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The Taste of Snow

When winter arrives in the Austrian Alps, eleven-year-old Nicole Kinders is given a candy cane by the mysterious shopkeeper, Boznik, who tells her that the candy cane is magic. After her first taste, it seems the whole world becomes more colorful, more delicious, and more dangerous. A quarrel between students on the tram home from school leads Nicole to intervene, beginning a frightening series of events that threaten Nicole. She finds herself losing the joy of holiday preparations, and realizes that the vexing secret she keeps is influencing every part of her life. She finds no help from the magic candy cane, and decides she must return it to the shopkeeper.

207 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2011

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Stephen V. Masse

6 books7 followers

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5 stars
74 (67%)
4 stars
31 (28%)
3 stars
4 (3%)
2 stars
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Sharon Martin.
374 reviews48 followers
April 7, 2012
A beautiful and heart warming story that I really enjoyed from the first page. Full of Christmas wonder, I would like to think that every child would read this book, although 'christmas' themed this could be read at any time of year. The story also brings alive the true meaning of family and love that binds each member together.


The story follows two sisters, Nicole and Ashley, from a lovely family who live in Austria. On the way to school one day the girls visit the market keeper, Boznik, who gives Nicole a 'magic' candy cane. As Nicole anticipates the full 'magic' to appear she fails to realise that the magic can show in many forms and believes that the candy cane has only brought her bad luck. First she is attacked by golf balls by the nasty Brunheim boys (now her enemies) but luckily escapes with only bruising, she is then stricken by fever, missing church and St Nicholas festivities that she has been looking forward to for ages, but overcomes this and recovers, then the tragedy of the house fire which she luckily escapes from, gains help and saves the home of further damage, followed by the surprise visit of her Grandparents to save the day.


To make the nasty Brunheim boys suffer, Nicole decides to take the day off school and make them believe she is seriously ill following their golf ball target practice at her and her little sister, but she is caught in a mountain blizzard, tragedy sadly strikes and her world is turned upside down, will the magic appear once again to save the day?


I loved how close the family were with each other, especially the two sisters, a lovely refreshing change. The stories told by the girls father and grandfather were really interesting and cleverly had hidden messages for the children to pick up on and in the end helped Nicole survive. The story is full of Austrian Christmas traditions for every reader to enjoy and would definitely bring the Christmas season alive and reminds you that magic moments can be taken for granted, they don't necessarily have a flashing signs. As an added bonus the author has included a special recipes section at the end of the story with wonderful Christmas recipes.


A marvelous thought provoking story for young and 'old' readers, full of positivity, highly recommended.
Profile Image for LitPick Book Reviews.
1,180 reviews58 followers
January 5, 2025
When eleven-year-old Nicole Kinders is traveling on her way to school with her younger sister Ashley in their small town of Gartendoft, Austria, they aren’t prepared for what will happen. A great confectioner named Boznik approaches the girls and asks if they would like some sweets before going to school. Ashley of course wants her favorite, a Linzer pig cookie, but Boznik says he has something truly special and different for Nicole. He offers her a magical candy cane. He tells her if she likes it, she can come back after school and pay for it. Otherwise, if she doesn’t find it magical, she can give it back to him and owe nothing. Does the candy cane prove to be magical for Nicole? Does she keep it or give it back to Boznik?

Opinion:
There was something magical about this children’s full-length novel that touched my heart right from the very first page. The mention that it was set in Austria made it special right from the start. It’s not every day you get to read a book set in another country, let alone a children’s novel set in Austria, and I felt it made it uniquely special before even digging deeper into the storyline. Plus, how Mr. Masse described all the Austrian weather and landscapes truly made me feel as if I was in Austria myself.


The discussion in which Boznik, the confectioner, gave Nicole a magic candy cane to try out really piqued my interest. This too added to the unique appeal of me wanting to read the story. As each chapter unfolded telling more of how Nicole viewed this supposed magical candy cane she had, readers can see just how vulnerable her eleven-year-old mind really was because she equated every frightening event that occurred to her and her family as a result of that infamous candy cane. One was left to wonder if it was just a string of unfortunate events happening or could it truly be a result of that magical candy cane not being so magical after all.

I also loved how Mr. Masse developed each of his characters and made them each have their own important role in moving the story along for his readers. Each character had significance in the story, even if only for a short portion of the story, and they all succeeded in presenting a fun and entertaining story for every reader to enjoy.

Overall, The Taste of Snow was a fun holiday read that I feel can be enjoyed by readers young and old. It had the perfect blend of holiday cheer set in the beautiful Austrian backdrop, with well-developed characters you get to know as you turn the pages. I highly recommend this holiday children’s story and feel it can be enjoyed any time of year! Well done, Mr. Masse!
3 reviews
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Winter Tale of Magic, Mystery, and Inner Strength

Stephen V. Masse’s The Taste of Snow is a quietly enchanting novel that captures the wonder and unease of childhood in equal measure. Set in the snow-laden beauty of the Austrian Alps, this story unfolds like a fairytale seen through the eyes of an eleven-year-old girl vivid, mysterious, and tinged with both sweetness and shadow.

Nicole Kinders, the brave and thoughtful young heroine, receives a candy cane from a strange shopkeeper who claims it holds magic. From that moment, the world around her begins to shimmer with new color and meaning but also with danger. When a quarrel on the tram spirals into something dark and unpredictable, Nicole must find the courage to face not only the fears outside her but also the growing uncertainty within her own heart.

Masse’s writing is crisp, lyrical, and deeply visual, immersing readers in the chill and charm of a small alpine town preparing for Christmas. What makes the story extraordinary is how it blends childlike wonder with emotional realism the excitement of first snow, the ache of misunderstanding, the quiet bravery it takes to do what’s right.

There’s a timeless moral heartbeat beneath the frost and fairytale a reminder that true magic isn’t found in sweets or spells, but in courage, honesty, and the strength to face one’s fears. The Taste of Snow glows with that rare kind of light gentle, humane, and utterly unforgettable.

❄️ A beautifully written, snow-dusted coming-of-age story perfect for readers who love classic tales with a moral spark and a touch of winter magic.
1 review
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Tender and Timeless Winter Story That Glows with Quiet Magic

Stephen V. Masse’s The Taste of Snow is a story that captures both the shimmer and the shadow of childhood that delicate space where imagination meets truth. Set in the Austrian Alps at Christmastime, it’s a beautifully written tale about courage, conscience, and the quiet kind of magic that changes a person from within.

When eleven-year-old Nicole Kinders receives a “magic” candy cane from the mysterious shopkeeper Boznik, she is swept into a world where everything feels sharper, more colorful, and more dangerous. A simple quarrel among classmates leads to events that test her sense of right and wrong, and the deeper she falls into fear and secrecy, the more she begins to realize that the truest kind of magic is not in a candy cane, but in honesty, forgiveness, and love.

Masse writes with the heart of a classic storyteller his prose glimmers like candlelight against snow, and his understanding of a young girl’s emotional world feels both delicate and profound. The wintry landscapes, the warmth of family traditions, and the quiet tension of Nicole’s moral struggle are rendered with an elegance that makes this short novel linger long after the final page.

The Taste of Snow is not just a children’s story it’s a universal reflection on growing up, facing fear, and rediscovering the beauty of truth. It belongs on the shelf beside the timeless works of writers like Hans Christian Andersen and Kate DiCamillo.

❄️ Enchanting, wise, and deeply human. The Taste of Snow will warm your heart even as it sends a shiver down your spine. A modern classic in every sense.
1 review
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Snow-Dusted Story About Courage, Conscience, and the Real Meaning of Magic

In The Taste of Snow, Stephen V. Masse crafts a winter tale that feels as delicate as a snowflake and as powerful as a moral awakening. Set amid the frosted beauty of the Austrian Alps, this story follows eleven-year-old Nicole Kinders through a season that will forever change how she sees the world.

When a mysterious shopkeeper gives Nicole a “magic” candy cane, her life begins to shimmer with new colors yet those same colors also cast darker shadows. What begins as a spark of wonder turns into a deeply human test of courage when a simple act of kindness spirals into danger. Nicole’s inner struggle between fear, truth, and responsibility gives this story its pulse and emotional depth.

Masse’s writing is both lyrical and cinematic, evoking the scent of snow in the air and the hush of winter evenings by candlelight. But beyond the imagery lies a deeer truth: that the greatest magic of all is the one we find within ourselves, when we choose what’s right even when it’s difficult.

The Taste of Snow is a luminous coming-of-age story tender, suspenseful, and profoundly moving. It reminds us that growing up often means discovering that the sweetest things in life are earned through honesty and heart.

A beautiful winter fable filled with warmth, mystery, and the quiet power of moral courage. Perfect for readers who love heartfelt stories with a touch of timeless magic.
1 review
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Magical and Thought-Provoking Winter Tale

Stephen V. Masse’s The Taste of Snow is a beautifully crafted story that captures both the wonder and the subtle dangers of childhood. Set against the snowy backdrop of the Austrian Alps, the novel follows eleven-year-old Nicole Kinders as she receives a “magic” candy cane from the enigmatic shopkeeper Boznik. What begins as a charming, whimsical gift soon reveals its complexity, as Nicole finds herself navigating a series of events that test her courage, morality, and sense of self.

Masse excels at creating a vivid, immersive world from the crisp winter air to the quiet intimacy of holiday preparations, every scene feels alive and evocative. Yet beneath the enchanting exterior lies a deeper, universal theme: the challenges of facing one’s fears, taking responsibility, and understanding that real magic comes from within. Nicole’s journey is both suspenseful and heartwarming, showing that even small acts of bravery can have a profound impact.

The Taste of Snow is a story that resonates with readers of all ages a perfect blend of suspense, heart, and moral insight, wrapped in the quiet beauty of a snowy winter landscape.

A touching, atmospheric, and memorable tale that reminds us that courage, honesty, and kindness are the truest forms of magic.
1 review
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Gentle, Magical Tale That Glows with Heart

Stephen V. Masse’s The Taste of Snow captures the wonder and uncertainty of childhood with a rare, quiet grace. The story begins simply an eleven-year-old girl, Nicole Kinders, receives a “magic” candy cane from a strange shopkeeper but what unfolds is far deeper than a holiday fantasy. Through Nicole’s eyes, we experience how innocence, temptation, and truth can collide in ways that shape who we become.

The book is filled with rich atmosphere and emotion you can almost feel the cold Austrian air, the warmth of the Christmas lights, and the inner chill of fear that comes from keeping a difficult secret. What struck me most was how Masse portrays magic not as an escape, but as a mirror of our own choices. The story whispers gently that real courage isn’t found in spells, but in honesty and kindness.

The Taste of Snow is the kind of book that lingers delicate, hopeful, and deeply human. It’s a winter story that reminds readers of all ages that the smallest acts of goodness can shine brightest against the cold.

✨ Quietly powerful, beautifully written, and perfect for readers who believe that even the softest stories can leave a lasting mark.
1 review
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Magical, Suspenseful Winter Story That Lingers

Stephen V. Masse’s The Taste of Snow is a captivating tale that mixes wonder, danger, and the subtle lessons of growing up. Set in the snow-covered Austrian Alps, the story follows eleven-year-old Nicole Kinders, whose life changes after receiving a “magic” candy cane from the mysterious shopkeeper Boznik. What begins as a seemingly simple gift soon leads Nicole into a series of frightening events that test her courage, judgment, and the limits of her innocence.

Masse’s writing is vivid and atmospheric, painting the winter landscape in a way that feels both enchanting and real. Nicole’s journey is as much about self-discovery and responsibility as it is about the whimsical magic surrounding her. The story beautifully captures the tension between childhood curiosity and the realities of the world, showing how small decisions can have profound effects.

The Taste of Snow is a thoughtful, suspenseful, and heartwarming story a perfect read for anyone who enjoys winter tales with magic, mystery, and meaningful life lessons.

A compelling, heartfelt winter story that reminds readers that courage, honesty, and self-awareness are the truest forms of magic.
1 review
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Wintry Story of Magic, Mystery, and Courage

The Taste of Snow by Stephen V. Masse is a beautifully immersive tale that combines the quiet charm of winter with the tension of a child’s moral awakening. Eleven-year-old Nicole Kinders receives a “magic” candy cane from the mysterious shopkeeper Boznik, and suddenly her world becomes brighter, richer, and more unpredictable. What starts as a whimsical adventure quickly turns into a test of courage when Nicole finds herself facing unexpected dangers and realizing the weight of the secret she carries.

Masse masterfully blends fantasy, suspense, and emotional depth, creating a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. The crisp, snowy setting of the Austrian Alps adds atmosphere and charm, while Nicole’s journey highlights the importance of bravery, honesty, and self-discovery.

This is a story that stays with you a gentle yet powerful reminder that true magic is found in the choices we make and the courage we summon in difficult moments.

❄️ Perfect for readers who love winter tales with heart, mystery, and meaningful lessons about growing up.
Profile Image for Jaxon Collins.
11 reviews
December 8, 2025
Stephen V. Masse’s The Taste of Snow is a quiet gem of a nove, a heartfelt story that masterfully blends the palpable ache of grief with the gentle warmth of magical realism. Set against the stark backdrop of a Boston winter, this middle-grade book tackles profound themes with a delicate touch, making it a deeply moving read for both young audiences and adults.

The Heart of the Story: The narrative follows 11-year-old Nicholas Daley, whose family has been suspended in a state of quiet despair since the disappearance of his older brother, Brian, two years prior. As Christmas approaches, the season of joy only amplifies their sense of loss.
Profile Image for Sarah Patt.
117 reviews76 followers
July 30, 2020
An endearing story in an enchanting setting (Christmas in Austria!) I absolutely loved how the sisters respected their parents. The time is contemporary but old fashion traditions are still valued and treasured among the characters in this quaint town. Author, Stephen V. Masse didn't miss a beat describing the sounds, tastes, scents, sights, and touch this story provoked. In fact, at its conclusion, there are a handful of recipes for scrumptious Austrian desserts and hot cocoa! The Taste of Snow makes for an awesome Christmas gift! :)
Profile Image for Valentina Martinez.
3 reviews
May 2, 2026
This book delivers far more than I expected. The author does a great job of breaking down complex ideas into something practical and easy to apply. What stood out most was how relatable the examples were, they made the concepts feel real rather than theoretical. I found myself reflecting on several sections long after reading them. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Profile Image for Harmony Mitchell.
3 reviews
May 2, 2026
What I appreciated most about this book is how actionable it is. It’s not just full of ideas, it actually shows you how to implement them step by step. I’ve already started applying some of the strategies, and I can see a difference. If you’re looking for something that goes beyond motivation and gives real guidance, this is it.
Profile Image for Alfred Martial.
28 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2026
A beautifully written story that blends childhood wonder with a darker emotional edge. Nicole feels incredibly real, and the magical candy cane is such a unique concept. I loved how the story explored consequences rather than just magic.
Profile Image for Mei.
26 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2026
A beautifully eerie winter tale. Nicole’s journey feels both magical and unsettling, and the candy cane metaphor is cleverly done. The snowy setting adds a cozy but ominous atmosphere. I just wish we learned a bit more about Boznik.
Profile Image for Amanda Silvia.
207 reviews
December 31, 2019
A cute book, although I am not the target audience. It has a great message at its core.
761 reviews
March 28, 2020
A solid 4.5 stars. A sweet Christmas tale for older kids that includes the magic of Christmas, danger, and authentic school troubles.
2 reviews
March 17, 2026
A charming and slightly mysterious story. Nicole’s journey felt real and emotional. I enjoyed the magical touch with the candy cane.
Profile Image for Ryan Scott.
2 reviews
March 17, 2026
This book has a cozy winter feel but also a deeper message. It kept me interested from start to finish. A good read for younger audiences.
Profile Image for Mei Wright.
3 reviews
March 17, 2026
I liked how simple yet meaningful the story was. The magic element added something special. Nicole is a relatable character.
2 reviews
March 17, 2026
A quick and enjoyable read. The story mixes holiday warmth with a bit of tension. I found it unique and thoughtful.
2 reviews
March 17, 2026
The setting in the Alps made the story feel magical. The plot was easy to follow and engaging. Perfect for a quiet evening read.
Profile Image for Isabella Young.
1 review
March 17, 2026
This book surprised me in a good way. It’s not just about magic, but also about growing up. I liked the lesson behind it.
Profile Image for Carlos Lewis.
2 reviews
March 17, 2026
Simple, clear, and meaningful. The candy cane idea was creative and interesting. I enjoyed Nicole’s journey.
Profile Image for Lina Harris.
3 reviews
March 17, 2026
A lovely story with a hint of mystery. It kept me curious about what would happen next. Worth reading.
Profile Image for Sophia Reynolds.
5 reviews
March 17, 2026
The writing is easy to follow and very engaging. I liked the mix of holiday spirit and tension. A solid read overall.
Profile Image for Matteo  Andrew.
4 reviews
May 1, 2026
I appreciated the unique perspective the author brought to the story
Profile Image for Javier Matt.
11 reviews
May 1, 2026
The characters’ journeys were inspiring and well-written
Profile Image for Émile.
16 reviews
May 1, 2026
A compelling story that kept me hooked from beginning to end
Profile Image for Jakub Hart.
14 reviews
May 1, 2026
I appreciated the unique perspective the author brought to the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews