Brett’s whole deal is a bigger pill to swallow, but readers who go with it will find a pleasant story. Becca is a much better developed character than Brett (handsome yet doofy, he has the complexity of a golden retriever), and her chapters are the novel’s highlights. Debut author Light sprinkles in just enough charm and good-natured romance as the narrative bounces between Brett’s and Becca’s perspectives to keep readers engaged but not overwhelmed by twee sentiment. They embark upon a “fake relationship,” but, predictably, it gives way to a real one. The two have little in common other than being pestered by their friends and families about the lack of a special someone in their lives. Brainy Becca Hart’s faith in love was destroyed by her parents’ divorce. High school seniors do the fake dating thing.īrett Wells has always been focused on football. Like a white Christmas in the Alps-charming, atmospheric, and predictable. Characters follow a white default handsome British secondary character Tristan Brown is described as Asian. Between new friendships, a potential romance, and various hotel duties, it’s easy for Sophie (and readers) to forget about the hotel’s uncertain fate. Sophie’s frank and witty narration provides a boost of entertainment, and her earnestness is compelling-perhaps more so than the plot. Lengthy exposition and the introduction of a large cast make for a slow start, but the pace eventually picks up, albeit unevenly. Gier’s ( Just Dreaming, 2017, etc.) latest offering treads a familiar path and holds few surprises for veteran mystery fans. Misfortune strikes soon after when a guest’s engagement ring goes missing.

Sophie’s festive mood is dampened, however, when she overhears the hotel owners discussing whether to sell the hotel to a wealthy businessman with plans to thoroughly modernize the property. It’s all very exciting for 17-year-old Sophie Spark, who decided to spend the year as the hotel intern rather than repeating a year of school. Winter has arrived at Castle in the Clouds, bringing with it a group of distinguished guests who have come to spend the winter holidays at the historic hotel located in the Swiss mountains.

Kerstin gier a castle in the clouds