I had only one memory of my father chasing us into an ocean of snow so unblemished. My sister Kaley was just a baby, and my brother Winston and I could barely run on our toddler legs. After Winston and I had exhausted ourselves building forts, my mother had brewed hot chocolate on the stove, and we’d spent the day listening to my dad sing off-key Christmas carols while decorating the tree with popcorn we’d strung ourselves. Um… A dozen images flashed through my mind at once: smiling rabbits, sparkling birds, tree-sized people, a human-swallowing snow-tornado. But I forced my cheeks to move out of the way for a smile, otherwise my grandma would know something was wrong. I got distracted. I’ll apologize at some point, I promised, though she and I both knew I probably wouldn’t. I consumed this book like fast food, though my tastebuds still tingle with the delectable flavours each character added to the fair. It created a veritable feast for my soul and imagination as I slipped into this world of snow and ice created by Jennifer Kropf, drawn irresistibly down the snow-covered streets of Waterloo. She paints her uncharted world so magnificently that you are left yearning for more as your heart races along with this swift-footed, iridescent adventure of sweetness and high stakes. I really liked Helen. I was able to connect and relate to her in different ways, something that I love when reading a book. She’s a lover of books and has a quiet spirit. She feels so ordinary. But her story isn’t ordinary at all. I just really liked her! I liked to see the relationship between Zane and Helen. I think I see a romance in the works. (Yes, I am a romantic)🥰😂

I think I want to reread this every December, certainly next year! It’s such a beautiful story and I honestly need people to read this and talk to me so I can fangirl with them. Faith lies at the center of this story, melding fantasy with hints of the first Christmas story is an intriguing and beautiful way. I was drawn into Helen's world on the snow-covered streets of downtown Waterloo and held on tight for the entirety of the young Trite's whirlwind adventure. I didn't want to put this book down, but even when it had reached two in the morning and my eyes could barely manage to stay open any longer, or when I had to go about another daily task, I still dreamt of and thought of the world of Winter and what Helen would face next. After dinner, Uncle Ralf read a Christmas poem as we gathered around the large stone fireplace in the living room and tried not to ogle at Aunt Sylvia’s horrendously fat spruce tree, held together with gold ribbons, crystal teardrop ornaments, and ropes of tiny white lights. The display gave off the fresh scent of pine needles, sap, and the sort of inconsiderate wealth-flaunting that practically shoved spare bills up one’s nose.I’ve had my eye on this book for two Christmas seasons but never have the time at that festive season to read anything. So, as soon as the audiobook came out, I jumped at the chance to immerse myself in a delightful Christmas read out of season. It didn’t dampen my experience. I held the ball away from my body, positive it needed to be anywhere but in my hands. My palms were sweating in my mitts, even in this crisp air. There are so many layers to ASACAF, including clever Christian symbolism woven throughout, bringing this book to another level of storytelling.

As the conversations at my aunt’s dining table grew in volume, I noticed my grandmother’s focus fall distant behind the reflection of her family in her glasses. She was a body here, with a mind somewhere else. Like me. Zane was amazing. I really, really liked him. I feel like I didn’t get to know him quite as much as I wanted to but I’m hopeful I’ll see him in book two.The allegory was incredible! I really enjoyed the hints and nods weaved beautifully into the story and world-building, it made my believer heart so incredibly happy to see this in a YA fantasy…I look forward to reading this with my son when he’s older. A Patrol, her magical bodyguard with ice magic reluctantly offers to hide her from death and uncover the orbs secrets.

Throughout the reading, Ralf’s children begged him to let them open just one gift from the pile beneath the tree. It severely disrupted the poem, but we all clapped nonetheless when he was done, and finally, he told his kids they could each choose one present to open early. A Soul as Cold as Frost instantly transports you into a magical world that the whole family will adore. Fans of Chronicles of Narnia will be thrilled with this new wintery adventure!" (Nikki Mitchell, author of Nightshade Forest ) A Soul as Cold as Frost instantly transports you into a magical world that the whole family will adore. Fans of Chronicles of Narnia will be thrilled with this new wintery adventure." - Nikki Mitchell, author of Nightshade Forest Helen receives a glass ball on the street from a girl she doesn’t even know. And all of a sudden, strange things start happening. Her eyes are now able to see a whole different fantasy world. A boy named Zane then explains what the glass ball is. And he warns her that her life is in danger. A witch with a soul as cold as frost will be coming for both it and Helen’s life, with everything she’s got in her power. However, if I had one complaint about the book, the ONE thing that made me give this book a 3.5 star rating, it was the descriptions. At times, I loved how the author could utterly immerse me into the story. She doesn’t just tell you the MC is drinking a cup of hot chocolate. She describes the hot chocolate in such rich detail that you can practically taste, smell, and see it yourself. This isn’t an exaggeration. I legitimately had to make myself hot chocolate while I read this book.

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A furry white creature grinned up at me, its long ears folding out from behind the crown of cotton atop its head.