Vorhersagbarer Herzschmerz mit übertriebener Geheimniskrämerei. Wenig einfallsreich, aber ein netter Zeitvertreib für winterliches Flair.

I was drawn to this book by its title. Seldom does one encounter a title that conjures a tapestry of breathtaking images. New York is a stunning metropolis, and I can easily imagine its charm growing tenfold as the cold season ushers in a cosy atmosphere. At first glance, this book promised a cute romance set in a magical New York covered in snow, and overall, it delivered on so many levels. A Winter in New York is a kaleidoscope of critical themes. It deals with abuse, utter loneliness and the lifeline a found family can provide. Our protagonist leaves her abusive relationship along with her culinary career in London as she upends her life and moves to New York. Having lost the only family she had left, she seeks refuge in the city her mother had so many fond memories of. Despite putting as many miles between herself and Adam, she still struggles with the psychological aftermath that Adam has left in her psyche. In time, Iris learns to leave her shell behind and stand up for herself and others. I have read some of the more intense passages on November 25th, the international day to build awareness for the fight against abuse directed at women and girls. It made me realise that even in this day and age, women still have to endure abuse and most suffer alone behind closed doors. The victims also struggle with loneliness, and not all are lucky enough to find a family in the form of friends who are the backbone of their security net. Our protagonist is lucky in this regard, as her employer has also become her closest friend. These central themes are woven into the story of Iris and Gio. It depicts a rather messy beginning of a relationship, one based on lies, where the reader knows from the start that this particular house of cards is, sooner or later, going to come tumbling down. The only question that remains is whether Iris will find the courage to fess up or whether it will all explode. Unfortunately, this seems to be on par with dating nowadays. Dishonesty and hidden truths, manipulation on so many levels, make it nearly impossible to trust another person. So, although I can understand Iris’ reservations in the beginning, I cannot condone her keeping Gio in the dark, especially once their relationship takes on a different nature. At this point, she could easily gauge that Gio is no Adam. I adored the family dynamics of the Belottis. The relationship between Gio and his siblings, especially the banter between said individuals, is superb. The cohesion between different generations of Belottis is enviable, and one immediately wants to be adopted.

Das Bich hat sooo eine mitnehmende und herzenszerreißend spannende Geschichte aber sie klebt das Herz auch auf gewisse art wieder zusammen und es gibt ein schönes happy end. Auch wenn am Anfang manchmal man glaubt die Geschichte könnte sich etwas ziehen pasdieren immer kleine spannende Sachen. Empfehle ich gerne weiter!!

Ich fand die Story zunächst spannend, irgendwann zog es sich jedoch sehr.

Super schönes Buch, auch wenn ich Iris immer wieder am liebsten angeschrien hätte, dass sie Gio doch endlich die Wahrheit sagen soll.