Christmas at Frozen Falls

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Sep 04 2019 | Archive Date Sep 03 2019

Talking about this book? Use #ChristmasAtFrozenFalls #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

Christmas magic can thaw the coldest of hearts…

Sylvie Magnusson is going to be lonely this Christmas. Instead of jetting off for her sunshine honeymoon, she’s freezing at home in Cheshire. Guess that’s what happens when your fiancé dumps you a week before your wedding…

Sylvie’s best friend, Nari, plans a trip to see the Northern Lights and get Sylvie’s mojo back. But as their Lapland getaway approaches, Sylvie realises that Frozen Falls is the hometown of Stellan Virtanen, her dreamy Finnish ex-boyfriend, the one that got away. Even though he actually ran away, and Sylvie never understood why…

Luckily, when they meet, Stellan’s still gorgeous – and her heart is warmed when he shows her the romantic delights of Lapland (as well as some seriously adorable Husky puppies). But when she returns to England can she really leave Stellan behind? Or will she find that her heart belongs in the frozen North?

Curl up with the perfect cosy Christmas read this winter. Fans of Sarah Morgan and Carole Matthews will adore this feel good, heart-warming romcom.

Christmas magic can thaw the coldest of hearts…

Sylvie Magnusson is going to be lonely this Christmas. Instead of jetting off for her sunshine honeymoon, she’s freezing at home in Cheshire. Guess...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781912973279
PRICE £1.99 (GBP)

Average rating from 66 members


Featured Reviews

Do you know those books you read with a smile plastered on your face the whole time? Well, "Christmas at Frozen Falls" is one of them. After being dumped by her fiancé a week before her wedding, Sylvie plans to change her honeymoon destination for a trip to Lapland with her best friend Nari, to the town of Saariselkä, hometown of her first love, Stellan, who broke her heart 15 years before.

I've always wanted to visit Lapland on Christmas, but after reading this book I NEED to go there. Right now, I don't even care it's not Christmas yet! I loved the detailed descriptions of the scenery, the finnish customs and traditions...and those puppies!! Could they be more adorable??

I simply adored this book and the characters (minus a couple of exceptions, you know who you are!!). Perfect read if you want to get into the Christmas spirit, even in the middle of summer. Definitely will check out the author's previous book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the cover of this book immediately. It conjures up a cozy Christmas snuggling up in the warmth, looking at the cold beauty outside. And the book totally delivers.

This story was so easy to read, and so much fun. Two romances in a magical place at Christmas. Snow, aurora, dogs, reindeer, friendship, romance. What more could we ask for.

I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a light hearted, Christmassy escape.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas or at least Winter, and having read Christmas at Frozen Falls, I just want to pack my bags and spend Christmas this year in Lapland.

Ok in reality its a tiny bit too cold for my liking, so I'll probably spend it in a much warmer destination - but wow who wouldn't want to go husky sledding, take a sleigh ride with real reindeer and generally spend a few days at the place that we all know the real Santa lives!

This really is a bit of Christmas magic, seeing how Sylvie and Nari take a last min trip to Lapland, and go to the resort where Sylvie's ex-boyfriend Stellan is from and might be there. In fact we get to meet not only Stellan but also reindeer herder Niilo, who believes Nari may be his soulmate.

Frozen Falls is such a gorgeous location for book, I really felt I was there alongside Sylvie and Nari, its utterly stunning, and if it can't ignite some Christmas feeling in you then nothing will.

I loved seeing how both ladies interacted with their potential romances, and as well as being on holiday together they spend quite a bit of time apart.

It is clear that Finnish Lapland has been well researched with mentions of Finnish customs, and odd phrases in Finnish put in too for flavour. I loved learning about the sauna customs, and also the mentions that Finn men are slightly quieter, less demonstrative than the male species of other Scandinavian countries.

Oh and the huskies, just how adorable are they. Please can I have a husky puppy for Christmas, I really want to give one a big cuddle, and if i had a team of them, I'd be able to rather unique transport!! They really are great and Sylvie spends quite a bit of time with the dogs in this, as she is even more enchanted than I am with them.

Christmas at Frozen Falls is a wonderful start to my Christmas reading this year, its full of festive feeling, fabulous characters, friends, family, snow and all sorts of traditional Lappish food and customs. I just loved every second of this book.

This may only be Kiley Dunbar's second book, but I can already tell these are the start of a long writing career (I hope), as I am loving her writing,. I can't wait to see what is next.

Thank you to Hera and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

There's many types of Christmas books. But the best ones? Those are the ones that leave you feeling things. The ones that make you miss someone, even though they're right next to you. The ones that make you nostalgic for something you can't quite put your finger on. Christmas at Frozen Falls does that.

From the descriptions of the Finish nature, to the respectful depiction of Sami culture, to the dual perspective of both Sylvie's and Niilo's view on their respective romances... The way some magical realism tied in so beautifully to the beautiful reality that is falling in love (again)... Kiley Dubar managed to make me fall in love with her characters and left me with actual tears in my eyes. And the need to tell some people I really love them - and not the biscuit kind of love.

Was this review helpful?

I've never read a novel by this author before but I'm glad I gave this one a go. I fell in love with the cover so knew I had to request it! It's so festive and wintery and simply gorgeous! The storyline had some humour and was well written. The characters were enjoyable to get to know and I loved the location.

Overall, a great festive read. Would recommend

Was this review helpful?

