Review: Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland by Belinda Jones

Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 352
Published: December 18, 2012
Publisher: Hodder
Genre: Fiction, Romance

My Rating: 4/5

Summary (from amazon.ca):

Imagine waking up in a snow globe... That's how travel journalist Krista feels when she arrives in magical Quebec to report on Canada's glittering Winter Carnival. Over ten sub-zero days Krista's formerly frozen heart begins to melt as she discovers an enchanting world of ice palaces, husky dog-sledding and maple-syrup treats galore. And then she meets Jacques, a man as handsome and rugged as he is mysterious... The two share a secret that could bond them forever, but can they find a way to break through the protective layers around their hearts to warm up this winter wonderland?

Review:

**NOTE: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher.  However, no compensations were made and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings.**

Imagine spending a night in a hotel made entirely of ice... and then imagine waking up to a gorgeous pair of eyes staring at you.  Yep, that drew me in too!!

There was no better time to read Winter Wonderland than the month of February when the actual Winter Carnival is taking place.  As I saw pictures on my cousins Facebook page of her at the actual 'Ice Hotel', I would fall asleep at night reading a novel about love and loss that takes place at the exact same place.  Not only that, but any book that uses Canada as it's back drop is a great one in my opinion.

Krista is a great main character.  She is old beyond her years and through some really tough life experiences, keeps her heart guarded.  I really liked this aspect because it made for more of a 'real life' romance.  Sure there are those that meet someone and go from 1 to 100 in a night, but Krista has a secret and I enjoyed the long road to romance that was taken in Winter Wonderland.  Jacques was also a character that stole my heart.  A mysterious man that spends his life with 100 puppies... yes, please!  I wish that I could have pictured him better in my mind because I never really grasped what he looked like and other than a French accent, my Jacques still remains faceless.

One thing that Belinda Jones has done for me is make going to the Winter Carnival an item on my Bucket List.  I live a province away and have only read about it... Belinda was able to bring this place to life and allow readers to experience so much of it that they really will wish they were a part of the journey.

Overall, a wonderful tale that fits the bill for all chick lit fans.  Canadians will enjoy hearing about one of the many great wonders of our amazing country!