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Compass #1
Northern Lights
ASIN B07K7GPQFV moved to the most recent edition
Hannah Hudson decides to take a break from her busy restaurant and her life in London after her girlfriend, who she thought she’d spend her life with, suddenly walks out on her. She travels to a small boutique hotel in Kirkenes, Norway, hoping to spend a peaceful and relaxing Christmas by herself.
Kristine Miller loves adventure. A bank manager living in a small town in Louisiana, she’ll take every opportunity she can get to explore the world. Kristine travels to Norway hoping to see the famous northern lights but when she meets Hannah, a fellow guest at her hotel, she realizes soon enough that the northern lights might not be the most fascinating thing there.
Both women expected Christmas in Norway to be special but neither of them expected it to bring magic into their lives…
Hannah Hudson decides to take a break from her busy restaurant and her life in London after her girlfriend, who she thought she’d spend her life with, suddenly walks out on her. She travels to a small boutique hotel in Kirkenes, Norway, hoping to spend a peaceful and relaxing Christmas by herself.
Kristine Miller loves adventure. A bank manager living in a small town in Louisiana, she’ll take every opportunity she can get to explore the world. Kristine travels to Norway hoping to see the famous northern lights but when she meets Hannah, a fellow guest at her hotel, she realizes soon enough that the northern lights might not be the most fascinating thing there.
Both women expected Christmas in Norway to be special but neither of them expected it to bring magic into their lives…
170 pages, ebook
First published November 11, 2018
279 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Lise Gold
50 books687 followersLise Gold is an author of lesbian romance. Her romantic attitude, enthusiasm for travel and love for feel good stories form the heartland of her writing. Born in London to a Norwegian mother and English father, and growing up between the UK, Norway, Zambia and the Netherlands, she feels at home pretty much everywhere and has an unending curiosity for new destinations. She goes by 'write what you know' and is often found in exotic locations doing research or getting inspired for her next novel.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
December 2, 2018
What a cute book! Both characters are very likable and it’s got tons of information on the northern lights that got me very interested to visit Norway one day! Very well written apart from very few mistakes.. Short and sweet and I can’t wait to read the sequel coming soon apparently :)
July 24, 2019
A sweet short story on holiday romance with very little drama and angst. Two likeable main characters in Hannah and Kristine who met while holidaying in Norway, got attracted to each other and part ways when the holiday ended. In all likelihood, book 2 will be more interesting- when you read the blurb..
December 4, 2020
Gorgeous little start for a romance, set in the marvelous winter wonderland of Norway and the Northern Lights!
There's so much rich detail of the setting, environment and landscape, you really feel like you're there.
Hannah and Kristine are very likable and communicate beautifully. Both have hurt and vulnerabilities, but both know missing the opportunity of getting to know (and spend sexy times with) eachother would be regretful, despite the time limit.
I really look forward to the next installment and seeing Kristine and Hannah get their deserved HEA!
On Kindle Unlimited.
There's so much rich detail of the setting, environment and landscape, you really feel like you're there.
Hannah and Kristine are very likable and communicate beautifully. Both have hurt and vulnerabilities, but both know missing the opportunity of getting to know (and spend sexy times with) eachother would be regretful, despite the time limit.
I really look forward to the next installment and seeing Kristine and Hannah get their deserved HEA!
On Kindle Unlimited.
March 1, 2020
A quick, sweet holiday romance set in the very north of Norway. This Scandinavian loved the setting and I've had the ice hotel on my bucket list for years, so I quite liked the uniqueness of location. MC Hannah owns her own restaurant in London and is on holiday at the remote hotel with a group of strangers, where she meets MC Kristine, a banker from the southern USA. Sparks fly quickly, and this was an insta-love feel good kinda read. No surprises, but a helluva lot of detail of Norwegian traditions and folklore and cooking, etc. Like, a lot. Be prepared to be an honourary Norwegian by osmosis when finishing this book. 3.75/5.
May 15, 2019
[edit May 15th 2019: I can't get these people out of my mind and I really feel like I was in Norway with them and all, so I'm upgrading this book from 4 to 5*. I usually give 5* to books which change my life in some way (however small), I guess this one fits the definition.]
So very sweet, not a lot of angst, just two people falling in love. Very well-narrated too.
Just the kind of book that make me happy. I’m on my way to the second in the series without waiting.
So very sweet, not a lot of angst, just two people falling in love. Very well-narrated too.
Just the kind of book that make me happy. I’m on my way to the second in the series without waiting.
December 9, 2019
This novella is book one of ‘The Compass Series’ that follows the story of Hannah Hudson, a restaurant owner in London, and Kristine Miller, a bank manager in a small town in Louisiana. In this book, both women meet on a trip to Norway during Christmas and get involved in a short but passionate romance while enjoying the holiday magic.
Hannah and Kristine are staying in a small hotel owned by a Norwegian couple with a few other tourists from different parts of the world. As they are the only single women in the group, they soon get acquainted with each other and discover that they have more in common than they previously thought. ‘Northern lights‘ describes the different tourist activities they share and the beautiful landscape of Norway, including the Aurora Borealis that give the name to the book. Ms. Gold’s descriptions are cinematographic and it’s easy for the listener to immerse themselves into the gorgeous scenery and the Christmas spirit.
The audiobook was read by Addison Barnes, along with the rest of the series. This is my first time listening to Ms. Barnes and I felt that she did a satisfactory job. The story presents a few challenges to the narrator, first, one main character is British and the other is American with a southern drawl. In my opinion, Ms. Barnes is more convincing with the British than the American accent. Secondly, the story features a few secondary characters both female and male with different nationalities. I think the narrator performed them well, especially the Scandinavians speaking with heavy accented English. Even though the story is overall light and not very challenging in the emotional department, the narrator did a good job in the few scenes that demanded the performance of different feelings.
Available for free to Audible Escape subscribers. Duration: just over 4 hours long.
Overall, a good but short lesbian Christmas story audiobook if you love winter landscapes and cold-season activities. 4 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Hannah and Kristine are staying in a small hotel owned by a Norwegian couple with a few other tourists from different parts of the world. As they are the only single women in the group, they soon get acquainted with each other and discover that they have more in common than they previously thought. ‘Northern lights‘ describes the different tourist activities they share and the beautiful landscape of Norway, including the Aurora Borealis that give the name to the book. Ms. Gold’s descriptions are cinematographic and it’s easy for the listener to immerse themselves into the gorgeous scenery and the Christmas spirit.
The audiobook was read by Addison Barnes, along with the rest of the series. This is my first time listening to Ms. Barnes and I felt that she did a satisfactory job. The story presents a few challenges to the narrator, first, one main character is British and the other is American with a southern drawl. In my opinion, Ms. Barnes is more convincing with the British than the American accent. Secondly, the story features a few secondary characters both female and male with different nationalities. I think the narrator performed them well, especially the Scandinavians speaking with heavy accented English. Even though the story is overall light and not very challenging in the emotional department, the narrator did a good job in the few scenes that demanded the performance of different feelings.
Available for free to Audible Escape subscribers. Duration: just over 4 hours long.
Overall, a good but short lesbian Christmas story audiobook if you love winter landscapes and cold-season activities. 4 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
December 1, 2018
I liked this book. It’s about 2 single women that meet on a Christmas holiday in the north of Norway. They stay at a hotel with 3 couples they don’t know. The hotel is run by another couple. The mc’s as well as the other people in the book are described well and in a nice way. The book had a very warm atmosphere despite taking place in wintertime in snowy Norway. I thought some of the descriptions of the environment a bit too long which made me skip a few sentences or paragraphs, but all in all I enjoyed reading this book. The book has an open ending, so I am curious about the sequel. This book gets 3.5 stars from me, which rounds up to 4 stars in Goodreads.
November 4, 2022
A short story that is the prequel to Compass 2 - so a little unfair to give it 4*s only - it's like rating a normal book after 20%... & I'm well into book 2 which I love. Don't really understand why 2 books?
Rereading series while on holiday! Perfect read.
Rereading series while on holiday! Perfect read.
September 6, 2020
What a wonderful being to Hanna and Kristine’s love story. Christmas under the norther lights sounds beautiful. These women have a strong connection and are destined to be together. I’m glad their story continues in Southern Roots. Great narration too.
December 3, 2025
Very quick and sweet read.
Can definitely recommend for the holidays!
I'm excited to read the other books in the series.
Can definitely recommend for the holidays!
I'm excited to read the other books in the series.
November 25, 2018
A perfect Christmas romance!
A wonderful story of two women, living two very different lives and thousands of miles apart. Both treat themselves to a short vacation in this isolated part of Norway. Will a couple of days be enough or does a chance exist for more? I loved all the descriptions of this part of Norway and the Norwegian Christmas tradition. It is so beautiful written full of warmth and magic, it makes you feel as if you were there too. I loved every moment and hated to see it end. Delve into this book, feel the Christmas spirit and meet the great characters. You will not be disappointed with this perfect lovestory.
A wonderful story of two women, living two very different lives and thousands of miles apart. Both treat themselves to a short vacation in this isolated part of Norway. Will a couple of days be enough or does a chance exist for more? I loved all the descriptions of this part of Norway and the Norwegian Christmas tradition. It is so beautiful written full of warmth and magic, it makes you feel as if you were there too. I loved every moment and hated to see it end. Delve into this book, feel the Christmas spirit and meet the great characters. You will not be disappointed with this perfect lovestory.
December 16, 2019
1.5|5
Despite the low rating, I don’t think Northern Lights was a bad book by any means. It’s rather an unfortunate mix of mediocre writing/story and a genre that I’m now sure is not for me.
If you like romance and you’re looking for a short book for the Winter holidays, give it a try.
Despite the low rating, I don’t think Northern Lights was a bad book by any means. It’s rather an unfortunate mix of mediocre writing/story and a genre that I’m now sure is not for me.
If you like romance and you’re looking for a short book for the Winter holidays, give it a try.
March 8, 2020
This book is just one big lesfic hug. I loved the storyline and felt all the feels by the end. I genuinely couldn't get enough of Kristine and Hannah and thank goodness it wasn't the end for these two as the second book in the series is solely focused on them. I just couldn't get enough.
Character Chemistry
You can sense the attraction from the very beginning, and I couldn't stop thinking about how sexy it would be when these lovely ladies finally lit up the sheets.
I also loved the flirty intimate moments when they would spend time together talking and getting to know each other.
I can't wait to read more about Kristina and Hannah's love story. So much so I started the next book, Southern Roots minutes after finishing this one. Fantastic read.
Character Chemistry
You can sense the attraction from the very beginning, and I couldn't stop thinking about how sexy it would be when these lovely ladies finally lit up the sheets.
I also loved the flirty intimate moments when they would spend time together talking and getting to know each other.
I can't wait to read more about Kristina and Hannah's love story. So much so I started the next book, Southern Roots minutes after finishing this one. Fantastic read.
November 26, 2018
Sweet
This was a short and light read. Really no angst. Just the story of a group of people staying in a hotel for Christmas vacation to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights. All are coupled up except for a London restaurateur and a southern banker who likes to garden. They get to know each other and fall into more than they expected.
3.5 rounded up to 4. I wasn't really interested in the location, setting, or any of the activities described. So that made me not like it as much. Others may be really fascinated and enjoy it.
The ending wasn't the payoff I was hoping for. I guess there will be a second installment with these characters. I liked the progression of the relationship, so I will definitely read it.
This was a short and light read. Really no angst. Just the story of a group of people staying in a hotel for Christmas vacation to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights. All are coupled up except for a London restaurateur and a southern banker who likes to garden. They get to know each other and fall into more than they expected.
3.5 rounded up to 4. I wasn't really interested in the location, setting, or any of the activities described. So that made me not like it as much. Others may be really fascinated and enjoy it.
The ending wasn't the payoff I was hoping for. I guess there will be a second installment with these characters. I liked the progression of the relationship, so I will definitely read it.
June 20, 2019
Well done. Moving on to book #2.
November 28, 2021
Warmth in the cold winter months
This holiday romance is a must read. The chemistry is outstanding. Brings in traditions of Norway and a vacation that will bring memories for a lifetime. I enjoy books by Lose Gold and will continue to read her books. This will also be on my holiday re-read pile yearly.
This holiday romance is a must read. The chemistry is outstanding. Brings in traditions of Norway and a vacation that will bring memories for a lifetime. I enjoy books by Lose Gold and will continue to read her books. This will also be on my holiday re-read pile yearly.
August 23, 2020
This is a wonderful book. The story sounds simple.....2 woman travel to a small boutique hotel in Norway for a vacation. Hannah, taking a break from her busy restaurant in London and Kristine, a bank manager from Louisiana, looking for adventure. They will spend 5 days with 6 other guests waiting to view the northern lights. They are immediately attracted to each other and start a romance. I know this sounds , like ho hum, here we go again with insta-love but the back drop of this story is what creates and drives the romance. They are in a mystical location starting December 22 . In the beginning they have a difficult time waking because at that time of the year there is no sun 23 hrs a day. But they have many adventures such as, cross country skiing, dog sledding, and hay rides. Not to mention the wonderful meals that are described. And then there's the mythical stories the inn keeper tells each night by the campfire, the amazing stars and of course the northern lights is the highlight. It makes you want to find this place and make reservations for your next vacation.
The romance is instant but comes across very real and very hot. They seem to be made for each other. The major angst in the story is what do these ladies do with their romance at the end of the 5 days. They live on 2 separate continents and both have important careers.
This is book 1 of a 4 book series. I chose the audio version. The narrator, is Addison Barnes. In the beginning I felt her voice was a little light but then she did a wonderful job changing her voice and accent for all 10 characters. She spoke with Norwegian, German, British, Canadian and Southern accents. I always knew who was speaking.
I am ready to start book 2.
The romance is instant but comes across very real and very hot. They seem to be made for each other. The major angst in the story is what do these ladies do with their romance at the end of the 5 days. They live on 2 separate continents and both have important careers.
This is book 1 of a 4 book series. I chose the audio version. The narrator, is Addison Barnes. In the beginning I felt her voice was a little light but then she did a wonderful job changing her voice and accent for all 10 characters. She spoke with Norwegian, German, British, Canadian and Southern accents. I always knew who was speaking.
I am ready to start book 2.
December 16, 2018
Part romance. Part travelogue. This just didn’t click with me. I found the characters a bit too stereotypical and the long sections on the holiday outings and activities sort of bored me. Sorry. It is a perfectly nice read with lots of good reviews. So probably best to ignore mine.
July 30, 2020
"You'll always have the memories. And the best memories never fade."
A sweet, low-conflict Christmas novella about two women who meet while on vacation to see the Northern Lights. The slow, low-conflict nature of the plot worked, because it was surrounded by so many details of a Norwegian Christmas and winter that were really interesting to learn about. Definitely helps that it was written by an author who has roots and experience with the country herself. I was just thinking the other day that I'd really like to see the Northern Lights, and this was described so magically and wonderfully, with lots of added titbits about Norwegian culture and food and folklore.
As for the characters, I really liked them! They were really interesting, and from what we've seen, they seem to work well together. It was of course a short book, so the chemistry wasn't as well-defined as I'd have liked, but Hannah and Kristine's story is going to continue int he next book of the series, which I'll definitely read in the future. One thing I didn't like was the frequent head-hopping; personal pet peeve, I always find it so jarring.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Addison Barnes, and it was really really good! I found her voice pleasant, and moreover, the voice work was impressive. In this story there's Kristine from the American South, Hannah from London, several Norweigans, a couple of Danes, a couple of Germans, and a couple of Canadians, and Barnes has distinctive (but not exaggerated) voices for them all. I always knew who was speaking, and I thought she did a great job with the accents. Which, I mean, take that with a grain of salt because I'm far from an accent expert, and I'm not from any of the above countries. But she definitely made the reading experience great.
I'm looking forward to continuing Hannah and Kristine's story!
A sweet, low-conflict Christmas novella about two women who meet while on vacation to see the Northern Lights. The slow, low-conflict nature of the plot worked, because it was surrounded by so many details of a Norwegian Christmas and winter that were really interesting to learn about. Definitely helps that it was written by an author who has roots and experience with the country herself. I was just thinking the other day that I'd really like to see the Northern Lights, and this was described so magically and wonderfully, with lots of added titbits about Norwegian culture and food and folklore.
As for the characters, I really liked them! They were really interesting, and from what we've seen, they seem to work well together. It was of course a short book, so the chemistry wasn't as well-defined as I'd have liked, but Hannah and Kristine's story is going to continue int he next book of the series, which I'll definitely read in the future. One thing I didn't like was the frequent head-hopping; personal pet peeve, I always find it so jarring.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Addison Barnes, and it was really really good! I found her voice pleasant, and moreover, the voice work was impressive. In this story there's Kristine from the American South, Hannah from London, several Norweigans, a couple of Danes, a couple of Germans, and a couple of Canadians, and Barnes has distinctive (but not exaggerated) voices for them all. I always knew who was speaking, and I thought she did a great job with the accents. Which, I mean, take that with a grain of salt because I'm far from an accent expert, and I'm not from any of the above countries. But she definitely made the reading experience great.
I'm looking forward to continuing Hannah and Kristine's story!
December 7, 2018
Very sweet beginning to this series. Hannah Hudson and Kristine Miller meet during their Christmas vacations in Kirkenes, Norway. To be continued in Southern Lights in 2019.
June 19, 2019
This was a great read. I have enjoyed everything I have read from the author. The chemistry between the MC is amazing. I get to see the Northern Lights on a very rare occasion. This book makes me wants to experience them how they did in the book! Another great job Lise!!!
February 23, 2019
I enjoyed the scenery, backdrop, traditions and folk stories weaved in through out the story but there was no subtly with the characters and I thought the dialogue was cheesy. I didn’t understand the chemistry other than the author spelling out there was chemistry. I really just wanted a bit more. Overall 3.5 stars.
November 11, 2020
A really sweet book. I very much liked the story, albeit somewhat short with just over four hours.
A perfect, heartwarming and hot Christmas story.
I haven't read part two (southern roots) yet, but I'm not sure yet if I'm going to.
One little thing I didn't quite like was the narrator. While her voice is very pleasant to listen to throughout the book, it was a big turnoff for the love scenes.
A perfect, heartwarming and hot Christmas story.
I haven't read part two (southern roots) yet, but I'm not sure yet if I'm going to.
One little thing I didn't quite like was the narrator. While her voice is very pleasant to listen to throughout the book, it was a big turnoff for the love scenes.
February 24, 2021
After finishing Kristin Lavransdatter, I needed something lighter to read, yet still wanting a little more Norway. What better than Northern Lights? It is an adventure on holiday in Norway to see the Northern Lights also a lesbian romance.
My husband and I took an Alaskan cruise in June about a decade ago. I had hoped beyond any known reality that I would get to see the Aurora Borealis. I stayed awake until the three hours of night were over hoping to see this phenomenon. It was June. I knew it wouldn't happen. I hope I get to see it someday. Meanwhile, I have to sink into fiction to experience it.
This was a light, fun romance. And the author caught the feeling of being on a cruise or holiday together with strangers. It was fun to see how those in Norway celebrate Christmas. Oh, and at the end of the book are a bunch of recipes that a person who loves that sort of thing would enjoy. I don't much like to cook. You might like it though.
My husband and I took an Alaskan cruise in June about a decade ago. I had hoped beyond any known reality that I would get to see the Aurora Borealis. I stayed awake until the three hours of night were over hoping to see this phenomenon. It was June. I knew it wouldn't happen. I hope I get to see it someday. Meanwhile, I have to sink into fiction to experience it.
This was a light, fun romance. And the author caught the feeling of being on a cruise or holiday together with strangers. It was fun to see how those in Norway celebrate Christmas. Oh, and at the end of the book are a bunch of recipes that a person who loves that sort of thing would enjoy. I don't much like to cook. You might like it though.
May 17, 2020
Actually 3.5 stars
After going to Norway to see the Northern Lights earlier this year, I was drawn to this sweet romance about people doing the same. Restaurateur Hannah is looking for a quick mini-vacation from her hectic job in London. Small-town bank manager Kristine is looking for adventure. They're the only two single people at their small B&B, and in true romance novel fashion, they're both lesbians who fall for each other. It's a lot like a lesbian version of a Hallmark movie. However, it's happy for now ending, as they have to go their separate ways, but plan on meeting up in London in the near future. The characters are adorable and their interactions are great, but the book's short length makes it a little shallow in some places.
After going to Norway to see the Northern Lights earlier this year, I was drawn to this sweet romance about people doing the same. Restaurateur Hannah is looking for a quick mini-vacation from her hectic job in London. Small-town bank manager Kristine is looking for adventure. They're the only two single people at their small B&B, and in true romance novel fashion, they're both lesbians who fall for each other. It's a lot like a lesbian version of a Hallmark movie. However, it's happy for now ending, as they have to go their separate ways, but plan on meeting up in London in the near future. The characters are adorable and their interactions are great, but the book's short length makes it a little shallow in some places.
December 4, 2018
I loved this book. Like all Lise Gold stories, it is captivating, interesting, engaging. What a magical place to fall in love. I cannot wait for Southern Lights where the story of Hannah and Kristine continues. Don’t miss it.
November 21, 2020
This is a cute holiday romance with an extremely nice bunch of characters. The problem with stories based entirely around what happens on a holiday is I miss the way it affects their normal life and the interactions with friends and family.
However as a holiday romance this was a decent story, even if was probably a bit too sweet.
However as a holiday romance this was a decent story, even if was probably a bit too sweet.
January 20, 2021
A really sweet love story between 2 women, quite sweet and likeable characters.
Anyone who is romantic at heart would enjoy reading it.
Anyone who is romantic at heart would enjoy reading it.
December 10, 2021
cute but i wish it had been longer
February 21, 2020
Very Very Cute!
I read this book a long time ago 2018/19 when I originally purchased it. I was waiting for the sequel and totally forgot about it. I just purchased the other books to this series and thought it was proper to reread and give a review before moving forward.
I loved it! Besides the obvious of two single gay women on an group adventure, who have a mutual attraction. Then the chemistry and the lust that comes through in the writing. The deeper meaning of a special place with special company. This is a must read and am now looking forward to the next chapter.I am a big fan of Lise Gold and have read many of her books.
I read this book a long time ago 2018/19 when I originally purchased it. I was waiting for the sequel and totally forgot about it. I just purchased the other books to this series and thought it was proper to reread and give a review before moving forward.
I loved it! Besides the obvious of two single gay women on an group adventure, who have a mutual attraction. Then the chemistry and the lust that comes through in the writing. The deeper meaning of a special place with special company. This is a must read and am now looking forward to the next chapter.I am a big fan of Lise Gold and have read many of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews