Although I read Kjersti Herland Johnsen’s Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge as a mystery, it would be better to read it as a Hallmark style book set in a small Norwegian village. Translated to English by Olivia Lasky, the book is filled with Norwegian Christmas customs, includes recipes, has a slight romance, and emphasizes the location with little character development.

Ingrid Berg has returned to Glitter Peak Lodge after a traumatic experience. The mountain climber was caught in an avalanche, lost a friend, and lost her career. Now that she’s home, she’s taking over as manager of the lodge that has been in her family for 130 years. Ingrid’s grandmother, Nana Borghild, can retire at 83, and Ingrid will take on the burden of leaky pipes, and cancellations from guests.

But, the past still haunts both women. Ingrid can’t forget the trauma of the avalanche. She had been dating Preban Wexelsen, the leader of their mountain climbing team, but she blames him for the tragedy. Borghild’s secrets go back to the 1980s when she was a young woman. Her story divided the town, and destroyed her friendship with a man who seems determined to force Glitter Peak Lodge into failure.

There are a few too many storylines in this book, including the arrival of a mysterious American guest, immigration, bullying, and, of course, the mystery of Nana Borghild’s past, along with the romance. But, readers looking for the light Hallmark-type treatment set in Norway may enjoy the book.

Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge by Kjersti Herland Johnsen. HarperVia, 2024. ISBN 9780063339293 (paperback), 400p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley to review through NetGalley to review for a joornal.