Member Reviews
I really enjoyed this sweet romantic adventure. Kit, a fae prince in hiding with a terrible father is trying to find his place in the world, fight for what he believes in, and stand up to his father. Elsie, a human, runs a traveling tea shop with her mother and sister and when her mother goes missing in the magical north, she knows she needs help.
Kit and Elsie find peace and eventually fall for each other as he reluctantly agrees to help her search for her mother. The conflict is great and while the drama with his father could have been significantly worse, I appreciate that it was kept somewhat lighter. It made for a more enjoyable read.
Plenty of room for additional stories here with the strong list of supporting characters. I look forward to more adventures in Midwinter Haven
This was a very enjoyable, low stakes, cozy fantasy! For me, it made a great little palette cleanser between some heavy reads. The characters were enjoyable and I found myself really invested in them and their journeys. I loved the setting, the magic, and the winter vibes that the author so wonderfully wrote. The magic and world building was well done and easy to follow. Peppermint the dog was such an awesome little side kick character! I loved her so much. I found myself wanting more, wishing it was higher stakes, and longer; but only because I enjoyed it so much! I would definitely recommend this for a cozy winter read… grab a cup of tea and snuggle up!
I loved this book! The characters are interesting, and the journey they go on is truly memorable. I can't wait for you to read this book.
A Cosy Winter Escape
Winterfrost Market is the perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold winter's day. It's a magical tale that whisks you away to a world of snow, warmth, and wonder.
Jenny Sandiford has created a cosy and enchanting atmosphere that's impossible to resist. The characters are lovable and the plot is full of heartwarming moments and exciting twists. I absolutely loved getting lost in the Winterfrost Market and experiencing its magic firsthand.
If you're looking for a feel-good read that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, I highly recommend Winterfrost Market.
https://amzn.eu/d/atKIvJj
This book was so good ! Chefs kiss on all the cozy romance vibes. Perfect for the holiday season, while making it original. I love whimsical books so this truly was the perfect cup of tea ;)
This is a super cozy and lighthearted read. Perfect to snuggle in a warm blanket by the fire and sip some hot cocoa or in this case tea. The story got me hooked from start to finish. The love, the drama, the tension, the adventure, the secrets. This book had me on my toes at all times. Not to mention there's fae! 👀 Hello?! Do I need to day more. Definitely give this book a read if you're in need of a cozy adventurous magical winter vibe🥰
Thank you to NetGalley and Velikor publishing for an e arc in exchange for an unbiased review!
This is a short and sweet read for the winter season!
I enjoyed the characters I thought they were fleshed out well! The main issued I had was with the dialogue being difficult for me to read sometimes. It felt unnatural at times, but this could definitely be a me problem!
Overall, I think it is a good book to add to your tbr if you’re looking for a winter tale to enjoy this season!
⭐️ 2.75/5
Winterfrost Market is a cozy fantasy that ended up being a great winter read!
❄️ cozy romantasy
🫖 secret identity
❄️ opposite worlds
🫖 traveling tea house
❄️ clean romance
review:
i would’ve loved for this to be a little more developed! the dialogue and main characters fell pretty flat for me and the writing felt choppy. i never felt super engaged with the story, honestly. there were no detailed descriptions to help you really visualize characters or settings. i really don’t remember what any of the characters are supposed to look like because there was just very little memorable detail provided. there wasn’t much worldbuilding, so you kinda feel like you were thrown into a story and have little context for what’s going on. there were multiple things mentioned (like deities) that had no point of reference, so they just felt unnecessary.
i did feel like this went a little too perfectly. they really didn’t encounter any real conflict while executing their plans. the hike from Winterfrost to Midwinter Haven was built up to be this really difficult thing, yet the MCs experienced no problems. they pretty much found her mom immediately and easily got her home. the MMC’s fight with his father felt unrealistic in how easily his father just let him go. i don’t know, it just felt really neat and tidy.
the romance really lacked for me. because the writing/dialogue felt choppy, i didn’t really understand how the MCs almost immediately fell in love? there was little banter and most interactions felt awkward. it just seemed really fast-paced and forced for them to be in love and living together like…a month after meeting each other?
this was really cute and a light read, but i wish it was a little more developed so i could’ve felt more pulled into the world! i’m not sure if i’d read the next book in the series. i guess it depends on which character(s) the story is centered around. if it were to be about Liri or Anders (or another interesting side character), i think i’d be willing to read it!
*Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
This was such a super cosy, winter read. It was absolutely brimming with whimsy and wonder and all things magical. This was released in October but I’m so pleased I waited until December to enjoy Winterfrost Market and all of the festive warmth it offered.
This is a super easy read for when you just want to sit down with a hot drink with a book that will whisk you away to a magical world and doesn’t require a lot of thought or concentration. Although I wouldn’t say the story is the most memorable, the plot picks up really quickly and moves at a steady pace throughout.
I loved watching Elsie and Kit grow closer throughout this book. It was such a sweet and clean romance. I’m kind of sad that their story is over as I’d have loved to see more of them as a couple and their life together after the events of this book.
My only qualm was that everything felt a little bit one dimensional - the plot was a little rushed in favour of the romance and so things ended up feeling a little bit unfinished at times. We get glimpses of these magical places but ultimately get very little in terms of world building. I just think there was room for this book to have been a little bit longer and a little more fleshed out.
I fully recommend this to anybody who loves a bit of magic and wonder at this time of year.
3.85 stars: For building a lovely world to which I know I will happily return.
Place: Loved the idea of a family of women and their travelling tea wagon on the cold edges of human territory steeped in fear of the fae. The world was rich and unique. I could picture it perfectly and was immediately in love.
Plot: Fae/human distrust and a couple thrown together by necessity and the meddling of his overexuberant, giant mop of a dog. A few elements felt extremely convenient, which can be a bit jerky as a reader since things don't always flow logically and the solution sort of plots down suddenly before racing on.
People: Loved the characters. Sometimes their motivations or backstories weren't fully explained, which again made me feel a bit jerked around as a reader, but I loved them enough to generally roll with it.
Pacing: Zero lag. Not repetitive. No long internal monologues or side quests.
Prose: Nothing flowery. Straightforward.
Will recommend it for fans of a cozy tea and fantasy and probably buy a physical copy.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ This was a very wholesome, cozy and sweet romantasy read. The story will you give you all the cozy winter-y vibes and will keep your heart warm with it's cute romance between the main characters. It's a story about discovering the beauty of magic, of bravery, curiosity, and being open for stepping out of your comfort zone. And that all with a dash of a winter market, cozy tea houses, fae prince secrets, and a journey through an enchanting whimsical land full of elves, witches and vampires . . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
What I liked: ⟡ ݁₊ .
- I really liked the setting (I mean: Winterfrost Market??!). Stalls, glowing lights, warm cups of tea brewing (...and magic). The way the author wrote so descriptive and immersive made me feel like I was really there and made me feel full of awe and wonder. I could easily imagine the smell of all the spices and such. The setting was so wonderful and beautiful, and the worldbuilding easy to follow, and perfect for the holiday season (and the colder season in general).
- Following Elsie's journey. Her journey was all about stepping out of her comfort zone and falling in love with the beauty and wonder of unexpected magic and I really liked going on that journey with her.
- Kit. Even though he was mysterious, he was so kind and charming (and fae!) and ahhh!! Just...He's amazing.
- The romance. It felt sweet, adorable, safe, healthy and clean but with just enough tension between them to root for them and to want them to end up together.
- The writing style. Everything is just so beautifully. wonderfully, magically, enchanting and immersive written!
