Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book. It starts with Elise worrying that her mother has not been back from Winterfrost Market which is known to have a bunch of magical creatures. Her town talks negatively about these creatures and makes wild stories. Elise fearing for her mother’s safety from these creatures agrees to allow Kit to take her to Winterfrost Market. As that get closer and closer Elise is starting to realize that Kit may not be human but also that she may have been very wrong about her impressions of these magical beings. It’s a story about not judging a book by its cover, of discovering the beauty of magic, of bravery, and being open to stepping outside your comfort zone. It’s there you will see a whole new world opening up to you with a lot of possibilities at your fingertips. It was nice to see Elise and Kit grow from their adventures. It was the perfect cozy book for the Autumn into Winter Season.

A nicely atmospheric and cozy wintery magical world. Quick overview:
- third person double POV
- forced proximity
- fae
- strong family
The plot: this book radiated coziness and comfort. the snowy holiday vibes made me want to curl up in bed with a steaming cup of tea and fuzzy blanket. the story was fun and well paced, and i appreciated that there was really no ‘dull’ part for me to get stuck in. the royal ball was a fun touch too!

Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford is a cozy, magical tale perfect for the holiday season. It follows Elsie, a tea-loving mortal, as she searches for her missing mother in the enchanting yet dangerous Midwinter Haven. Along the way, she’s joined by Kit, a charming and mysterious tracker whose motives keep you guessing.

The chemistry between Elsie and Kit is beautifully written, adding spark to the story, while Elsie’s courage makes her a lovable heroine. The vivid world-building brings the festive Winterfrost Market and the mystical Midwinter Haven to life, creating an immersive winter wonderland.

With its mix of sweet romantasy, holiday magic, and adventure, Winterfrost Market is the perfect seasonal read. Snuggle up with this heartwarming story—you won’t be disappointed!

An overall charming, winter-cozy fantasy, perfect with a cup of hot chocolate and curled up at night!
Or head to your fave cafe and devour it in on sitting like I did.

Review of Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Winterfrost Market is a heartwarming and magical journey perfect for the holiday season. Jenny Sandiford has crafted a story that feels like a warm cup of tea on a chilly winter evening.

The book follows Elsie, a tea-loving mortal who runs her family’s traveling tea house at the enchanting Winterfrost Market. The festive charm of the market quickly fades when her mother goes missing on a trip to Midwinter Haven, a mysterious land filled with elves, witches, and fae. Elsie sets out on a daring journey to find her mother, accompanied by Kit, a skilled and captivating tracker who may not be entirely what he seems.

The chemistry between Elsie and Kit is electrifying. The tension between them is written so beautifully that it sparkles on the page. Elsie’s courage and determination make her a lovable heroine, while Kit’s charm and mysterious nature keep you guessing. Is he a trustworthy ally or one of the clever fae her sister warned her about?

The world-building in this story is magical and enchanting, with descriptions of the Winterfrost Market and Midwinter Haven that pull you right into their world. The mix of cozy fantasy, clean romance, and holiday magic makes it an unforgettable read.

If you love sweet romantasy with a touch of adventure, Winterfrost Market will steal your heart. It’s the perfect story to snuggle up with during the festive season.

I wish Winterfrost Market could be a movie. Its magical setting, festive charm, and Elsie and Kit’s chemistry would be perfect on screen!

Thank you, NetGalley and Velikor Publishing, for providing me with an ARC of this delightful book

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The perfect holiday brew: a dash of magic, a sprinkle of romance, and a cozy, enchanted market to make your heart warm and your tea extra strong.

If you're in the mood for a festive tale that blends winter charm, whimsical magic, and a swoony romance, Winterfrost Market is your new holiday go-to.

Think cozy tea houses, fae prince secrets, and a journey through a land filled with elves and witches (aka all the holiday fantasy vibes you never knew you needed).

Elsie, our tea-loving FMC, is hustling through the busy Midwinter celebrations when her world takes a worrying turn, her mother’s gone missing on a trip to the mysterious Midwinter Haven. Cue the gorgeous, mysterious tracker, Kit, who has secrets of his own and a certain fae-ish charm that makes Elsie’s heart do a few extra flips. Is he her dream prince or a fae trickster in disguise?