❄ 🌲On the snowy trail of romance-will they succumb?😲
4-4.5 🌟stars
Here is a sweet romance that screams winter holiday, with reindeer-drawn carriage rides, Northern lights, sled dogs, scorching saunas, warming fires, hidden frozen wonderlands and all the trappings of a Finnish Christmas. But at its heart, two young women from Manchester find some appealing men in the Arctic wilds of Finland and need to make big decisions about the direction of their lives once their short holiday ends. Niiolo, a young Lapp reindeer herdsman and business partner to Stellan, heroine Sylvie's long lost love, was my favorite character. He was so self-aware and humble, with the soul of a poet, and when he considered what was best for Sylvie's best friend Nari and did his utmost to see her happy, it was bittersweet, endearing and truly moving. Sylvie's second chance with Stellan was more complicated and her HEA never seemed a given right through to the last few pages!🙃

I think this story is a perfect fit for the romantic who enjoys second chance love stories set against a holiday backdrop. I can enjoy a Christmas romance no matter the month or weather and Christmas at Frozen Falls gave me a lovely touch of winter chill and charm.

Thanks to publisher Hera Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Five stars, five fluffy snowflakes, oh, let’s give this enchanting Christmas story 5 Husky puppies! If you spend Christmas at Frozen Falls in Finnish Lapland, I guarantee you will have the best holiday season ever. How can you not enjoy a book that features an igloo with an ice bar, real reindeer, dog sled rides, a Finnish Christmas carol service, and a Finnish sauna?

And to go along with all these festive and wintry wonders, author Kiley Dunbar has given us four special and well-drawn characters, with the emotions and yearnings that make you love each one. Let’s start with Sylvie Magnusson, who tells us her story in the first person. Sylvie describes herself as a sad, pathetic loser, all alone. If that’s not troubling enough, she also caller herself a “lifelong boiler of bunnies.” What’s gone wrong in Sylvie’s world? Well, thanks to her horrible fiancée, Sylvie has no wedding, or tropical honeymoon.

Sylvie’s best pal Nari decides that the two of them should have a special holiday treat and they fly to Lapland. Nari is a sophisticated Instagrammer and blogger, a solo world traveler, adept in any culture or environment, but not as comfortable in her own skin. Nari’s story is told in the third-person which enables us to know her in a more mystical way.

Sylvie and Nari find Lapland to be beautiful, surprising and welcoming. It’s also cold, isolated and desolate, which enables each woman to contemplate and focus on the present. Sylvie meets up with a man from her past. Nari finds a man, Niilo, who is tuned to the world in a different way. What will happen when the holiday is over?

As both Sylvie and Nari “follow the pull of the magnetic North”, they learn that some feelings are worth the agony. But let’s not get too heavy. Although this book features two beautiful love stories, there are plenty of puppies, and lively and funny stories. The author blends romantic comedy and the life of modern women with lyrical and meaningful observations. Ever wondered about a Finnish sauna”? The sauna experience is beautifully described in the book. “The sauna cleanses your body and soul. You strip away your status, your worries, your sexuality and you just relax.”

This book is subtitled “A cosy, heart-warming romcom to curl up with”. I’m sure that Author Dunbar’s delightful book will help Finland see a huge surge in holiday visitors this year. I know I want to spend Christmas in Lapland petting puppies and going for a sleigh ride.

I highly recommend this book- put it on top of your Christmas reading pile. I enjoyed the Letter from the Author at the end of the book. What a happy, holiday spirit she has!

Thanks to Net Galley and Hera Books for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I had read the previous book by this Author, and loved it.
I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to read an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher in return for an honest review.
I loved the characters in this book, and as for the location, wow, Christmas in Lapland you can't get any more festive than that. I have always wanted to see the Northen Lights, and now I want to visit Finland to see them even more.
Everything about this book is so festive. It is the perfect Christmas book. Such a warm and cosy book, to curl up and read in a cold Winter's day.
I absolutely loved this book, and I hope that Kiley Dunbar writes more books soon.

Was this review helpful?

A heart-warming, second-chance romance with plenty of Christmas cheer.

Sylvie Magnusson finally decides to cancel her honeymoon to Mauritius because it's been six months since her ex-fiancé decided to cancel their wedding after a ten-year engagement. Instead, with her blogger best friend, Nari in tow, the pair head off to Saariselkä to celebrate Christmas, in the frozen Arctic.

Stellan Virtanen never forgot the English girl he met on a university student exchange in Manchester, so he's surprised to receive a Facebook friend request from her after so many years and a message telling him she's flying out to stay in his home town in Finland. However, it isn't until Sylvie arrives that he realises he still has deep buried feelings for her.

As a hero, Stellan is just my type...moody, reserved and sexy. He's one of those guys who will frustrate you to death with his stilted lack of communication but surprises you in an 'actions speak louder than words' way. Sylvie is straight to the point and often overwhelms her beau, therefore I enjoyed the dynamics of the newly acquainted couple as they navigate around their differing personalities to find what works for them.

There's a secondary plot involving Nari and Niilo I didn't relate to in that same way as I did with Sylvie and Stellan, but stranger things happen in the real world, so why not? After all, love conquers all, right?

The author managed to capture the essence of the Arctic winter climate and of the Scandinavia saying "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." In a 'been there, done that way', I laughed out loud as the English duo got to grips with all things Nordic. For those readers with no experience of harsh freezing cold conditions, Ms Dunbar has done a fantastic job of describing the scene perfectly. Additionally, I enjoyed the inclusion of cultural Sami facts about Northern Europe's indigenous people, relevant to Lapland and Niilo.

Overall, a lovely happy ending against a beautiful festive backdrop. With plenty of Christmassy feel-good vibes and cute puppies, it's a wonderful holiday romance.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Hera via NetGalley***

Was this review helpful?

It’s been six months since Sylvie Magnusson’s fiancé dumped her one week before her wedding. Her honeymoon holiday to Mauritius is approaching fast, and with a little bit of persuasion from her best friend Nari, Sylvie cancels Mauritius. Travel blogger, Nari uses her contacts to rebook a holiday for both of them to the Finnish town of Frozen Falls to see the Northern Lights, which also happens to be the home town of Sylvie’s ex-boyfriend Stellan, who she hasn’t seen for many years…..

I know you’re going to wonder why I’m reading Christmas books at the beginning of September! Trust me, it’s never too early to read a book that filled with such Christmas cheer!! Just as the nights are getting darker and it’s getting a little bit cooler, what’s better than grabbing a blanket and cosying down with this book! This book couldn’t be any more Christmassy if it tried!! The location of Frozen Falls tucked away in Lapland is absolutely divine!! The best holidays aren’t necessarily full of sun, sea and sangria – perhaps snow, dog sled rides, ice bars and a Finnish sauna are the ways to go! The author’s descriptions of all of these things (plus more!) make you want to grab your snowsuit, put on your thermals and book yourself in to a Finnish cabin!

I love Sylvie’s character! She’s certainly had her fair share of heartache, and when we meet her ex-fiancé at the beginning of the story, you just want to help her stick a certain piece of jewellery up his nose!! Her relationship with her best friend, Nari was particularly heart-warming. Nari was definitely the stronger of the two characters, but even as the story moved on you begin to see a more tender side to her. Of course, there’s going to be romance in this book but just who and who with is something you’ll find out when you read it! I liked Sylvie’s ex-boyfriend, Stellan, eventually… but he really didn’t come across very well in the first encounter with him!!

This is the perfect book to open up this year’s seasonal reading!! If you think you shouldn’t be reading Christmas books until Christmas….think again!! Get ahead of the game and start feeling festive before everyone else!! This book is jam packed full of festive fun, friendship and romance….as well as the obvious cold, snow and ice! Oh…..and huskies, don’t forget the huskies!! Love this book!! Would definitely recommend!!

Was this review helpful?

Christmas in a book, that’s what this was to me, it gave me the warm fuzzies, just happiness and joy. I loved the descriptions so much I could have been there, this is an amazing holiday read, Lapland, huskies, romance and Christmas. What more do you want for a toasty evening read. This is a wonderful book that makes you smile as you read, highly recommended for anyone with a heart and love of Christmas or winter.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Was this review helpful?

What a lovely, festive read this proved to be - one to read whatever the season when you're looking for a heartwarming romance. It doesn't have a very romantic start as Sylvie Magnusson should be going off on honeymoon over the Christmas period but her fiancé called off the wedding just a week before he was due to put the ring on her finger. Initially she'd decided to make the most of their holiday plans but then can't face the honeymoon suite.

Instead, her best friend Nari manages to use her contacts to enable them to visit Lapland to see the Northern Lights. This rekindles fond memories of her time in University when Stellan Virtanen was visiting and became her boyfriend, first love and the one that ran away. They're visiting his homeland and staying in his resort. The chemistry is still there between them but why did he leave last time? Can she trust a man again? What will happen when she goes home again? Will love find a way to give them their HEA this time?

This is a delightful second chance romance, complete with some adorable Husky puppies, snowy adventures and hot romances. It is a lovely story to escape into, with great characters, fantastic frozen scenery, amazing sights and light, and a couple of romances to melt even a frozen heart. I really enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who likes escaping into contemporary, second chance romances.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it - and throughly enjoying doing so! I'll definitely be looking out for more books by this author in future.

Was this review helpful?

A great read in a great setting. Makes me want to book a holiday to Lapland now!

The book tells the story of friends Sylvie and Nari. Sylvie is single after being dumper by her fiance weeks before there wedding. Instead of heading off on her honeymoon, she swaps the flights and goes to Lapland with her best friend instead, choosing the town where she knows her ex from uni is from.

Both friend fall in love with Lapland and also fall for a man while they are there, so what will happen when it is time to return home?

Was this review helpful?

Wow!! Oh my goodness, I am so excited by this book. It is magical!
I have loved the plot of this book, Kiley engaged me from the very beginning and really pulled me into story. I honestly didn’t know what to predict might happen because I was so lost.
I love the characters in this book, every girl needs a best friend like Nari. I really felt for Sylvie, every little girl dreams of the day they get married. Kiley has created realistic and likeable characters which has enhanced how wonderful this book is.
The setting is another superb part of the book, what’s more romantic than Lapland? Especially when coming face to face with your first ever love.
This is a magical story, I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I’m just going to say it’s utterly perfect. I really want to put my Christmas tree up and get the Christmas songs on.
This is my first read by Kiley Dunbar but I can 100% guarantee that it will not be the last. This is a must read, heartwarming Christmas story. I would easily give this book hundreds of stars, unfortunately five is the highest- but this doesn’t show how magical and fantastic this story is.

Was this review helpful?

A lovely novel that made made crave to travel to Lapland.
It's heartwarming, fun to read and well written.
I loved the well written cast of characters, the gorgeous descriptions and the engrossing and entertaining plot.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Was this review helpful?

I’m always a bit of a pushover for a Christmas read – but I think this might just be the first time I’ve found myself reading one in August. And it wasn’t just “a little bit Christmas” – this was a full-on Christmas experience, set (mostly) in Lapland, complete with decorations, roaring fires, reindeer and huskies, snow and ice and a rather delicious man in a Santa suit. But whoever it was that decided to publish this book so very early, I forgive you completely – this book was just sheer gorgeousness from the first page to the last, and I loved every moment.

I was in Sylvie’s corner from the moment I met her – and given that Cole treated her so atrociously (and he hasn’t finished yet!), and that all she had to look forward to over the holidays was the Christmas Strictly special, who could blame her for having her arm twisted by friend Nari to try a break in Lapland instead of the cancelled honeymoon in Mauritius? And why not Saariselkä – maybe she can find out what happened to Stellan, her first love, who walked away and broke her heart?

I particularly loved her because of her really distinctive voice, consistent throughout – she has the most wonderful self-deprecating sense of humour and, despite our age difference, she was so very easy to identify with as she shared her every inner thought. Throughout the book, I laughed and smiled with her, felt her uncertainty and her pain, and really desperately wanted her to find her happy ending. But heavens, that family she’d tied herself up with – Cole’s mother is quite horrendous, those barbed comments that no-one else noticed, the way she favoured her son over his sister… brilliant observation, and such excellent writing!

But then we’re off to Lapland, and it’s a wonderful adventure – the whole setting is perfectly drawn, with all those magical Christmassy details, and the possibility of rekindling a rather special relationship. There are some of the most perfect touches – everyone will love the huskies, but there are some other lovely touches around the resort too, like the glass walls of the bedroom, the bare tree awaiting its decorations, the makings of an open fire. And then there’s that simply perfect Finnish carol service they stumble across. And the ice bar in the forest clearing. And might they get to see the Northern Lights? Oh, of course they will… along with finding out a great deal more about the benefits of a Finnish sauna.

I haven’t mentioned Nari much yet, but I did really like the fact that this was her story too. Her travel blog gives the story a nice contemporary edge – and despite her initial flightiness, she turned out to have unexpected depths, and I really enjoyed the way her character developed. Her friendship with Sylvie had a real warmth about it, and her developing relationship with Niilo was incredibly touching.

I’m aware I might just be making the whole book seem warm and rather fluffy, but I was also really impressed by the obvious research that must have gone into it – Finland is unfamiliar territory for me, and I learned a lot about the lifestyle and particularly about the lives and beliefs of the Sámi people. And although the story’s edges are mostly soft, there’s a particularly realistic depiction of heartbreak and loneliness – and the second chance romances with all their uncertainties are so very heartwarming and just perfectly handled. And as for the writing itself – it has a tremendous confidence about it, and the author has a perfect emotional touch.

That comparison with Carole Matthews? I thought it was absolutely spot on. A really special book, and an author to watch for the future… when you’re ready for a Christmas read, I’d highly recommend getting your hands on this one. As for me, I’m still wondering if I’d actually prefer a Christmas Lapland break or just the husky puppy…

Was this review helpful?

The one thing I'm certain of when I pick up a Kiley Dunbar book is the knowledge that I'm in safe hands and a truly memorable story is about to unfold itself before my eyes. I can hand on heart say that this book did not disappoint in the slightest. From the twinkling, snowy landscapes of Lapland, to the heartwarming romance that played out on the pages, I was in my element. I had all but packed my suitcase, together with a one way ticket, to permanently move to the home of all things Christmas.


The narrative delivered festive romance in all it's cosy glory and I was swept away on a delicious adventure that I didn't want to end. The characters came alive as I travelled on this glorious adventure filled with snow, romance and love and I fell in love with the story that glittered and shimmered with the turn of each and every page. Kiley is the master of memorable stories and this is certainly one I won't forget in a hurry.


Christmas at Frozen Falls is the perfect recipe for a festive read. Even devouring this delightful number in September still gave me all the Christmas feels as I was picked up and transported to Lapland.....the eternal Christmas destination. This is certainly one story to add to your tbr pile for the up coming festive season that's for sure.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

What a great book, set in Lapland (makes me want to spend Christmas there).

Sylvie was ditched by her husband to be and should be jetting of on her honeymoon. Instead her and her best friend Nari book a trip to lapland, choosing the town where her first love was from (he was on an exchange trip when they met at uni).

What happens when she meets Stellan again?

Was this review helpful?

I love a Christmasy rom-com so when I had the chance to join the blog tour for Kiley Dunbar’s Christmas at Frozen Falls, thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Hera Books, I jumped at the chance.

This was one of those books that you smiled reading from the very first page. It is such a feel-good, rom-com

Sylvie and best friend Nari jet off to Frozen Falls in a bid to mend Sylvie’s broken heart. Both these characters were wonderful as were each of their love interests, Stellan, Sylvie’s ex and his friend Nillo.

The relationships they each share come through the pages and you feel like you are part of it, especially between the two girls.

Is it possible to stay at Frozen Falls? This was a fantastic location for this story and I felt like I was there with Slyvie and Nari going husky sledding and a sleigh ride with real reindeers.

I really enjoyed learning about the Finnish traditions through this book, which was clearly well researched.

I read Kiley Dunbar’s debut novel earlier this year and loved it just as much as this one and can’t wait for her to bring out more.

Was this review helpful?

This has set the scene nicely for some Christmas reading. It has in fact set the bar pretty high for festive romance. It is such a lovely, escapist read, full of glistening snow, reindeers, sparkling ice caves and for good measure, skies lit up with the aurora borealis. Gorgeous. The beautiful setting is ever present in the story and such a contrast to life back in Sylvie's Cheshire. There is plenty of detail about life in Lapland,and some great touches such as the beautiful carol service which Sylvie and Nari stumble over and the music of the Sami people.

In addition to the relationship between Sylvie and Stellan, with all their past issues, I particularly enjoyed the episodes with Sylvie's friend, Nari. She has such a distinctive voice in the book and her links with her travel blog gave her a distinct personality which seemed quite current. Will Sylvie grasp her opportunity and take a risk and trust again? There is plenty to be said about taking a leap of faith and recognising second chances. Even though it is still September, it feels like Christmas!

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

Was this review helpful?

It’s never too early to start reading Christmas books and even though the festive season is a couple of months away, I absolutely could not put down Kiley Dunbar’s fun, festive and feel-good romantic comedy, Christmas at Frozen Falls.

Sylvie Magnusson is not exactly full of Christmas cheer. Her fiancé dumped her a week before their wedding and rather than spending the last few weeks of the year topping up her tan and sipping cocktails by the pool under the scorching sun, she is stuck at home in Cheshire! But luckily for her Sylvie, her good friend Nari steps in with a perfect plan to help her restore her flagging mojo: a trip to see the Northern Lights! A delighted Sylvie cannot wait to leave England behind for Frozen Falls – even if it does happen to be the hometown of her former boyfriend, her dreamy Finnish ex, Stellan…

Sylvie had been crazy in love with Stellan, however, all her romantic hopes and dreams had been dashed when Stellan had called time on their relationship and, with no explanation, had simply walked out of her life. Sylvie has always wondered why Stellan hadn’t wanted to be in a relationship with her anymore – and it looks like she will have plenty of time to ask him why as the two reconnect in Frozen Falls.

As never forgotten feelings resurface with a vengeance, Stellan and Sylvie find themselves getting closer again and the more time they spend with one another, the more they find themselves falling for each other again. But with Sylvie’s holiday in Lapland about to come to a close, will she leave the man she loves with all of her heart behind? Or will she realize that her heart is with Stellan in Lapland?

Christmas at Frozen Falls is a delight from beginning to end that will touch your heart and make you laugh out loud. A heart-warming and uplifting romantic read about love lost and found, second chances and new beginnings, Christmas at Frozen Falls will keep you turning the pages and leave you with a great big smile on your face.

Kiley Dunbar is a name to watch out for and with Christmas at Frozen Falls, she has written a fabulous romantic comedy you will simply not be able to put down.

Was this review helpful?

I know for many it is too early to mention the 'C' word but the book on the blog today is more than just a festive story - it is a wonderful depiction of friendship, acceptance of the past, and strength to find happiness when things are not looking so great. Plus there is Christmas magic, beautiful settings, huskies, and hot chocolate to give you all the warm, fuzzy feelings as the evenings begin to get a little darker and chillier.

Sylvie does not want to face Christmas this year but she hasn't got much choice. She should have been going on her luxurious honeymoon with Cole, her husband. But that didn't happen because Cole called their wedding off, OVER THE PHONE, and left Sylvie to pick up the pieces of what their life would have looked like. But Sylvie has her best friend, Nari, and together they are going to go away, relax, and recharge. And Lapland seems to be the perfect choice. The beauty of Frozen Falls is sure to make anyone feel brighter and when Sylvie runs into Stellan, the one who got away all those years ago, things may just be starting to look up.

CHRISTMAS AT FROZEN FALLS by Kiley Dunbar is a wonderfully entertaining story set in a beautiful place and I found myself completely caught up in this book from start to finish. Sylvie has really been through the wringer with Cole but I loved how she is determined to try and enjoy herself for Nari's sake as well as her own. Their friendship really stood out the whole way through and it was lovely to read, but I enjoyed getting to know them separately as they tried to figure out their own love interests.

​With plenty of mishaps and romance, CHRISTMAS AT FROZEN FALLS by Kiley Dunbar is simply magical and I highly recommend it to all romance and Christmas fiction readers.

Was this review helpful?

Check Out My full Review On Bibliomedico : https://bibliomedico.wordpress.com/2019/09/10/blog-tour-book-review-christmas-at-frozen-falls-by-kiley-dunbar/

First Of All , I must talk about the setting , This Beautiful Novel takes place in a Literally Magical Place , All I’ve been Thinking After reading it , (I Want To go there ) , Like seriously . In my country , the weather is still really hot , So this novel made me remember how amazing Winter could be . 😛

The Novel Is so WEll- researched and You can Notice That By the descriptions and the Things mentioned such as , Customs , Nature ….

Kiley Dunbar Writing style Is great , actually . Her Words are so warm , the descriptions are visual , lush and intriguing . I was smiling while reading the whole book .

I loved the characters so much , the novel was full of festive feelings , amazing characters, Christmas vibes , Family and friends .

As always , I won’t spoil the story by talking about it , I will leave the blurb below , But for me Christmas at Frozen Falls was the perfect start for my Christmas – themed reads .

Was this review helpful?

This book will make you want to book tickets to Lapland this Christmas! If you want a book to kick off your festive mood this holiday season, this book is the one to choose. The setting is wonderful and the characters are engaging. I'm hoping to choose it as the Christmas book club read in December in the library.

Was this review helpful?

What an adorable and emotional book
This book made me feel like it was Christmas
The writing style was very strong and managed to bring an emotional element to it
This is a wonderful sweet romantic read

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this heart-warming and snowy Christmas romance. Lapland was the perfect setting and I had serious envy over the cabins that Sylvie and Nari got to stay in! Wishing that this Christmas I could be out there with reindeers and cookies and hot Finnish men!

A cosy and warm read that I whizzed through in a weekend - would recommend!

Was this review helpful?

This is the first time I read a book by this author and I must say I really enjoyed it! It is such a gorgeous setting for a story and it just makes you feel very festive. This is not just your average run of the mill Christmas book yes there is humour but there is also some very emotional parts that are just fab!

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book. Great characters, easy read, uplifting, funny, romantic and charming. A really nice story that is the perfect escapist read.

Was this review helpful?

This year Christmas books seem to be entering the mix that bit early. As I usually have a weird ritual whereby I only start talking about/blogging about/ reading Christmas books on October 4th ( I don’t know why the specific date!) the need I had to read this book threw me, but I went with it (albeit praying next year there won’t be Christmas books landing in August!!)
This is the story of Sylvie, who has been jilted in the most horrible way a week before her wedding. Her ex-groom-to-be Cole, is a clueless piece of work with a would-have-been mother in law to Sylvie who is the ultimate in high end baddies!! I will admit, before I jetted off with Sylvie and her epic best friend, Nari, I was absolutely taken with Cole’s family, and in particular his mother and long suffering sister. (Okay I’ll say it now, if there was any form of a sequel to be had I would kill for more of this, his sister’s story kept going around in my mind in this book! There. I said it!!)
Anyhoo, back to Sylvie! I loved that they were going to Lapland at Christmas and the magical dreamy setting and activities (complete with cute dogs) made me so happy!! I flew through this book enjoying every second but it was the beginning, with Cole and his family, her own lovely family, the bang on humour and zing, memories of festiveness and the sparkliness in general are what has sealed Ms. Dunbar as an author I will without doubt be following!!Very much recommended! Thanks so much to Rachel’s Random Resources for for the book in return for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5/5

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. First Christmas book of this year that i have read, and I must say that I started with the best of them all.