- Magic sprinkled everywhere throughout the book. This book truly felt enchanting, like everything was possible and it kind of reminded me of that childlike wonder, when we believed that all those creatures truly existed and that everything was truly possible (or maybe it is). The book is a cozy romantasy, so it has low-stakes but with just the little right amount of mysteriousness that will keep you guessing and wondering.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ Winterfrost Market is the perfect light cozy romantasy book to cuddle up with a warm cup of tea or hot choco (or anything else warm) under a comfy blanket with fuzzy socks when the weather outside is cold. This book will keep you warm! . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
I expected more of a cozy vibe and less adventure, but this book was a delight, featuring a tea-loving family that moves from town to town to serve their special tea.
But when the mother doesn't return in time, Elsie starts worrying and wants to go look for her mother. She finds a guide, the grumpy Kit, and starts her journey. However, she will find more about her family, her companion and even herself soon enough.
Personally, I loved every aspect of this book. The romance was believable and it didn't feel forced at all, the adventure was interesting and the world building was great and easy to follow.
A total page turning novel, Winterfrost Market is enchanting, romantic, a perfect winter novel. I would 100% recommend!
⭐️2/5
This was a comfy cosy winter themed read with adventure, found family and romance.
My issue with it though was that is all felt quite robotic and slightly juvenile. The writing needs some work to fill in the gaps of scenery, context and dialogue. I was daydreaming off constantly, while I was imaging what the characters could be or should be saying to each other.
Otherwise, its a good and ok read.
This is a pleasant enough little romance taking place in a slightly generic magical world. The setting is underdeveloped with bits of history and world building developed through information dumps. The plot is decent, and the writing is solid. The real stand out here, though, is the characters. Kit and Elsie take most of the journey to the Winterfrost Market to get to trust one another to start doing more than small talk, and I think taking that time was well worth it.
By the time they start truly getting to know one another, and liking one another as people, I buy it. I believe their growing relationship, and it feels grounded. The romance is slow, which I enjoyed; I like seeing characters get to know one another. One thing that really worked for me was Elsie’s response to all the fae magic she was suddenly seeing; she wasn’t horrified or indifferent or snarkily cynical … she was delighted, charmed, and charming in her wonder and joy.
Personally, while this was a quick read and I enjoyed the romance, I’m not invested enough in the world to be interested in picking up book two. But if you’re in the mood for some sparkly, wintery romance fun with a dash of fae, you might enjoy this book.
Thank you very much to Net Galley and the publisher for letting me read an ARC.
The concept of this book was cute — a fantasy adventure with a fae prince who is hiding his true identity — but I found it way too fast paced and I actually wished it was longer. Because of its length, I found it lacked the tension, yearning, and build up that I was looking for. Issues were resolved very quickly and it felt very low stakes.
As some other reviews have mentioned, the dialogue felt stiff, which made it hard for me to connect with the characters. I actually kept wondering if maybe this was intended to be meant for YA audiences.
That being said, anyone who wants a fast paced, cute, fae romance will probably like this. The characters are charming, the setting is whimsical, and it has simple world building that is easy to follow. Woven elements of crystals and nature add a unique element to the magic background. Plus, its themes are perfect for those winter days when you need a cozy comfort book.
A cozy fantasy with christmas ambience AND FAE (winged fae)! These are a few of my favorite things ;D
Winterfrost Market had all the signs that I was going to like it, and I was not disappointed! I had my eye on it for a reason. It's the perfect read to transport you to a holiday fantasy setting, plus it combines some of my favorite aspects in one story, it's a quick and entertaining read. I quickly fell in love with this story and the characters.
I'm glad I came across Winterfrost Market because it's one of those books that transport you to a specific environment, like all Christmas books, but this one is even more special to me because personally I'm not used to reading the typical holiday romance books (I do prefer the movies though). But this one is different! because it's a fantasy, it can also be catalogued as romantasy, it presents us with a quest that the main characters have to perform and both of their paths cross and they have to help each other.
One of the things I loved (and I can't say it enough) is the cozy Christmas vibe, and I appreciate it very much, because the only way for me living in the tropic to live my "Winter Wonderland fantasy" is through books like this one. And I loved it even more because of the fae lore in it (shoutout to the author for adding fae with typical faerie wings) and that one of it's settings is in the winter court, which personally it's one of my favorites. Also Midwinter Haven! which is a safe place where humans, fae, witches and vampires live among each other.
As for the characters, i loved the dynamic between Elsie and Kit, their romance is so cute with the perfect warmth. I loved their personalities and growth! Shoutout to Thomas, for being a perfect sidekick. And of course shoutout to Pepper (Kit's dog), i absolutely LOVE when characters have a pet and the authors know how to fit them perfectly into the story without setting them aside.
I must admit that the only thing that could have been better were the dialogues, specially when Elsie encounters the "modern looking bathroom" for the first time, that part had me cringing a little.
Overall Winterfrost Market is a perfect cozy fantasy read for winter/holiday season, for fae and tea lovers!
Winterfrost Market is an auto conclusive book, if i'm not mistaken it's the beginning of the "Tales of Midwinter Haven" book serie. I'm already wishing to read more of these characters and settings! I will definitely keep an eye out for any future books from Jenny Sandiford.
*A special thanks to the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Winterfrost Market is a sweet cupcake of a book to read. If you're after a cosy and sweet seasonal read then look no further.
Jenny's world building in this story is really well done, and I especially like the way she took time to build the sensory side of things too. Smells and flavours are woven into the story, and I ended up putting the kettle on a couple of times while reading because it kept making me want a cup of tea.
Kit and Elsie's path towards each other was well paced; their bickering and squabbling transitioning to grudging admissions, then admiration, then protectiveness all the way to ... well you know. Knowing the outcome in no way diminishes the journey in this sweet story. I also appreciated the introduction and inter-weaving of the secondary characters. They were in the story to enhance the enjoyment, and stood out as fleshed out characters in their own right.
Without giving away spoilers, I really loved Kit's re-appearance in the town square. Getting the villagers to think beyond their own prejudices really holds true, more so than ever, and it was a delightful moment with a little side reveal of one of their own.
In short, loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Jenny Sandiford for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the perfect book to snuggle up on the couch in a warm blanket with a mug of hot tea. It was cozy, funny, and even had a little bit of danger.
I also deeply appreciate that there is romance, without any smut. I would be completely comfortable letting an older teen read this book. It was delightful in every way, and I enjoyed watching the characters slowly bond and fall in love. The care and respect Kat and Elsie had for each other was so sweet and innocent.
The parts I didn't enjoy were the ones relating to Elsie's Mother. Her backstory wasn't very well explained, and it feels like we never got to know her as a character, even though she was an integral part of the story. I hope we will get more books set in this world that can expand the character's histories, and I'd love to learn more about her sister as well. The dialogue was a bit weird and clunky at times, but after a while you get used to it.
Also Pepper is the cutest doggo on the planet, and deserves all the cuddles and treats!
I was given an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for something festive and magical this Christmas, you've found it. Winterfrost Market is like Emily Wilde meets Legends and Lattes - a perfect mix of peril, fantasy, and cosiness.
When Elsie's mother goes missing while collecting ingredients for their tea shop, Elsie jumps at the opportunity to go after her, even if it means running off with an aloof and abrasive tracker (and his admittedly adorable dog). This leads her into a world she never dared to explore: a world of magic, mystery, and the fae.
I loved how well the novel combined a Christmassy and comforting feeling with a strong plot and element of mystery. The enemies to lovers storyline was really well done, and both characters made for highly entertaining narrators. I would have loved to see a little more of the worldbuilding, but I appreciate that it's difficult going too far into the background of the fae without losing the softness that makes this story special.
By the end, I wanted nothing more than to be in the story with them, and was immersed in the world Sandiford created. This was definitely the calming winter read I was hoping for!
Books with similar vibes - Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett, Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree, Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne, and Midnight in Everwood by M A Kuzniar.