Winter Calling

by Lynn Galli

Sometimes, working at a ski resort feels more like a vacation than a job, especially when the big bosses spend more time on the slopes than in the office. As much as she loves her job, Tru wishes she could air out her human resources expertise more often. Her colleagues are happy to skate by, but things start to change when the new CFO arrives. Not everyone is happy about Renske’s budget tightening measures. It doesn't help that her stoic demeanor makes them believe she’s a cold, unfeeling android. Always willing to think the best of people, Tru sets out to discover if Renske is really as imperturbable as she seems.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Lesbian, Fiction, Lesbian Romance, Holiday, Christmas

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2017

About the author

Lynn Galli calls the Pacific Northwest home even though she's never written any software code, built an airplane, worn socks with sandals, or slung coffee. For the most part, she enjoys her real job but absolutely lives for the time she gets to spend writing.

Reviews

[Corporate Slave · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry guys here comes an unpopular review :(
First I would like to say I like the author a lot and so was very excited to read a new book!
1) the book is too short. 2) no chemistry whatsoever between characters! Or rather I didn't feel it at all!
3) the book was mainly either about the sister or the business side of running a resort. You see my issue here is I wouldn't have minded the business side, my main issue is this is not a CFO job, or an HR role, the financials didn't make any sense even. So overall even the business side is completely wrong!
4) what's up with the names they give the main character??? Overdone and the character wasn't even showing any signs in her actions for having those names.
Overall, i am shocked that this is a Lynn Galli book. Feels that she wrote this being stuck on a bus ride without any thoughts because she's a far better writer.

[Luce · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - rounded up to 5 STARS

I try not to put pressure on writers to write faster... But, I will say I was so happy to see that Galli published a new novel. A Merry Christmas indeed.

Although this novel is on the short side, it didn't feel that way. It has one of my favorite protagonists - the Ice Queen and in this case, Renske Van der Valk, the new CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of a ski resort that has a hotel and ski/snowboard runs. Renske (Dutch pronunciation: https://www.howtopronounce.com/renske/) carries herself with a professional demeanor that is standoffish and she isn't popular with the employees as she tries to fix the resort's finances. Tru Daring is an HR executive and is intrigued by Renske and slowly Renske's icy personality melts as she becomes friends with Tru and Tru's intellectually disabled sister, Blythe. I loved Blythe. I think she helped Renske melt almost as much as Tru. Renske becomes her friend and protector.

My only quibble with this book are the names the disgruntled employees call Renske (Frozen, Icy, glacial etc.). Not so much the names themselves, its that they continue to do so and "HR" doesn't put a stop to it. Its so pervasive. I wished Galli toned it down a bit (maybe she thought it was humorous?). Tru attempts to do so, but she doesn't have the power or the support of the Executives. At one point I was disappointed Tru didn't say more. (-0.5 stars)

I hope its a short wait for a new Lynn Galli book!

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As noted in one or 3 other reviews, due to week-long illness brain not functioning correctly at moment. But need something in box. Will be notes. Hope to add later stuff to here.

The book alternates between Tru and Renska. I am unsure if I'm spelling Renska's name correctly. Tru has a close sister that she spends a lot of time with, while Renska is more of a loner - who likes being a loner. Both meet through work - Tru is in the human resources department (not sure exact title, I'd initially thought she headed it but then the head turned up so . . . somewhere below HR head), while Renska is CFO - chief operating officer. Newly hired CFO. The company they work at is a somewhat struggling, financially (largely due to the incompentence of the two company founders still in control of the place) ski resort.

Over a period of time Tru and Renska develop a friendship/relationship/then become a couple. There are some rather neat scenes in this book. I especially like the interactions between the characters - Tru, Renska and Tru's sister. I'd provide more detail, like say the sister's name, but barely operating here.

While I enjoyed this book, and was excited when I saw it suddenly appear to be bought immediately by me, I also found the connection between myself as reader and the characters to be .. . fuzzy. Unfortuant brain nor working or I'd be less fuzzy about the fuzziness.

After a brief moment wherein I was asleep between the last paragraph and this one, I realize that I need to push save or lose what I've written so far.

Rating: darn, I didn't put this one on rating shelf - well, something around 4 something.

December 24 2017

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was happily surprised to see a new Galli book hit, and glad it did. This is a novella length winter holiday novel that was a great read.

Renske the perceived Ice Queen and the always glass half full Tru. The sub arc with Tru's sister and close friends was really cool. Nice touch on those with special needs.

Loved it. But it's Galli, so that's almost a given. I'm thinking it's not going to be the last time we see these two.

