This is a glorious book, perfect for winter, full of magic, mystery and a snowy landscape. 

Once again, I don't know how I discovered this book but I'm so glad I did - it's a story worth revisiting every winter. It's aimed at readers aged 11 plus and it has a powerful fairy tale vibe, combining fantasy, nostalgia, adventure, and a huge white bear - I loved it!

Rose was born facing north so, according to the old wives' tale, she is destined to travel far from home on a dangerous journey.

The family and small community, in which she's raised, hold her with a certain amount of wariness and when her younger sister falls ill, it's decided that Rose should be gifted to an enormous white bear who promises health and safety for her sibling in return.

Taken on the back of the bear for the journey to his castle far away, Rose comes to accept her new life, but it's full of mystery and foreboding. Her curiosity may become her undoing, but her spirit and courage may also lead her to her true destiny.

This is a beautiful book which has all the qualities of a timeless classic. An epic story of a journey of adventure and discovery, trust and betrayal, this is a book in which to lose yourself on a cold, dark day!