What I Loved:

* The setting. Winterfrost Market? It’s basically where cozy holiday dreams go to hang out, enchanted stalls, glowing lights, and a whole lot of magic brewing.
* Elsie’s journey. From cozy tea houses to epic adventures, this book is all about stepping outside your comfort zone and finding unexpected magic.
* Kit. Oh Kit. Mysterious, charming, and possibly fae? In love!
* The romance. Clean, sweet, with just enough tension to make you wonder if Elsie will fall for Kit—or figure out if he’s hiding a few more secrets than she’d like.
* Magic that warms your heart. Think cozy winter vibes mixed with just enough fae wonder to keep you guessing about what’s real and what’s illusion. ✨

The perfect read for when you’re curled up with a warm drink and the snow is falling outside.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I could put this book down – absolutely loved it.

In Thais delightful fantasy romance we follow Elsie on a mission to find her mother after she goes missing searching for herbs in the dangerous fae realm.

I have to admit I adored this more than I thought I would. The winter wonderland-esque setting was magical I just wanted to get on my mittens and build a snowman.
The descriptions of food were mouthwatering! I was almost drooling 🤤 I need recipients for the food and tea described in this book.

As far as the characters go these were lovable and sweet. The relationship between Elsie and her sister and mother is heart warming. The exploration of this dynamic was not deep but it was what it needed to be. The romance I will not spoil but it’s the sweetest grumpy/sunshine pair I’ve read about in a while!

The plot was pretty straightforward and there was no real tension, I wasn’t worried the characters wouldn’t reach their goals but that’s what I was looking for in this book just a sweet read I could immerse myself in.

All and all I would definitely recommend this. It’s the perfect winter book to cuddle up in a blanket with.

Winterfrost Market is a beautiful, cozy, romantasy that is a perfect winter read. Grab some fuzzy socks, a comfy blanket, tea and a treat and jump right in!

Elise is a strong stubborn human who is determined to find her missing mother. Kit is a fae with lots of secrets. Together the two set out on a journey into Midwinter Haven.

This book is beautifully written with an easily built up world. It is easy to read during this crazy time of year however also is atmospheric. There are not enough wintery fantasy and this is perfect.

Thank you Velikor publishing and author Jenny Sandiford for providing this book for review consideration via Netgalley.

In this enchanting winter tale, author Sandiford crafts a magical world that proves impossible to resist. Set against the backdrop of a whimsical seasonal market, Winterfrost Market delivers a perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, and gentle romance that will appeal to fans of cozy fantasy fiction.
World-Building & Atmosphere
The novel's greatest strength lies in its masterful world-building. Sandiford creates a richly detailed winter wonderland that feels both magical and accessible, incorporating elements of Regency-era society with fantastical market settings. The atmosphere is immersive without being overwhelming, striking an ideal balance between wonder and familiarity.
Characters & Romance
At the heart of the story is Elsie, who runs a traveling tea house with her sister Marie. When their mother goes missing while searching for a secret ingredient, Elsie's path crosses with Kit, a mysterious tracker harboring his own secret—he's actually a fae prince in hiding. Their relationship develops with careful precision, building from friendship to romance in a way that feels both natural and earned. The chemistry between them is palpable, yet the romance remains decidedly "slow-burn," focusing on emotional connection rather than physical intensity.
The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, including the delightful addition of Pepper, Kit's wolfhound, who adds both charm and levity to the narrative. Each character contributes meaningfully to the story while maintaining their own distinct personality.
Plot & Pacing
Despite being a cozy fantasy—a subgenre often known for its leisurely pace—Winterfrost Market proves remarkably engaging, with many readers reporting finishing it in just a few sittings. The quest to find Elsie's mother drives the main narrative, while subplots involving fae politics and family secrets keep readers invested throughout.
Writing Style
Sandiford's prose strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and sophistication. The writing is immersive and atmospheric, particularly in descriptions of the winter settings and magical elements, yet remains clear and easy to follow.
Final Verdict
Winterfrost Market is a perfect winter read that will appeal to fans of Once Upon A Time, Throne In The Dark, and Emily Wilde. While some plot threads remain unresolved by the end—suggesting potential future installments—the core story delivers a satisfying experience. This novel is best enjoyed curled up by a fire or nestled near a Christmas tree, preferably with a warm cup of tea in hand.
Strengths:

Beautifully crafted winter setting
Well-developed characters with genuine chemistry
Engaging blend of Regency elements and fantasy
Balanced pacing that keeps readers invested
Charming magical elements

Perfect For:

Fans of cozy fantasy
Readers who enjoy slow-burn romance
Those seeking a magical winter escape
Admirers of character-driven narratives

3.5/5⭐️

This is the perfect low-stakes fantasy romance to curl up with this winter. The fantasy elements aren't overwhelming, and the world building is done in a relaxing way. The romance is cute and sweet (no spice), with an adorable HEA.

I rounded my rating down only because this isn't a book I will read again, but it was very enjoyable and I am glad I read it.

Cozy winter book! Maybe I read this in between too many books (I was reading another one) and perhaps I should’ve left this as it’s own thing for a cold day nearing Christmas.

The ambience and world setup is superb so that to me is what really really gets me on this book. It felt ethereal but in a snowy fantastical way.

Characters were all pretty likeable which to me gave it that ‘cozy book’ factor.

The only reason I deducted one star is because even though it does have these amazing qualities, I didn’t feel quite… grasped by it. This could be on me though so I might come back and change my review if I change my mind 😅

Warm and cozy and while I do like the story overall, there was nothing extraordinary about it for me. I think I'm starting to realize that stories mostly set in winter, cold, or snowy places is not for me, though I did finish the story to the end. The description of places were decent at best, but most of the time I felt a little bored and skimmed them just to progress with the plot.

Speaking of plot, it was okay-ish. I like that Elsie took the initiative to look for her mother despite the dangers. Kit's character arc is interesting too, standing up to his father. Also, I may not be Anders' number one fan, but thank God he was useful and not just some prick. And of course, we have Peppermint! Best dog ever, to be honest!

Elsie and Kit's relationship was cute and simple and I like how they're wholesome and all. It started with a not-so meet cute, but I'm glad for the HEA ending!

The world building for Midwinter Haven is wonderful! The story is well paced and the characters are lovable. I enjoyed the author's ability to add detail without going overboard.

Book Review: Midwinter Frost Market

Midwinter Frost Market is a delightful winter read that embodies everything you’d want in a cozy, wintry tale. Set in a charming, snowy world, the book brings to life a whimsical seasonal market where magic subtly mingles with everyday life. The world-building here is beautifully done—not overwhelming or overly complex but rather gentle and inviting, giving readers a clear sense of place without making things confusing.

The characters are genuinely likable, and you can’t help but root for them as they grow and evolve over the course of the story. Each of the main characters is well developed, and their interactions add a heartwarming depth to the narrative. While the story doesn’t have any “spice” or romantic intensity, it feels complete and rich in every other aspect. The plot is easy to follow, making it perfect for those who want to lose themselves in a cozy, character-driven tale without the need for high drama or intense tension.

For readers looking for a sweet escape into a wintery wonderland, Midwinter Frost Market is a wonderful choice. This book captures the essence of the season with warmth, charm, and a bit of magic. Highly recommend!

• Thank you to NetGalley, author Jenny Sandiford, and Velikor Publishing for a chance to read an early e-arc of this book •

This was a very sweet and whimsical cozy fairytale filled with adventure and a slow-burn romance that sucked me in from its first chapter.
When I normally pick up a cozy fantasy, I know it will take me a while longer to finish than other fantasy books. However, I finished Winterfrost Market in two sittings just because my body was begging me to sleep.

The world created by Sandiford is very whimsical and magical. The characters are absolutely loveable. The writing was so immersive.

We follow our FMC, Elsie, who is currently running her family's traveling tea house along with her sister, Marie. However, Elsie finds herself in need of a tracker who could help her find her mother who been missing for more than two weeks as she went to get a secret ingredient for their teahouse.
Elsie's adventure begins when she finds a tracker in our MMC, Kit, who is secretly a fae prince in hiding, and who promises to help her search for her mother on the condition she travels with him north, and into faerie.
Along their journey, our main characters are accompanied by Kit's wolfhound, Pepper, who is the most adorable huge puppy!

The story has a hint of Regency flare to it with balls and royalty, and the setting is epic winter market vibes which I fell in love with.

The romance between Kit and Elsie develops slowly as they both grow closer to each other on their journey and get to know each other more as friends first.
The chemistry between our two main characters is undeniable.
We also have side characters that are loveable.

I hope this is going to be a longer series. Some events that happen at the end of the book are left unresolved, and I would really like to know what happens next.

100% recommend this book for a cozy read by a fire or next to a Christmas tree, especially if you liked books like 'Once Upon A Time', 'Throne In The Dark', and 'Emily Wilde'.

An adorable and cozy winter read. Really felt like I was in a winter market! In true cozy fantasy fashion, the main characters are quietly lovable and the villains over the top, so you can predict exactly what you're getting out of this story. All part of the genre's charm.

The dialogue between characters felt a little stiff. I know it was trying to give the vibes of regency era, but the conversations never really flowed, it was all one word or single sentences. Just didn't seem like how people normally interact. And I would love to see more of the world and magic systems, but I know that would take it out of the cozy realm and more into fantasy/romantasy, but I still think there's potential to showcase a little more of this aspect.

Overall, a solid 3.5 read for the winter season.

What an amazing cozy read for the winter!! Five stars hands down. I ate this up and loved every second of it. It was the perfect fantasy romance with some adventure and a host of magical beings. The perfect book to cuddle up with this winter. I can’t wait to recommend it and thank you so much for the opportunity to read it early.

Well, this was one cute and cozy midwinter fantasy! You have your awkward first meeting (courtesy of the lovely Pepper, who is a wonderful dog!) with a gobbled sausage and accusations of stealing a dog, but Kit and Elsie quickly get over that and get on with their journey to both find her missing mother and foil the plot of a truly awful king to conquer land that isn't his. Kit and Elsie are so cute with each other, learning many things on the way with secrets on both sides that eventually get revealed moving the story right along as they travel to Midwinter Haven. I really want to go visit that place! Lots of fun magic, and surprisingly modern conveniences (magic driven of course!) Yes, there is danger, and running along with the fun magic shops but also new friends and old and surprises that help Elsie and Kit with their problems and lead to a very satisfying happily ever after complete with true love. Though I can see where the story might continue, hopefully with the surprising Anders!

A fun and sweet story with great characters like a bird watcher prince, a wonderful big white fluffy pup, and a determined tea loving girl and all their friends and they all have happy endings (except for a certain king, who definitely needs to be overthrown!)

Winterfrost Market is cozy, winter vibes mixed with fantasy & adventure. There was more adventure to this book than I had expected, but it made me enjoy it all the more. The descriptions of the towns had me perfectly picturing them in my mind’s eye. I loved the way Midwinter Haven was a mix of fairytale creatures of all kinds & although there was minimal world-building (it’s not full on fantasy, after all), it was enough to paint you a picture & made me wish it were somewhere I could visit.
Elsie is a kind-hearted, tea expert in search of her mother after she fails to return from a journey to ‘buy spices.’ Kit, her reluctant guide, is returning north after over a year away from home, accompanied by his white wolf-hound, Pepper, & a bit grumpy at first. Elsie is wary of Magic & all things fairytale-esque, like most people south of Midwinter Haven, & can tell Kit is hiding something, she’s just not sure what.
I enjoyed the combination of cozy & adventure. The side characters were charming, even Anders who I didn’t want to like, but won me over, the bastard (not the first time he’s been called that, I’m sure!)
This book made me want to grab a pot of tea & warm up by a fire in a cozy pub, with a handsome Fae man. I’m not sure who the next book will be based on, I have a guess, but since Goodreads has this labeled as part of a series for ‘Tales of Midwinter Haven #1’, I’m hoping that means we’ll get more standalones! This book doesn’t have a spice (just some kissing), so I’d say it’s safe for YA readers. I’d give this probably ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, there were definitely a few things that could have been fleshed out a bit more or dealt with that I felt were left outstanding. Thank you @netgalley for the ARC!