[Jo reece · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay, so I've read all the reviews and everyone seems to be really hype about the new Lynn Galli book... Loved her previous books by the way... so my exceptions where really high up there...

No.. not what I was expecting. I loved Tru's character, but Renske (love that name!) I couldn't connect with her. At all. Shes portrayed as the Ice queen in the book (for reason you will find out when you get into the story) but even the Ice queen had more feelings then Renske!

This read is supposed to be a romance, but it seemed more about the business of the ski resort then anything. That's my view any way.. maybe I expected too much, I don't know.

[Joc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy, feel-good story set in a ski resort in Winter. Renske van der Valk is the new CFO and her icy demeanor and Nordic looks have most of the staff calling her names behind her back, but not very subtly. Except for Truly Daring. (Fantastic name! As a child I thought I would like to marry a Rhodes so that I could call my children Sandy, Tar and Gravel.) Tru is an optimist who doesn't indulge in company gossip.

There's very little melodrama or angst and it's a good way to spend a couple of hours. I wasn't as drawn to the characters or story as I have been to some of Galli's other works and I would have like a better geographical location. Also Tru's sister, Blythe, could have been given a bit more depth and page time.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little story (could be longer and less hateful names;). I really liked Tru and Renske and their story. I'd say 4,5 stars (but I am in the Christmas spirit today ;)

[Tiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was freezing bitter cold this weekend, so what better to do than curl up with a book and read about a romance at a ski resort. Winter Calling is by Lynn Galli, so you know it’s going to be a quality read. It was it totally was, it was a sweet romance that was a great way to pass a winter’s day.

The book alternates between the point of view of both main characters. Tru Daring is the part of the Human Resources at the local ski resort. Tru is likable, cheerful and always has something positive to say. She loves her job, her community and has the best relationship with her sister Blythe. She also has a huge crush on the new CFO, Renske Van der Valk.

Renske is the opposite of Tru. She is an ice queen with a hard, no-nonsense personality. Her job is to improve the financial stability of the ski resort and she has made more enemies than friends turning this company around. Renske doesn’t mind that she hasn’t made any friends with her co-workers, she is a loner by nature but she does have a soft spot for one certain gregarious HR staff member. Renske thaws a bit after she begins to spend more time with Tru. She really melts when she befriends Blythe. The Daring sisters reveal the softer edges of the ice queen.

Overall, the book is an adorable read. My one complaint it is on the short side. 3.25 stars

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nicely done office romance. Both main characters were appealing with interesting back stories. I only wish it was a longer book.

[Loek Krancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than excellent!

A heartwarming wintertale of love. An ice queen as CFO, a misleading image, challenges caused by people’s behaviour, strong family ties and a perfect romance. The story is fascinating and the characters were very real. I easily could imagine myself in their lives. Blythe is a sweetheart with her charming honestly and great care for others. I loved how Lynn managed the Down syndrome in this story, with respect, understanding and in a very lovely way. I was hooked from page one and I read it in one day. Everything was spot on. I sure will put this book on my list of favorites.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed score: 3.75

This author has a real knack for writing books with minimal angst but managing not to become treacle town. Easier said than done.

A lovely, uncomplicated, feel good read.

[Cab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll pretty much read anything Lynn Galli writes. Primarily because I have yet to read something of hers I haven't enjoyed. This story is no different. It is a bit short, I think 211 pages, but the characters are interesting and I really liked that one of the main supporting characters, Blythe, is developmentally challenged. It's Blythe that acts as the foil between Renske and Tru and she is the one that helps make the story enjoyable!

[AnnMaree Of Oz]

This book set off my PTS. I jest, in a way. But anyone who has ever worked any sort of supervisory position in a corporate job and had to deal with immature entitled workers both above you and beneath you, who barely do the job, while standing around complaining and chatting while thinking the job is a sorority and dictating how it 'should' be - then you'll know the exact environment I'm talking about, and how the author captures the petty-ness, perfectly.

But that's just it, it set off too many of my issues, reminding me of shit I went through, and made my gut roil. There's a reason I quit my own similar job after dealing with anxiety and depression from actions and behaviours experienced there. I don't particularly want to re-live this in a book, meant to entertain.

I tried so hard to get passed it, but just when I was getting introduced to the MC's sister, and other things going on in her life - up again came the petty work bullshit, fighting over days off and work hours while married and childless people debate their own rights as being more than anothers. Urgh, It does my head in, it did my head in back when I dealt with it, and does my head in now. No Thank You!

As Corporate Slave's review said, there was no real direct reason for why even the 'love interest' and boss MC was given all the dodgy nicknames she was, as she showcased no real frosty 'ice queen' type of persona that I could see.

The final nail in the coffin was when the MC is training some young adults to do basic bussing and ticketing jobs at the resort, and for whatever reason they are all acting entitled expecting to NOT have to do any sort of retail or hospitality work, despite that being what they applied for? HUH? Then the author/MC makes comments about 'young people these days' and how their entitled about not wanting to work certain jobs that are beneath them... meanwhile they literally showcased this happening with the very adult workers back at the hierarchy of the resort - so isn't that pretty freaking hypocritical!?!

Glad it was free, so I can delete it easily.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the authors style of writing, but didn’t connect well with the romance. I think the scenes between the two sisters and the love interest and the sister were the best ones.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I missed Galli so haard! Not one of my favorites of hers, but really good nonetheless!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Lynn Galli. Set in a small town ski resort Renske and Tru (short for Truly) find love and family together with Tru's sister Blythe. Really sweet story.

[Lesbian Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well rounded story. The main characters showed great depth. The side-characters did as well. I liked that there was more than just one aspect to the story line, just like life.

[P. Industry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look. We need to talk about Galli. Put aside the fact her earlier books are basically lesbian popcorn, okay? Look at this book, and I mean genuinely look at this book.

This book is ghastly, because the only two characters inside it - especially the thinly veiled author-insert one - have to be smarter than everyone else in the room.

We’ve seen it before, but never this bad, and we’ve given Galli a pass because… hey, popcorn is supposed to be bad for you. But this book delights in it, wallows in it, and ultimately suffers from it. There are only two real characters in this book. Two. Everyone else is a punching bag, or a cardboard figure you put in your shower to freak out your roommates.

In Winter Calling, Galli is Tru: a middle manager who spends a good portion of the book thinking about all the ways her co-workers are lazy, entitled, and incompetent. This takes on a nasty generational tone in places - a kind of “Millennials, am I right?” sourness which suggests firstly that Galli is not a millennial, and secondly that possibly has never met one. I digress, however. To Tru, everyone in the resort where she works is venial, vapid, and stupid - all except for Renske, the love interest.

This book commits the sin of contempt; contempt for supposedly less intelligent people, contempt for ordinary people, contempt for people who disagree. Over and over, for the entire length of the novel. What you see is what you get.

As another reviewer noted, Galli’s business instincts are, to put it charitably, hit-and-miss. Let’s just say that a business of that type (seasonal resort) would be complex. And some of the author’s diatribes are interesting in an academic way - the burden of working holidays falling to workers without children for instance was a good point (even if its execution was done in a way which implied somehow workers with families were selfish). But the evident flaws in Galli’s knowledge of the governance of medium-sized businesses, coupled to topics such as the above which are controversial, means the delivery grates across the nerves; “it’s all so simple,” Tru (and Renske) say. “My razor-sharp, incisive logic could fix this all. I am morally totally correct, and stupidity is the only reason all my ideas aren’t widely accepted.”

This kind of wish-fulfillment is not in and of itself a problem. But putting aside the morality of it for a second, what happens when the reader just disagrees? This forms the crux of a structural problem, in which the writing itself holds the potential to alienates a wide range of otherwise perfectly happy readers. Again, this is not in and of itself a problem, right? Books aren't meant to be read by everyone. There is a fierce “take it or leave it” quality to Galli, which is admirable in its own way. But when your defence for a bunch of moral points you’ve plonked in your book boils down to “I’m an asshole and you can fuck off” then the odds of the author listening to reasonable criticism seem lower.

Basically what I am saying is that her characters are nasty. That’s gone from being the occasional snide thought to being the central theme of her works. But why? Her earlier books were filled with characters who acknowledged the kindnesses of those around them; systems of family, friends, and wider communities that helped and supported one another. Even the "bad guys" were understandable and sympathetic - the cops in “Life Rewired” for instance, who were clearly trying to do the right thing (stop crime) even as it led them down the path of harassing an innocent woman. They weren’t bad or stupid people - they were good people who were inexperienced, afraid of failure, and fixated on stereotypes. Their actions made them the antagonist, not their inherent qualities. No such respect is given to the antagonists in Winter’s Calling - they are distorted caricatures, dumb to the point where Tru/Galli can look Very Smart Indeed.

Good things; and there are good things. She’s pretty funny, right? There is this wry undercurrent to her work. As I said before, in her best writing, this is used to great effect - one of her two lovebirds has a voice which holds a cynicism which makes sense in the context of that person’s background, and Galli then contrasts it with the gentler approach of her partner. Renske didn’t get enough screen time, and what we saw from her PoV was more of the same, but when we were looking at her from the outside it was a relief for someone to be treated with respect.

But that’s about the only good thing. There are clearly a lot of people who disagree with me, and I respect that (there were a lot of Doctor Who fans who LOVED Stephen Moffet) but it’s not my cup of tea.

Two stars.

[Emily DeCicco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading from the perspectives of kind-hearted characters. I read most of Galli's earlier books and was excited to see her release this one. This story was so realistic and I think it had a lot to do with her story development. Galli does a great job with her story for the long haul. She'll mention something tiny and significant on page 2 and it'll end up tying everything together at the end of the book. I'd highly recommend this if you're looking for a heartfelt story about two women falling in love. Loved it.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tru works in human resources at a ski resort, which means she hears a lot of complaints from her coworkers’ about Renske, the new CFO, and “ice queen” is probably the nicest descriptor. Tru wants to give Renske the benefit of the doubt because she’s seen how the owners’ lax approach to business has caused issues in the past—and, admittedly, because she’s attracted to her. I love pairings like these, where a lonely, isolated, maybe misunderstood character like Renske is drawn to a person like Tru, who is basically a cup of hot chocolate in human form. Bonus points for the nuanced and kind portrayal of Tru’s sister, Blythe, who has Down’s syndrome and is a really wonderful addition to the story.

[Tinything · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book. It’s a fun short-read. Heartwarming as well i guess. You know its about family and such. I like both main characters Renske and Tru, they are a sweet couple. Ohh and i also like Tru’s sister, Blythe. She’s such a happy-and-fun-to-be-with person. (Am i using the right word? Idk)
Well, like i said it a short, fun, heartwarming and family type of book to read with no drama to frustrated about. Suitable for christmas time. Even without christmas, its still a good book. I also like how they first kissed hahaha such a cute moment (for me) i would say.

[Alena · Rating 3 out of 5]

So instead of finishing the books I‘ve already started, of course I start something entirely new.

Quick, enjoyable read, not quite novel length.

Not my favorite Galli, but nonetheless an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon on the couch.

Character-development would have benefited from a longer version, but it was nice for what it was.

[Denise Winthrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this an read it in two nights - just did not want to put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters. Good fun read.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Galli is one of a few writers that if she has a book out I will buy it. I am confident I will be entertained, amused and impressed. Winter Calling demonstrates that Galli has not missed her calling as a writer. She does dialogue and thought very well. 4 starts not 5 only because late on in the book when the p.o.v. changed again from one character to the other I got a bit confused as had been in the other ones head for a few chapters. Also a bit short! Predictable ending but it is a romance and not angst ridden or riddled with stupid misunderstandings to delay a happy ever after which was well received by me!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I found the subtle secondary story line about the development of personal relationships and how these are really important to our lives very fulfilling. I was surprised to see such a strong undertone, as many books focus on the main protagonists and not much else beyond basic support characters. It was refreshing and brought more life to the book and it’s characters. I would definitely recommend the book, and I can only hope that it may be the first in a new series not just a standalone.

[AC · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I most appreciated about Winter Calling, was that one of the main characters was a person with Down, and shown in such a positive light. To me it seemed an essential part of the story, as Tru's sister. I definitely liked the development of the characters. Galli engages the reader in a journey of awareness as to how it feels to be treated cruelly, and how it is to treat everyone with respect. A sweet romance with deeper lessons about life and respect for everyone, community, and beyond. When the universe is speaking to you, will you listen to the call? I wanted the story to go on.

[J H · Rating 4 out of 5]

SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: favorite trope, sports romance,

This was a cute "ice queen" story with sweet, capable characters that also had a "friends-to-lovers" aspect. The book was in first person, changing back and forth between the two main characters. It worked well with this plot, and the characters' perspectives. There was a special needs secondary character, and Galli did a fantastic job with her, including an unconditional love from family and friends.

[Patricia OHara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual storyline

Ren and Tru’s story was remarkable. Going from a crush to making mad passionate love was quite a writing feat. The pair weathered quite a bit of controversy ( mainly Ren) to a deeply developed love. The inclusion of Blyth and her disability was an added bonus. Handling this disability with dignity was awesome to witness. Wonderful heartwarming story.

[sarahturner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant

Read the book in one sitting, smart, charming and wonderfully written. The characters were interesting, Renske a complex with an outwardly cold demeanour and Tru the complete opposite so open and warm. The supporting cast were just as important and all together they brought the book alive. Well done

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful as always

Another wonderful story from this author. Lovely main characters you'd want to be friends with and route for their happily ever after. Blythe was a great addition to the cast and such a great relationship with her big sister. All around just an awesome read.