I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish! Such a cosy vibe about it! I read this in a day. It made me want to pack my bag and head to Firefky Forest, and Norway! Stunning!

When it’s cold and rainy outside pick up this book and settle in for a real treat of a read. Cosy and comforting. Everything you want from a romance novel.

I loved this book. A really feel good relax on the sofa and escape book. Made you want to go to Norway. The x was a piece of work. The wedding sounds so lovely . You won’t be able to put it down. The northern lights sound so beautiful. A perfect ending .

Really enjoyed this and was sad to have finished it. Sara is a high powered lawyer..going through a divorce and finally her body starts showing signs of stress- forcing her to take time off work. A slight communication issue finds her enroute to Norway to the Firefly forest ...which she thinks is a luxury spa frequented by celebs...how wrong can she be!!
No alcohol, no Internet, silent vegan meals....and the gorgeous Henrik! Sara finds that there's more to life than modern trappings and finds her truly happy place and solves one or two problems along the way.. A very engaging read. Highly recommend.

I loved the design of this book, it makes me feel ready for winter. I have always wanted to go and see the Northern Lights so I felt I would enjoy this book. It is a light hearted and fun read. Sara has a high pressured job and everything seems to be going wrong so she decides to book a month long retreat in Norway. She cannot wait to push the reset button and relax for a while. It is a time for her to gather her thoughts and enjoy being in the moment. How the scenery was described it sounded wonderful and I felt as though I was there with Sara. I did feel sorry for her and I hoped she would be able to come through her tough time. I enjoyed this book, I thought it was a good well rounded story to escape with.

Great book to escape into. It was a great read. I really loved the inhabitants of Firefly, they were exactly what Sara needed although she tries to fight it for a long time. Sara is newly divorced from Mark. A man so self obsessed he would marry himself if he could. Sara is really struggling to come to terms with her new life. A successful lawyer working her way up the corporate ladder with no down time she is stressed to the max. A panic attack sees her signed off work and some enforced quality time has to happen. Sara jumps at the chance of a luxury spa. She doesn’t quite get what she wished for. This book is good fun and a great read to snuggle up and embrace hygge time. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange if an honest review.

This was set up to be a cliche - divorce, ex starts dating and Sara books a self help holiday to Scandinavia. Now whilst that could be a cliche, the book was very lovely, Sara is a bit uptight and likes her clothes, rather than the guest robes and tree hugging, however she is likeable and very much comes across well. Her need to let go a bit and decompress is relatable and she is the rounder a character for it. The romance is slow, steady and seductive and whilst the ending, you always want and expect to be romantic and happy, this ending is really great.

A little bit of cosy! A delightful read where Sara finds a new self but does not have to give up everything to do it. She finds peace, happiness and love but also keeps a hard fought for career. She just had to readjust and look at things from a fresh angle. A real feel good read.

I absolutely LOVED this book. It gave me all the hygge feels. Terrific characters, great twist, beautiful setting and very romantic.

This delightfully funny contemporary romance follows high-powered lawyer Sara, who thinks she's booking a luxury spa retreat in Norway after her marriage implodes, her promotion vanishes, and burnout forces her to take a break. Instead, she finds herself knee-deep in reindeer droppings in the rugged wilderness of Firefly Forest with Henrik, an annoyingly bohemian and ridiculously attractive outdoorsman who challenges everything she thought she wanted. As Sara swaps designer heels for bare feet and legal briefs for tree-hugging, she discovers that sometimes getting completely lost is exactly what you need to find yourself, and that the most unexpected places can become home when you're with the right person.

It is a new and refreshing book as most divorced mid-thirty women do not get (closed-door) romance books. I really liked the whole story line surrounding the retreat. The different challenges she has to face and I also love the aspect that she has the opportunity to help the family owning the spa. I really disliked Mark, her ex-husband, and can not really fathom how she fell in love with him. This book really gave me the feeling of being on holiday in the midst of the Norwegian mountains.
I felt that there were not enough interaction between the FMC and MMC to really see their love grow for each other and I would have liked the author to elaborate on that a bit. It is a nice and cozy fall/winter read.

The cosiest, cutest escape that has me full and ready for autumn and winter!

I've read Carrie's previous two books and really enjoyed them. They really are as billed: escapism! I also loved the little easter eggs from the other books too, love an interconnected universe! This book is all about Sara, and Sara's having a rough go of it. Her career is in somewhat of a tailspin due to burnout, her marriage only recently ended and she's now back in her pre-marriage flat. She's addicted to her job and is working herself to the bone. But then she gets the idea to go a luxury retreat and properly unwind, and that's when everything goes terribly wrong, in true comic fashion. This is absolutely one you'll want for your winter reading list! And Henrik is pretty cute too!

A wonderful bit of escapism that is perfect on a wet day. It has you dreaming of booking a rural retreat to Norway and all it has to offer. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships and thought this was a great book.

Light, cosy read. Winter setting in Norway – perfect for winter reads. An escapism for the next few months, a light, funny romantic read in a beautiful setting.

Sara loves her job as a lawyer until her husband leaves her, she doesn't get the promotion she was hoping for and then ends up having to take time off work with stress. She books herself into Firefly Retreat before realising it's the wrong one. She meets Henrik who helps run it

This is a really touching romance, full of challenges and love in Norway. The book is addictive, simply a treasure, with an irresistible storyline.
I enjoyed reading it immensely.

This was such an amazing book! This book follows Sara as she goes to a retreat in Norway to take a break, as she is experiencing panic attacks from working too hard. She meets Henrik, a man she often compares to a viking. Their love story is so beautiful!! I loved all of their scenes together, and their chemistry was off the charts!

I also loved the descriptions of Norway. I've never been to Norway, but the way the author wrote and described the scenes, I felt like I was there myself.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

‘Escape to the Northern Lights’ by Carrie Walker is a cosy story set in Norway which totally swept me up with its immersive descriptions of its wilderness setting and musings on the transformative power of nature.

The novel stars lawyer Sara, who travels to what she believes to be a luxurious A-List spa to take a much-needed break from her demanding career and frustrating ex-husband… and arrives at the rather-more-rustic Firefly Forest. Soon, she realises that there’s beauty in the great outdoors… and perhaps the sparkle of potential romance too!

This was a four star read for me as I found Sara very relatable and the book as a whole very heartwarming. It certainly made me want to go on an adventure to the Northern Lights, and persuaded me to stay tuned for more novels from this author.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Aria & Aries via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Escape to the Northern Lights is a cute romance set in a snowy Norwegian retreat. Sara is a successful lawyer, but she’s overworked, about to get divorced and her work/life balance is non existent. Desperate for a break, she books a month long retreat in Norway. She’s expecting a luxurious spa and daily treatments but instead finds herself in a rugged wilderness where getting back to nature is the only option. It starts as a total nightmare but as her trip progresses, Sara starts to immerse herself and begins a journey of self discovery, all aided by a gorgeous Norwegian. Thank you to NetGalley, Aria and Aries and the author for the chance to review.

Fantastic story, loved it. Will definitely be looking to read more of Carrie’s books

After a health scare Sara needs a change of pace, she finds out about a retreat that’s in Norway from a friend and it has everything that she would be interested in.

After seeing her husband soon to be ex out on a date she decides to book onto the trip. Sara goes on the trip and struggles to begin with as the trip isn’t as she thought it would.

As she gets more into the trip she starts to get closer to Henrik who runs the retreat. But then her husband turns up and turns things upside down.

Will Sara be able to help the boys keep their retreat? Will Henrik and Sara get back to how they were? What will happen when Sara goes back home?
Will her job be waiting for her when she gets back ?
What will the future bring?

Hunker down for the perfect hygge getaway, all from the comfort of your own home.

Sara is a criminal lawyer who is trying to prove herself to be worthy of a being a firm partner. When the stress of her job and divorce lead to burnout, she finds herself on the way to a luxury retreat to Firefly Forest in Norway...except she might having chosen the Firefly retreat in the wrong Scandinavian country.

Carrie Walker knows how to write a truly escapist novel, filled to the brim with wanderlust-inducing descriptions of Norway and a cast of deeply endearing characters. I personally loved learning more about Norwegian culture and their connection to nature, making me think that maybe a spa day in nature wouldn't be so bad after all.

After reading this book, Norway has definitely earned a spot on my want-to-travel-to list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries | Aria for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a cozy lighthearted book!

I found the plot to be compelling enough to keep me interested and I loved the growth of the FMC.

I was glad that, by the end, all the loose ends with side characters were tied up, as I felt some of the treatment of the landowners would have left he book with a bad taste if they had been skated over.

As it was, this is a sweet feel good festive read with plenty of hygge.

A light hearted book about a woman who is stressed and goes in a retreat to escape her life and to have a month of pampering. It’s not the type of book I would normally read but I thought I’d try it. I’m not writing any spoilers so not sure how much sense this makes.
I’m almost the same age as one of the Dad’s, so did struggle to relate to the character at times. I can’t really understand her fear shopping habits, the name dropping of brands and she is not in the same time of life. At times, the start, I really didn’t like the protagonist and at times I struggled to understand why others found her so attractive. And yet… I so enjoyed this book, at times there was peril but it was not too much, there was romance, it felt well paced and the characters did feel real. I could visualise the scenery, although not the northern lights because I’ve never seen them. I read the book quickly and thought about it when I was not reading it. I loved the female relationships, it’s not just a romance book, there are multiple female points of relationships which is a welcome addition. Women interacting with nothing to do with a relationship with a man.
I wondered about the placement of the big issue and the supporting someone who was homeless, I do think this placement is good for the charity and I guess along side others aspirational placements is so appropriate for this age group, I think.
I think this is a fun book for any age, probably would be nice for someone going through a separation, no spoilers but I think it gives a hopeful message. Will I be thinking about it next week.. probably not. Would I want to visit the retreat and meet the characters if I could, yes. I would definitely want to read more from this author and would expect them to only improve as they get older.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion

i saw the front cover of this book and thought hang on i think i know where that is, i was getting closer. i then read the blurb and saw it was indeed in Norway....sold! if anything includes my second home i am there. i often think maybe i shouldn't. i get seconds of fear. what if they dont portray it right. what if they dont understand the ways and loves of Norway. but i quickly get over myself. its a country i miss every time im not there. and its a country id have dreamt to go back and settle if the world had been different on me. so any book or article or anything really that takes me back there for a wee while and im in.
oh and lets not worry. because Carrie did the most wonderful job of capturing the magic of the place.
basically our Sara needs a break or rather is forced to take on with burn out. so what could be better than booking a retreat? well you might need to book the right one for a start...
once she gets there and meets the people running the "retreat" will she be persuaded to stay never mind get on board. well, a certain someone might help make that easier.
this trip could be everything she needed.
the sites we are seeing through the eyes of Carrie and her writing is just wonderful. i could feel the moment my shoulders dropped and i just felt better, lighter. like the essence of the place was filtering through the pages into me.
there are a few challenges to come for Sara and us because by now we are so invested in her story. and i wanted to shake her at one point to see the right choices. because of course i knew them.
if someone could just transport me to Norway right now that would be great. i would happily muck out the stables if that is a stipulation.

Thank you netgalley and Aria & Aries for my arc. I cant pinpoint what it was about this book, but I absolutely flew through it and finished it in less then 24 hours. I however would have liked a little bit more from the ending of it.

This was such a fun read. It ticked all the boxes for the perfect read. I enjoyed everything about this book

A lovely read full of fun, love and freedom. Sarah has had an anxiety attack at work and she needs to take time off, she’s booked a lovely spa hotel in Scandinavia. When she lands in Bergen, she get to the “hotel”
, but it’s not what she’s expects. She’s landed at a vegan, no wifi retreat. She’s ready to book a flight home, yet she’s stuck with a storm. She’s ends up participating in the activities and is actually liking them. It’s a fun, funny read that will make you fall in love with Norway. Sarah was a great character and the Norwegian characters made this book. A great 4.5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Loved this book, such a brilliant lead character, she seemed like one of my good friends in that you love her to bits but find some of her decisions questionable. really enjoyed her journey throughout the book. Made me wish I was going on a retreat like that! Really love the thought of a complete detox, particularly somewhere so beautiful! Really enjoyable read, massive thank you to Aria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC!

What a great book. This book had me hooked from page one. I loved the premise if it. The plot was great and I absolutely loved the characters. Even the secondary characters are great. I finished this book in one sitting. Such great writing style. This was a first for me by this author and will not be my last.

This was such a cute, cosy, feel-good escape that perfectly blends a journey of self-discovery with a sweet romance set against a spectacular backdrop.

Sara is a workaholic lawyer, burned out after a messy divorce and reeling from losing out on a dream promotion. Desperate for a break, she books what she believes is a luxurious four-week spa retreat in Norway, only to find herself in the rugged wilderness of Firefly Forest, at a rustic, vegan, no-wifi wellness centre. And yet… there’s this very attractive man, Henrik. 😏

I love how the story shifts from Sara wanting to escape the booking to becoming an emotional journey of self-discovery, as she swaps her designer heels for hiking boots LOL! I laughed, but at the same time I loved how this book reminded me that in life, there are so many valuable things right in front of us that we often overlook. Sara learns the importance of nature, peace, and genuine connection over her high-pressure career.

If you’re like me, a recent graduate, planning your next steps, or thinking about what changes to make in 2026, this is such a good book to read this winter.

It’s a fantastic ‘find yourself’ romance, where the external love story beautifully complements the inner transformation. I found this book so special, mainly because of the smooth writing style and the stunning setting, the Norwegian forest, the northern lights, and those snow-covered trees… just perfect!

The cover is absolutely gorgeous too, it just screams, “Pick me up and take me home!” I really loved this book! ❄️

ARC Review 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Escape to the Northern Lights - Carrie Walker

“I loved this cosy and light-hearted story. It’s not the kind of book I’d normally reach for, but it reminded me of my own story after separating from my husband and booking a solo trip to Iceland in search of the northern lights (sadly, I didn’t meet a Henrik!).

Sara was such a relatable main character - strong, independent, and trying to find herself again after heartbreak. And Henrik, the rugged outdoorsman with a heart of gold, made the perfect counterpart.

A perfect winter read - heart-warming, reflective, and a little magical. The ideal book to curl up with on dark nights.

Thank you to NetGalley, Carrie Walker, and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read this early copy - all thoughts are entirely my own.”

Sara is a high-flying lawyer who is struggling following her divorce. Booking a month long spa break in Norway, Sara is looking forward to a luxurious holiday. Firefly Forest retreat is not quite what she waa expecting.
This is a feel good book which will make you want a spa break in Norway!

I really enjoyed this book about a career woman in need of a break from her stressful life.
The Forrest retreat made me desperately crave a vacation to Norway.

The characters were interested, the setting unique and the story well told.

This is the perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold, rainy, winters day.

gorgeously interesting romance with some unique vibes and incredible style. would definitely recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

I really enjoyed this book. I've enjoyed previous novels by this author so was looking forward to this one. The location for starters sounded simply idyllic. Even the slightly outlandish classes Firefly ran sounded cool!

Henrik seemed the perfect gentleman and Sara, whilst a bit annoying at times with her addiction to her phone and complaining, was quite easy to relate to.

Overall, a great read. Not overly festive but the setting makes up for that.

What a fabulous advert for the wilds of Norway, and for retreats in forest, with outdoor activities, no wifi and really a return to nature and to destress. The Norwegian tourist board I feel would be rather happy with this book and it certainly has made my inner wilderness fan want to travel and experience some of this for myself.

Sara books a retreat at Firefly Forest, convinced it was meant to be a luxury resort with every mod con etc... but she messes up the booking and ends up at Firefly in Norway instead, and then can't easily change plans due to extreme weather warnings.

Left with no option, she attempts to take part in the various activities and slowly you can see a transformation in Sara, and her willingness to be open to some new experiences. From tree-hugging, to thermal springs to huskies, there is something for everyone, and it sounds like a fabulous break.

Admittedly the really rugged Henrik might have had something to do with Sara's new feelings towards everything.

There is just so much to love in this story, and I was enjoying every single word of it. It was a pleasure to read, and I was hooked on it. I am just really enjoying every book I've read so far from this author and already curious to see what fabulous location her next story will be set in. Bring on more armchair travel and escapism!

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

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A 4 star rating from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling and relatable, likable characters. Loved every single second reading it.

Escape to the Northern Lights by Carrie Walker

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

High-powered lawyer Sara thought she had life figured out – until her whirlwind marriage ends in divorce, her dream promotion slips away and a burnout diagnosis forces her to take a break.

Desperate for a reset, she books a four-week spa retreat in Norway, imagining a luxurious escape. Instead, she finds herself in the rugged wilderness of Firefly Forest, knee-deep in reindeer droppings and stuck with an annoyingly bohemian – and ridiculously attractive – outdoorsman, Henrik.

What starts as a nightmare turns into a journey of self-discovery as Sara swaps designer heels for bare feet, legal briefs for tree-hugging, and fleeting flings for something far deeper...

My Opinion

Carrie Walker has written a delightful novel. With some stunning descriptions and lovely characters, Escape to the Northern Lights was a quick read. A heart-warming novel.

Rating 4/5

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Sarah is stressed and has an anxiety attack at work. She’s taken some leave and decides to book a holiday at a spa hotel in Scandinavia. But when she lands in Bergen, it’s not the hotel isn’t exactly where she thought she’d booked to stay.

The place she’s arrived at, has no wifi, doesn’t serve meat dishes and is actually a retreat. Sarah is ready to go back home, but she can’t leave as a storm arrives, meaning no one can leave the place.

So, she has no choice but to join in with the activities, which she soon begins to like.

I loved the story, setting and characters.

I recommend this book.

This was a cute, quick read. There was a bit of “insta-love” and I at first struggled to like the FMC. However, it was the perfect cozy, Hallmark read in a picturesque setting that I needed. It’s sweet and dreamy in the best ways!

This Rom-Com was so funny to read because I could totally feel the 2nd hand embarrassment for Sarah! When Sarah is forced by her body and boss to take some time off, she books a Norwegian spa retreat for a month-long stay. What she didn't realize is this was more like a retreat from civilization, cellphone service and her basic thought process. The Norwegian hotties that run the resort are all about pushing your beliefs and body in some very unexpected ways. The romance is there, and the spice is behind closed doors. I felt this was great though for the story and really lets you focus on Sarah's story of growth and healing. I like that this wasn't a Christmas story but still a fun winter read. I swear I could "see" the Northern Lights myself at the end.