love a book where the main character is a chef etc and the food in this book all sounded so good - the descriptions of the taste and look were all making me hungry

Romance is more a subplot of this book, literally got to 50% and didn't even know if there was a new love interest, which I really enjoyed and could more concentrate on the FMC and her journey more than 'when will these people finally kiss etc'

I was shocked when I saw that this was a debut novel, it was so good!

- winter
- love triangle (kinda)
- unexpected break up leading to moving to a different country
- 1st person, single pov

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.

Escape To The Swiss Chalet is a wonderful, snowy story and is very sweet and funny too and i really enjoyed it.

It was such an easy book to read and it pulled me in from the start and kept me turning the pages throughout until i got to the end!!

I loved getting pulled in to the story and getting to know all the wonderful characters and becoming immersed in their story.

This was the perfect book to read while snuggled under a blanket with a nice cup of tea!! Bliss!

All-in-all this was a lovely story that had me feeling all sorts of feelings and left me with a smile on my face…….

After getting her heart broken, Holly takes life by the horns and heads off to do something no one would believe, taking a seasonal job in a cold, snowy ski resort- when she hates the cold and skiing. Totally unprepared we watch as Holly transforms from the shell of a person she was when she arrived to a fully rounded person, prepared to take on the challenges in front of her.
As the story progresses and you learn more about the characters you will definitely love work mates Liv and Xavier.
I love how their friendships develop and change as we move through the story.
The author describes the location in great detail and you feel as though you are there on the slopes with the characters. She also describes the food so well your stomach will be rumbling in the hope you get to try some of these delicious dishes!
All in all a lovely read, somewhere to loose yourself for a while.

Escape to the Swiss Chalet by Carrie Walker

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When your life goes off-piste how do you climb back up the mountain?

Holly Roberts is well-known among family and friends for despising the cold, so no one is more surprised than her when she agrees to pack her bags and move to the Swiss Alps. But after getting her heart broken, spending the winter season working as a sous-chef for wealthy twins Genevieve and gorgeous Luca, is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Verbier is home to millionaires and Holly has never felt more out of place in the snow-capped wooden chalet. Thankfully new friends, chalet girl Liv and chef Xavier are there to be her guide in this new world of après-ski and fondue, and to teach her how to get off chair lifts! And then there is Luca... rich, handsome, kind but what is the catch?

She just wanted to escape her problems but could she get her Happily Ever After?

My Opinion

First of all I would like to draw your attention to the stunning cover. This really appealed to me so I knew that I had to give it a read. For me this was a great debut novel, there is a lot going on and there is a real pace to the story. With plenty of wintry weather this is an ideal book to read curled up on a cosy evening.

Carrie Walker has given us some gorgeous descriptions of food, so make sure you have snacks on hand whilst reading. This was a nice, light-hearted book to read that whisked me away.

Rating 4/5

thank you to net galley for the arc!
i was so excited about this book and it gave me all the wintery/cosy vibes as we go into the festive season however it seemed to fall a little flat for me. i loved the setting of the swiss alps but i just really struggled to gel with the characters. I honestly find holly quite unlikeable.

i got 52% of the way through and she has only just mentioned a day out with luca so the romance aspect feels a little forced for me and way too long a build up. a real shame!

Thank you NetGelley and Carrie Wlaker for the ARC and the opportunity to review it.

This is a holiday romance that follow Holly in the weeks before she get merry to her university boyfriend, however her boyfriend beaks up the relationship on the wedding day and Holly is given the opportunity to work as a chalet girl in Switzerland.
I really wanted to like this book but I honestly couldn’t. In the description of the book we got told about a love interest that doesn’t have more than 5 appearances in the whole book, not to mention there was no chemistry between them. The pace of the book got slower as the book progressed then everything gets resolved in the last chapter, and overall the book felt longer than it should have been.
I would say that vibes were good and it reminded me of that movie Chalet girl with Felicity Jones and the guy that plays Chuck in gossip girl.
So I’m between a 2,5 and 3 stars but even when the book wasn’t my favorite, I would still recommend it cause I could see other people enjoying it more than me.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

When Holly is let down on her wedding day, she takes up a job in the Alps to do, what she loves, cook.

There she meets new friends in a chalet which is surrounded by mountains covered in snow. She learns to ski, and starts to like the cold, which she hates.

I loved the setting, the food which makes your mouth water, and the characters.

I highly recommend this book.