A Winter in New York by Josie Silver: A Captivating Tale of Love, Secrets, and the Magic of the Big Apple #bookreview @DelacortePress @JosieSilver_

A Winter in New York is a captivating tale that intertwines love, secrets, and the enchantment of the Big Apple in a beautifully written narrative.

From The Publisher:

A young chef stumbles on a secret family recipe that might lead her to the love—and life—she’s been looking for in this stunning novel.

When Iris decides to move to New York to restart her life, she realizes she underestimated how big the Big Apple really is—all the nostalgic movies set in New York she’d watched with her mom while eating their special secret-recipe gelato didn’t quite do it justice. 

But Bobby, Iris’s best friend, isn’t about to let her hide away. He drags her to a famous autumn street fair in Little Italy, and as they walk through the food stalls, a little family-run gelateria catches her eye—could it be the same shop that’s in an old photo of her mother’s?

Curious, Iris returns the next day and meets the handsome Gio, who tells her that the shop is in danger of closing. His uncle, sole keeper of their family’s gelato recipe, is in a coma, so they can’t make more. When Iris samples the last remaining batch, she realizes that their gelato and her gelato are one and the same. But how can she tell them she knows their secret recipe when she’s not sure why Gio’s uncle gave it to her mother in the first place?

Iris offers her services as a chef to help them re-create the flavor and finds herself falling for Gio and his family. But when Gio’s uncle finally wakes up, all of the secrets Iris has been keeping threaten to ruin the new life—and new love—she’s been building all winter long.

My Thoughts:

“A Winter in New York” by Josie Silver is a captivating novel that skillfully blends the magic of the Big Apple with a heartwarming tale of love and secrets. The story follows Iris, a young chef who escapes a toxic relationship and the grief of losing her mother by starting anew in New York, a city she associates with her mother’s cherished memories.

One of many reasons I enjoyed this book is the beautifully developed characters with intriguing backstories. Iris’s journey from England to New York is a poignant exploration of her healing process. Her connection to her mother’s love for the city and her quest to visit the places her mother adored adds a touching layer to the narrative.

The mysterious secret gelato recipe ties the story together, making it even more enchanting. As Iris becomes entwined with Gio and his family, the chemistry and connection that develop between them is a delight to witness. The multicultural flavor of New York is richly portrayed through the diverse supporting characters who add depth and history to the story.

The Christmas in New York setting is a wonderful backdrop, infusing the story with holiday spirit and a sense of wonder. The activities Iris participates in add a layer of authenticity to her experience in the city.

One minor drawback is the multitude of secrets Iris holds for much of the book. While this suspense can be a compelling narrative device, it might leave readers eagerly anticipating the revelation of these secrets.

In conclusion, “A Winter in New York” is a beautifully written novel that captures the essence of the city and weaves a heartwarming tale of love, family, and the importance of cherishing cherished memories. Josie Silver has crafted a memorable story that will resonate with those who appreciate well-developed characters and the magic of New York during the holiday season.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Josie Silver:

One Night on the Island

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird