A Winter in New York by Josie Silver is a touching romance story about family and new beginnings.
This book is part of my 10 Christmas Books For This Holiday Season – 2023.
My Overview
Iris needed a new start from her life in London. She needed to escape the city that held so many memories of her recently deceased mother, and a bad relationship that ended on Christmas Day. So, she relocated to New York City, where she found a job at a noodle restaurant. Iris is delighted to experience the city her mom (Vivien) had visited many years before, and the locations she’d seen over the years in the rom-coms she’d watched with her. Over the span of one year, her life will be changed in ways she never imagined, and it all begins with a winter in New York.
When Iris meets Gio at a book store on a winter day, he assumes she’s a widow, and she doesn’t correct him. Why would it matter, since she won’t see him again, right? Wrong. Iris and Gio meet again at his family’s gelato shop 😬. Gio works there, and explains the shop is in danger of closing. His uncle, who’s the sole keeper of the secret family recipe is in a coma, so they can no longer make gelato. Iris realizes the secret gelato recipe her mother guarded throughout the years, is the same one the Belotti family needs 🫢. She has no idea why her mom had the recipe, so she keeps the secret to herself 🤫. Instead, she offers to help Gio recreate the recipe.
Every day, Iris goes to the gelato shop, to help Gio recreate the recipe. Soon enough, they both develop feelings for each other. Gio, who’s a widower and father of a teen daughter, is exactly who Iris needs in her life; they’re a perfect fit. Also, as Iris and the Belotti family members get to know each other, she becomes an esteemed friend to all. Unfortunately, there are too many secrets lying in wait, threatening the success of these new relationships:
- Iris is hiding secrets about her past relationship
- It’s unknown why Vivien had a copy of the highly guarded gelato recipe
- Gio’s uncle is hiding secrets from long ago
As the secrets unravel, it’s unclear whether a relationship between Iris and Gio is even possible. Aside from the romance aspect, the themes of family, grief, and loyalty play significant roles in the storyline. I really enjoyed the various storylines playing out throughout. I especially liked the way Vivien’s story was interwoven throughout. Overall, this is a beautifully written story with a great message, and a fantastic setting.
My Recommendation
From the romance, to the family, to the friendship … I loved it all! I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy emotional stories centered around family and new beginnings, you’ll likely enjoy this one. I really enjoyed the audiobook narration, so I recommend it as well.
This is my fourth book by this author. While I didn’t enjoy One Night on the Island, I’ve enjoyed:
