ARC received via NetGalley.

I'm a fan of travel romances and The Little Lodge in Lapland is the second book I've read by Annabel French. It's one of those books that just transports you to another place and I was surprised (and disappointed) to discover when I had to put down my Kindle that I wasn't in fact curled up in a front of a crackling log fire in a cosy cabin in snowy Levi.

I appreciate that Violet wasn't just a typical tourist in Levi and through her connection with local business owner, Rasmus, she became part of the community as she used her skills as an events organiser to help them try and fend off developers who wanted to destroy the natural beauty of the area. Lumi, Louisa and Rivka were great side characters and it was so lovely when they all looked after Violet after she came down with the flu after getting lost in the woods.

After a not-so meet cute when Violet nearly attacked Rasmus with a wooden spoon, I enjoyed watching their relationship slowly develop as they spent more time together. In exchange for helping Rasmus plan a New Years' Eve fair and party, he agrees to show Violet the hidden beauty spots around Levi so she can rediscover her love of painting.

I admire how passionate Rasmus is about protecting his hometown. I've got to admit before reading I didn't know very much about Finnish Lapland beyond the Santa Claus Village. It must be really difficult for people who've grown up in places like Levi to balance needing the income provided by tourism whilst at the same time trying to prevent the area from becoming completely commercialised and losing what made it so special in the first place. Rasmus's story shows how different opinions can put a strain on friendships and families too.

If you're looking for a gorgeous wintry romance that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy and with a serious case of wanderlust, I would definitely recommend The Little Lodge in Lapland.

I was so excited to see that Annabel French had another romantic adventure novel!

This journey takes Violet Church to a cozy woodland lodge in Lapland at Christmas. In true Annabel French style, readers get an immersive read, full of vivid descriptions of this snowy wonderland and the aurora borealis, local expressions (language), and Finnish delicacies.

I loved the examination of home and the question asked of Violet when she’s deliberating her next move: “Where would you want to live your worst day?"

Rasmus Korhonen teaches Violet how to cultivate a soul of a Laplander, and it makes for an engaging read.

Wishing you a Iloista joulua ~ a happy, cheerful Christmas.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I read this in three hours and couldn’t put it down! It was stunning! I love @ll of Annabel French’s books!

The Little Lodge in Lapland is a cosy, romantic winter adventure that feels like stepping into a snow‑covered fairytale — crisp air, starlit skies, woodland cabins, and a heroine who desperately needs a reset. Annabel French delivers warmth, charm, and a swoony slow‑burn romance set against one of the most magical backdrops imaginable.

Violet loves her job as an event planner, but lately she’s been running on empty. Winning a holiday to a Lapland lodge feels like fate — a chance to finally breathe, slow down, and reconnect with her long‑neglected passion for painting.

She arrives expecting solitude, silence, and creativity.

She gets… Rasmus.

Their first meeting is gloriously chaotic: Rasmus storms into the lodge, furious, mistaking Violet for the troublesome owner. It’s awkward, loud, and instantly electric.

But beneath the gruff exterior is a man who knows Lapland intimately — its hidden painting spots, its quiet beauty, its magic.

And Violet can’t help being drawn to him.

French paints Lapland beautifully:

snowy forests

frozen lakes

starlit skies

cosy cabins

crisp, quiet mornings perfect for painting

The setting becomes a character in its own right — healing, inspiring, and deeply romantic.

As Rasmus shows Violet his favourite places, their connection deepens. Their chemistry is undeniable — warm, gentle, and full of those tiny moments that make winter romances irresistible.

But Violet’s return home is approaching fast.
Her life is in England.
Her heart… might not be.

The ticking‑clock tension is handled beautifully, giving the story emotional weight beneath the cosy charm.

cosy woodland lodge setting

rugged local hero with a soft heart

heroine rediscovering her creativity

slow‑burn chemistry with sparks

snowy adventures and quiet intimacy

themes of courage, new beginnings, and choosing joy

The Little Lodge in Lapland is warm, romantic, and full of snowy magic — the perfect winter escape for readers who love cosy settings, heartfelt journeys, and starlit‑sky love stories.

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my independant review.

I always enjoy this author’s books and this was no exception. However, I found one aspect utterly unbelievable - but more of that later.!)\

Violet runs her own events business and wins a 4 week holiday in a fabulous lodge in Lapland over Christmas and New Year. After a rather embarrassing encounter with Rasmus who she threatens with a wooden spoon, she swiftly becomes involved in his campaign to thwart developers who want to build an expensive resort and airport which will threaten the unique eco system of the area. Violet is able to help through her event management skills and I did love the demonstration of her expertise as she whips up a campaign in almost the blink of an eye.
In exchange for her help, Rasmussen takes her to secret and picturesque places where she can practise her art.

Violet and Rasmussen start to fall in love but thanks to her sister’s warnings, Violet believes there is no future for them. Now this is where the “difficult to believe” part comes. They both are incredibly attracted to one another, .they kiss - lots and with much feeling. But sex is ruled out because it wouldn’t be sensible!

What? We don’t know how old these two are but I am guessing early to mid thirties. We are supposed to believe that despite having torrid encounters which would melt the clothes off most people, they are sensible and controlled enough to- to reject sex? Sorry but this threw me right out of the book. I didn’t need to see a sex scene but I was expecting one to take place. It was logical and normal especially for people of their age and experience. I couldn’t believe they would cold bloodedly be able to weigh up future consequences and refuse to have sex. Apart from that, I did enjoy the story very much.

I enjoyed this story ! It was very wintery and Christmassy so I think it will be great for the colder season! I liked Violet’s and Rasmus’ love story. Violet is very quickly involved in the community. The side plot is also interesting. Overall, this is a light romance story set in Lapland that will make you feel good after reading!

Really enjoyed this story about Violet winning a Christmas Contest vacation for 4 weeks in the Laplands. Follow her journey as she settles into a community she has never been in and how they take care of their own. See how she fits in nicely. Does she start painting again. See how she learns a lot. Does she get so involved that once she leaves does she decide to move there. A VERY GOOD READ.

This was such a cute Christmas romance!
Had everything I wanted in a book, good characters and storyline
Gorgeous cover 😍
Definitely recommend

Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review

Very cute story. I very much enjoyed all the characters. Not a lot of depth - but a great fun fast read.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc.

The Little Lodge in Lapland is a charming and uplifting winter romance filled with snowy landscapes, artistic self-discovery, and heartwarming chemistry. Set against the magical backdrop of Lapland, the story captures the wonder of escaping everyday life and finding unexpected love in the most unlikely place.
Violet is a relatable heroine who is searching for renewed inspiration, and her journey of reconnecting with her passion for painting adds a meaningful layer to the romance. Her first meeting with Rasmus is anything but smooth, but their initial sparks quickly develop into a sweet and believable connection. As they explore Lapland's breathtaking scenery together, their growing relationship feels natural and full of warmth.
The vivid descriptions of snowy forests, cozy lodges, and winter adventures create a wonderfully immersive atmosphere that makes this an ideal seasonal read. While the romance follows some familiar tropes, the enchanting setting and likable characters keep the story engaging throughout.
Overall, The Little Lodge in Lapland is a delightful feel-good romance about taking chances, following your passions, and opening your heart to new possibilities. Perfect for readers who enjoy cozy winter love stories with beautiful settings and plenty of charm.

A lovely Christmas read that make you want to go to Lapland! I don't like the snow and the cold but the way it is portrayed in the book makes it sound magical and romantic. I finished the book in a couple of sittings which showed I enjoyed it! It was easy to read and the characters were all so likeable. I loved the inclusion of local foods which I enjoyed looking up the recipes for as some of the cakes and biscuits sound delicious. I have enjoyed all of Annabel's books and this one was just as good. I'd highly recommend her as an author to anyone who likes easy to read romance novels which give a great insight into the setting of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.

I have read and enjoyed other books by the author and The Little Lodge In Lapland certainly didn't disappoint. This was the most cute and cosy Autumn/Winter read. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The place settings in the story sounded beautiful and there was a great cast of characters. I couldn't put it down and I read it in less than a day. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to Avon books, the author Annabelle French and Netgalley for my e arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely read. Set in Finland . The main character wins a month in a lodge . Wow you get romance , the up and downside of tourists. A supportive family and some good twists Different Christmas traditions . You can work any where. A great read . Enjoy.

Violet, an event planner in the UK, wins a December holiday in a charming lodge nestled in Lapland. Despite a tumultuous encounter with a local named Rasmus, she can’t help but notice his striking appearance. As they get to know each other, with Rasmus showing her around the breathtaking countryside and Violet assisting him with a cause close to his heart, she falls for him and the wonderful community she discovers in this little town. Would she be willing to give up her uninspiring life in the UK, knowing that she can run her business from anywhere, to be part of this close community?

Although I am not a big romance reader, I enjoy Annabel French’s Floating Shop series and wanted to try something from her European Escapes series. I was not disappointed.

This is a sweet, enchanting romance with colorful characters and a captivating setting. It was so descriptively atmospheric that I went and made myself a cup of hot spiced chai even though it was 90 degrees outside at the time.

As in her other books, the location becomes a character in its own right, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the beauty and magic of the area. With vivid descriptions, the reader is transported to the beauty and magic of the Lapland setting. The enchanting atmosphere of this little town left me yearning for more.


Thanks to @NetGalley and @AvonBooksUK for the DRC.

A cold weather delight-- I have always loved the idea of a Northern Lights trip so maybe this really hit a spot for me, but I think French's book will be a hit more broadly! While yes it's a travel book and about reconnecting with part of you that's been kind of sidelined, the community and setting really make this a charmer (and yes the chemistry wow!)!

This is the perfect cosy, romantic Christmas read.
Who wouldn't want to win four weeks in Lapland in a cosy lodge surrounded by pine trees and snow everywhere.
This is what happens to event organiser Violet. She is soon drawn into the community and has her eyes on Rasmus right from when they first meet. Soon, she is organising a Christmas fair and a party to help save the community from the developers.
I just loved all the places that Rasmus shows Violet. She also starts painting again.
As with most romances, they are misunderstandings and silences, but it's not long before they are already talking again.
A delightful read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the auto approval.

Violet wins a cosy lodge in Lapland. She loves her job as an events planner so when she meets Rasmas who needs help trying to keep a resort company from buying up all the land that will affect all the wildlife she decides to help

Imagine a cosy log cabin, it's snowing outside & you're curled up by a roaring log fire, transported there by words & imagination & exactly where I wanted to be reading this! A lovely festive read, a slow burn romance, beautiful scenery & a loving community feeling to dream of!

Violet unexpectedly wins a competition for a luxury stay in a beautiful Lapland lodge. On arrival she meets the handsome Rasmus and sparks begin to fly. They soon begin a business relationship and we see a different side to Rasmus as he shows Violet some breathtaking places.

I loved the setting of the book it was just perfect and I could just picture the crisp snow , the cold air and the fantastic scenery.

Violet was a likeable character and I enjoyed how she immersed herself fully into the community from the start.

This book is a truly heartwarming romantic Christmas story which you won’t want to put down.

Thanks to NetGalley, Annabel French and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

After 5 heatwaves this year, I really enjoyed being transported to Lapland with more snow than I could imagine! Although it is a Christmas book, it could be read all year round as there are themes of finding home, community and romance. I loved it!

Read on a sunny beach in Morocco may not be the intended destination when reading this book but wow it did not detract from the gorgeous snowy Lapland in anyway

Once again we meet wonderful characters who feel like you know them within just a couple of chapters. A book I didn't want to end as it was dreamy set against the perfect winter destination.

A must read author for me as her books just land perfectly and give you that warm fuzzy feeling as you read

A cute book set in Lapland, and the desecrations of the snowy landscape, the trees and nature, as well as the reindeer are beautiful. There is even an evening of northern lights that are admired and paintings galore of them. The book has Violet spending a cold Christmas alone in Lapland, having won a trip to a cottage. She falls in love with the area, the town and takes affront, like a local, at the developers wanting to buy up land and build the town up. This goes against some of the locals nature loving instincts as well as enervating Violet. Violet gets together with her new neighbour, uses her business skills to plan a campaign and potentially there is romance in the cold cold air.

Another lovely read from Annabel French, just love her books. With a surprise competition win for Violet and a trip to Lapland to stay in a lodge, Violet is looking forward to some rest and relaxation over the Christmas break. That is until someone comes calling and she defends herself with a wooden spoon 🤣. Really well written and lovely characters. Looking forward to the book from Annabel.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Publisher Avon Books UK for the early read 📚

Thank you to Annabel French, Avon Books UK, HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐

The Little Lodge in Lapland was exactly the kind of winter escape I was hoping for: cosy, romantic and incredibly atmospheric, but with enough emotional depth to keep it from feeling like just another seasonal romance.

Violet was the character I connected with most. She has a job she genuinely likes as an event planner, but there is also this sense that she has gradually pushed part of herself aside (particularly her love of painting). Winning a stay in a lodge in Lapland gives her the perfect excuse to stop, breathe and think about what she actually wants. I liked that her arc wasn't only about falling in love. Her creativity, her confidence and the question of whether she is living the life she truly wants are just as important.

Rasmus made a terrible first impression, which I actually found quite funny. He storms into the lodge believing Violet is someone else entirely, so their first meeting is more confrontation than meet-cute. What worked for me was seeing that initial impression gradually change. He has a fiery side, but as Violet gets to know him, he becomes much warmer and more thoughtful than he initially appears.

Their romance is definitely a slow burn, and I think that suited the story. I enjoyed the quieter moments between them more than the obviously romantic ones: Rasmus showing Violet places she could paint, the conversations while exploring the snowy landscape, and the gradual sense that she is becoming part of his world. Their chemistry grows naturally rather than appearing out of nowhere.

I also really liked that Violet becomes involved with the wider community rather than simply spending her holiday isolated with Rasmus. The story gives her friendships and connections beyond the romance, which made the setting feel much more alive. The community aspect also reinforces the idea that Violet isn't only questioning whether she wants Rasmus, she is questioning what kind of life might actually make her happy.

And the setting is probably the biggest strength of the novel.

Annabel French writes Lapland in a way that feels wonderfully immersive. The snow, woodland lodge, winter skies and remote landscapes create such a strong sense of place that the book genuinely feels like an escape. The publisher presents it as a snowy romantic getaway, and that escapist quality absolutely comes through. I could very easily picture the cabins, the cold air and the contrast between the frozen landscape outside and the warmth indoors.

The writing itself is light and very readable. French's prose isn't overly elaborate, but she is particularly good at sensory description and creating atmosphere. The scenes involving Violet painting were some of my favourites because the descriptions made it easy to understand why being in Lapland reignites something she had neglected for so long.

I also appreciated the balance between romance and personal growth. Violet's decision about what happens after the holiday carries some genuine emotional weight because returning home doesn't simply mean leaving a man behind, it means potentially returning to the version of herself she was already beginning to question.

My main reservation was that some parts of the romance felt a little predictable. Once Violet and Rasmus start spending more time together, I could see fairly early where certain emotional beats were heading. I also would have liked a little more development of Rasmus independently of Violet; she felt slightly more fully realised as a character.

There were also moments where everything felt almost too idyllic, particularly when it came to Violet finding her place within the community. But honestly, in a book like this, some of that wish-fulfilment is part of the appeal.

Overall, this was a warm, transporting romance about creativity, belonging, taking risks and discovering that sometimes a temporary escape can completely change the way you look at your life.

I came for the snowy Lapland setting and the romance, but I stayed for Violet's journey back towards the part of herself she had forgotten.

Absolutely loved this one. One thing I really loved was that in the book Violet creates paintings and through her painting it really makes the reader feel
and see the scenery. This was such a cleverly written way of introducing a gorgeous background.

The characters were written sublimely and I loved how Violet uses her knowledge and skill to help others and equally become part of their wonderful community.

The descriptions of Lapland made for a magical, Christmassy story and one of sheer perfection. Make sure this is on your list for a winter read.