Was this review helpful?

Less than hundred days to Christmas and the literary world is already abuzz with Christmas books. So if you are not yet in the festive spirit, this story will be the perfect start. Travel to Finnish Lapland, hug some cute huskies, see the Northern Lights and experience the magic of Christmas along with Sylvie and Nari.
Yes, yes, I know. It is not even winter, but what does it matter to a talented author. Off we go to the winter wonderland, all thanks to the beautiful writing of Kiley Dunbar. And the love story is just the icing of the cake. Oops! my bad. It is love stories since there are not one but two.
For Sylvie and Stellan this is a second chance at love, while for Nari and Niilo, it is love at first sight (love the way their names rhyme). Narrated through multiple perspectives, we get to experience each character's emotional turmoil, all leading to a much expected and cutely visioned happy ending.
So don't forget to add this cosy, cute romance to your Christmas reading list. Have a great time enjoying the wintry nights in Lapland!

Was this review helpful?

This is a new author to me and I definitely will read more of her books. I love Christmas books and Christmas at Frozen Falls was no exception. Great plot and setting. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

The book was magical. It was amazing how a story set in the freezing cold land of Lapland could produce so much warmth that it brought a glow to my heart. A fun romance which showed me that everything happened at a definite time in this universe, even falling in love. And author Kiley Dunbar has proved it so beautifully with this book.

Sylvie was to marry Cole, he ditched her, a jerk. So the supposed honeymoon trip was with her best friend Nari to Lapland. And romance blossomed with an old college ex, Stellan.

My first book by this author, it was a romantic journey into the descriptions of the landscapes and the self-discovery that Sylvie went through. I liked how she grew up and understood herself far better down the pages.

The chapters had different POV which sometimes don't work well for me, but the author totally made it rock here. I liked knowing how everyone was genuine and vested in their relationships. Love and friendship abounded in this sweet tale, along with the tradition and cultures of Lapland.

The book had an additional aspect which enamored me completely. Not only was her romance detailed, but best friend Nari had one of her own which was quite interesting as she was a travel blogger who didn't love easily.

Frozen Falls was delightful where I could believe that anyone could fall in love, both with the land and the people of Lapland. A convincing tale where the warmth of Christmas was rooted in the hearts of the characters, healing them and giving them a second chance.

Was this review helpful?

Lovely festive read. It was a heart warming romance. It was a wonderful book to read. It was well written and flowed well.

Was this review helpful?

Christmas at Frozen Falls is a sweet Christmas read about healing, friendship, and the one who got away.

Initially, I wasn't a fan of this book. It starts off months after the infamous 'dumping before the wedding' and even though I can understand Sylvie being devastated by the loss of the future she thought she'd have, I couldn't understand how she was still so broken when the evil-dumper, Cole, was a complete jackass and his mother sounds like the mother-in-law from the deepest darkest depths of hell! Sylvie dodged a massive bullet and I didn't feel she was grieving over the loss of her fiance so much as the loss of a fantasy future, if that makes sense? She was more upset about the dog - totally understandable - and it made her melodrama tedious.

But then, she and her best friend decide to head to Finnish Lapland for Christmas and this gets Sylvie thinking about the Finnish guy she loved back in Uni - Stellen - and you feel that connection, that loss, fresh and aching even though their relationship had ended fifteen years ago! Thus the story got more interesting and Sylvie got less annoying.

When the resort they go to happens to be Stellen's resort, you know what's going to happen (and let's face it, it's in the blurb) but it doesn't detract from the sweet, wonderful, journey of falling in love again with the one who got away.

It was so easy while reading this book to get swept off to snow-covered forests under a glowing sky... To smell the crisp coldness of the snow mixed with pine sap. To imagine yourself snuggled in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate beside a roaring fire.
It was magical, especially with the romance bubbling along beside you.

The ending had me smiling and happy but a little unsatisfied if I'm honest. Stellen and Sylvie had a happy for now ending. A nice, teasing, promise of a beautiful future if they could make it work. For some, that would be enough but I'm the type of gal who, in those circumstances, needs a flipping epilogue reassuring me that everything does indeed end happily.
Let's face it, people don't read romance for a reality check! Give us a cast-iron happy ever after, dammit!

Regardless of my minor grumbles, I recommend it if you want a mental trip to Lapland this year to play in the snow and play with some husky dogs!

Was this review helpful?

Cute, Christmas contemporary doesn’t completely warm the heart.

3.5 out of 5 stars

I feel like everyone immediately knows some quintessential facts about me: I adore my dogs, I can be a bit loud, and I adore Christmas novels and movies. My dedication to Christmas knows no bounds. Just try changing the Hallmark channel anytime in the month of December. You will be (not so nicely) escorted from my house. Needless to say when I was offered an opportunity to review Christmas at Frozen Falls by Kiley Dunbar, I grabbed my hot chocolate and e-reader and settled in.

Our main character Sylvie has been brutally dumped by her fiancée the week of her wedding. Yikes! So our story begins six months later and Sylvie is trying to progress with her life. Christmas is approaching and plans are being made and remade. Rather than go on the tropical honeymoon Sylvie had arranged, her best friend Nari convinces her to pick a different location. Instantly, a college sweetheart pops into Sylvie’s mind. Could Stellan still be in Finnish Lapland? There is only one way to find out: a best friends’ ultimate Christmas getaway, complete with snow, reindeer, huskies, and remote cabins! However, there is more coming than either Sylvie or Nari can predict, complete with a chance at love.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. The atmosphere was completely engrossing and even transported me to the other side of the Artic Circle. Imagine my shock when I took a break from reading and stepped outside into the blistering 98 degree weather. The story was cute and provided enough warm fuzzies to rival my warmest, fuzziest socks, but there were some minor issues. Grammar issues were more frequent than I would have liked. Sylvie’s story was competing with Nari’s, which was very distracting, and there needed to be more steam! Every time we had a hint of a kiss, the scene abruptly changed. Just give a girl something! I also took issue with the vacation to Finnish Lapland itself. This is supposed to be a week-long trip and I would have loved to read more about the country and its cultural traditions, but we mainly got tension and angst and adorable female bonding time. Please do not misunderstand me. I LOVED seeing a strong female friendship, but it would have been great to see it balanced a bit better. My main problem came with the end. The book seemed to suddenly stop, leaving me scratching my head. Kiley, please tell me how this is going to work! I need to know. What are Sylvie and Nari doing now? Wrap this up in a neat, professionally wrapped package and put a giant sparkly bow on it. I just need more!

*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

A heart-warming delicious read that makes you want to play in the snow, snuggle with a husky and drink hot cocoa... I couldn’t put it down.

Was this review helpful?

A lovely and life affirming novel, very season appropriate and highty enjoyable. Would definitely recommend to other romance readers.

Was this review helpful?

ylvie is meant to be going on her amazing beachside honeymoon. However her fiancee has dumped her - a week before the wedding, so she is not living her best life. Until her best friend decides to step in and declare what Sylvie needs is a girls trip to…. Lapland… in winter… for Christmas.

As luck would have it the destination is the hometown of Sylvie’s first love, who just happens to be ‘the one that got away’, and when she sets eyes on him again all those feelings come rushing back. Can this possibly be Sylvie’s Christmas miracle?

I loved everything about this book. I laughed, I cried, I cheered both girls on with their pursuit of love. Excuse me while I pack my bags and hop on a plane to Lapland to chase the aurora borealis and find my own love in the snowfields. With, of course, another Kiley Dunbar novel to keep me company on the way.

Was this review helpful?

This was a magical, atmospheric, Christmas second chance romance. I loved it. It was a great escape book to cozy up with.
Many thanks to Hera Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Everybody knows I love RomComs, they are one of my guilty pleasures.  Everyone also knows I am a sucker for Christmas novels, they are another one of my guilty pleasures.  Could you imagine my absolute bliss when I saw that Kiley Dunbar was writing a Cozy Christmas Romcom and I had the opportunity to read and review it for a blog tour?   I can't believe you didn't hear me squeal in anticipation!  This is a Hallmark Channel lover's dream come true.

When Sylvie's fiancee cancels their wedding after a ten year engagement, six months later she is still dealing with the aftermath while stuck in a prescheduled honeymoon trip over Christmas.   Instead of taking the trip to the sunny beach of Mauritius she and her best friend Nari head off to the winter wonderland of Saariselka to celebrate the holiday.

Needless to say, choosing to change the destination to Sasriselka was not an accident, as "the one that got away" in Sylvie's eyes happens to live in this lovely arctic town.   It seems that when Stellan left 15 years earlier, Sylvie never knew why, and maybe while there she can find out, and if she's lucky, quite possibly give it a second chance.

This book is the epitome of Christmas, winter wonderlands, sleds, warm fires and the coziest of romances.  It truly is the best of both worlds.  There are funny moments, touching moments, and the overall warm fuzzy feeling you want to feel when reading a holiday romance.  The characters are fun, likable and people that you downright want to see find some type of happiness in the end.  The story is told in multiple POV, which adds to the characters depth and emotions, and the author does a brilliant job of making you fall in love with each one of them.  If you are looking for a second chance love story during your favorite holiday season, in one of the most "Christmasy" places you can imagine, pick this one up right away.  Kiley Dunbar has written a beautiful story that does not come off as "cheesy" or "cliche" but still gives you all the Holiday charm that would make even the Hallmark Channel CEO proud.  If she keeps writing holiday stories like this I may give up all other genres of books.  Solid 4 stars.

Was this review helpful?

I just finished the book one minute ago and I just cannot wait to let you know how much I LOVED this book from first to last page! This book made me so emotional! I almost cried! I absolutely loved the storyline, loved the setting in Lapland, Finland (!!!! yes!) and loved the characters! This book is even more dear to my heart as I am half finnish and I miss Finland all year round when I am not there (I only visit in the summer). I felt like I was in Finland for a few hours thanks to Kiley Dunbar and her description for all things finnish is really accurate. Good job! Oh I loved this book so much! Cannot wait to read another book from this author! 5 stars out of 5 for "Christmas at Frozen Falls" for me!!!!!

Was this review helpful?

4.5*
I reckon Sylvie had a lucky escape when Cole dumped her a week before their wedding. I’m not sure how she stuck with him during their ten year engagement, to be honest, especially given his behaviour and with what would have been the mother-in-law from hell. But still, Sylvie didn’t relish the prospect of a miserable Christmas alone instead of honeymooning in newly wedded bliss on Mauritius.

Unable to get a refund after leaving it until the last minute, best friend Nari saves the day with the idea of a transfer to ‘Santa’s Enchanted Lapland.’ Sylvie chooses the resort of Saariselkä, not altogether unselfishly as she remembered Stellan, her first boyfriend who she had thought was ‘The One’, and knowing he lived there. When Stellan left her and went back home without a word, Sylvie always wondered why. Perhaps now, at last, she could find out…

The story is told mostly from Sylvie’s first person perspective, interspersed with other third person points of view, giving a greater understanding of each well drawn character’s thoughts and feelings. There’s obviously been a lot of research undertaken and I appreciated how Kiley Dunbar worked Finnish and Sámi traditions and culture into the narrative.

Sylvie is easy to identify with, the knock backs she’s had making her doubt herself but buoyed up by Nari, a confident, independent and seasoned travel blogger who loves her lifestyle. The friendship between the two is lovely. Stellan and Niilo, the reindeer herdsman at the resort and Stellan’s business partner as well as best friend, are perfect for the male leads and couldn’t be more different.

After reading this, I really want to spend a Christmas in Lapland, specifically at Frozen Falls (please don’t tell me it’s a fictional place!) The descriptions are magical—the snow, the modes of travel, the guest cabins and glass bedrooms with an unobstructed view of the night sky, hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire, sleigh rides…not forgetting the gorgeous husky pups, one in particular.

A lovely story of self discovery and second chances in a wonderfully vivid and Chrismassy setting.

Was this review helpful?

If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, you'll love Christmas at Frozen Falls. Treat yourself to a fantastic holiday romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**

Title Christmas at Frozen Falls

Author Kiley Dunbar

Release Date September 4, 2019

Description from Amazon

Sylvie Magnusson is going to be lonely this Christmas. Instead of jetting off for her honeymoon, she’s freezing at home in Cheshire. Guess that’s what happens when your fiancé dumps you a week before your wedding…

Sylvie’s best friend, Nari, plans a trip to see the Northern Lights and get Sylvie’s mojo back. But as their Lapland getaway approaches, Sylvie realises that Frozen Falls is the hometown of Stellan Virtanen, her dreamy Finnish ex-boyfriend, the one that got away.

When they meet, Stellan’s still gorgeous – and her heart is warmed when he shows her the romantic delights of Lapland (as well as some adorable Husky puppies). But when she returns to England, can she really leave Stellan behind? Or will she find that her heart belongs in the frozen North?

Initial Thoughts

Ok, so the name of the game for the month of December is finish up all outstanding items in NetGalley. I actually purposefully saved a Christmas book for December and I’m so glad this is the one I chose.

Some Things I Liked

Two stories for the price of one! I loved that we got to see two completely different types of love stories develop during this book. Sylvie and Nari are both amazing and totally different characters who were at different places in their lives when the story began. I loved seeing the separate chapters about each of them.
Sylvie as a narrator. She was a wonderful narrator and I loved her inner thought monologues throughout the book.
Christmas as a setting. I love Christmas time – and I think it always makes an amazing backdrop to a cute story. There are so many magical elements: cookies, snow, decorating trees, need I go on? Everything about using Christmas in this story made it better.

Final Thoughts

I’m so glad I saved this book. I loved it and it really kicked me into Christmas-gear. (I’m super behind on my shopping and schedule right now!) But, this story was so cute and it made me want to get back on track.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

The Last Note by Grace McGinty – if you liked all of the feelings and slightly older characters in this story, give The Last Note book a try. It’s a bit more of a tear-jerker, but still has a ton of emotions and a really nice story.
The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft – if you like cute, Christmas rom-coms, check out this book.
Coming Home to Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters – if you like Gilmore Girls and adorable Christmas stories, give this book a read.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fab little Christmas read! Set in Lapland so it’s all snow, lights and festive feelings. It’s really put me in the Christmas mood and made me want to visit Lapland so much more. There are 2 love stories in this book and I really enjoyed following them through to the end. I’d definitely read another book by this author.

Was this review helpful?

I think that next Christmas I need to spend it in Lapland. This was a cute, festive story that had me feeling warm and fuzzy!

Was this review helpful?

My thoughts
Narrative and Plot


Christmas at Frozen Falls is a cozy holiday read which will make you long to visit the Laplands for once in your life. The scenic beauty and the landscape in itself is an important part of the narrative and you're taken into this magical world of snow and reindeers and other countless delights of the Finnish land. The backdrop and the holiday spirit is definitely what you expect from a Christmas read.

The story is told from Sylvie's perspective for most parts. Although the abrupt shift to Nilo's pov threw me off the first time. The beginning of the book is particularly witty and lively despite Sylvie being in dull spirits. But as we go on it takes on a more serious tone of longing and belonging which I believe anyone can relate to.





Characters and Conflicts




Sylvie starts as your typical chic lit/romance heroine wallowing over her situation and love life. She is also someone who can laugh at her own misgivings. She is kind, fiesty and strong who isn't afraid to speak her mind but later overthink it all. ( Personally, that's so me)
Then we have her bestie Narie who is a solo traveller and a blogger. I loved the blog posts in between.

Together they embark on a journey to the Arctic circle and swept by the warmth of the Finnish Laplands during holidays. The simultaneous love stories is a clever thought to keep the readers interested in finding out more about their respective love stories.

While Nilo is your typical romance book hero , Stellan protrayed the real life version of men who are not emotionally expressive.
The ending was a bit abrupt. You would want to know more about them. In fact I wouldn't mind another book to know how they figured it all out (the whole poles apart thing).





Conclusion


Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It features many of the modern day relationship issues and yet manages a light tone to the whole plot. The Scandinavian atmosphere definitely puts you in the holiday spirit. Curl up with this rom-com on a perfectly good festive season, to enjoy your Christmas at Frozen Falls.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. There’s a light hearted freshness to the writing and it fizzes with energy and anticipation throughout. Lovable characters and an amazing setting made this thoroughly enjoyable. Great read!

Thank you Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

A fabulous festive treat set in the Frozen Falls resort of Finnish Lapland, I really enjoyed this book. The setting was beautifully described and made me want to visit. A good cast of characters who I could empathise easily with. Well paced, a story of heartbreak, friendship, second chances and romance. I loved the husky puppies. A great story to escape into away from the wet english weather.

A lovely cosy story perfect for an afternoon on the sofa.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

This book was a brilliant read and one that is perfect to escape for a few hours and loose yourself.
Characters that fall out of the pages of the book and make you fell apart of the story, the setting is lovely and captured well with words.
A great read. that I would highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

When Sylvie's fiance calls off the wedding a week ahead of time, she is at a loss. So what is a girl to do? Her best friend talks her into keeping her honeymoon trip, but instead of tropical they change it to Lapland. With a choice of two places she picks the home of her old college romance. Stellan, however, is not overly happy to see her, but his friend is very happy to meet her best friend. A sweet and fun holiday romance. I did like it, but did tend to skim a bit, especially during the youth angst (since I'm over 50 I find that silly, but that is just me). Would recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: