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hmshd3's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nikkismiles43's review
4.0
If We Had No Winter ( A Billie Dixon Novel Book 1 )
By D.L. Pitchford
⅘ Stars
If We Had No Winter by D.L. Pitchford is a contemporary romance novel with a bit of drama flare mixed in. It’s a book you’ll enjoy from beginning to end! I know I sure did! This is my first time reading this author, but it won’t be my last! Story flow smoothly, with relatable and unforgettable characters!
Billie Dixon is a really believe able relatable character. Especially , students just starting off at college, will have a lot in common with her. I did, in the aspect of her being such an introvert, like myself!!
This is quite the journey for Billie. Lots of ups, downs, twists and turns !! It’s an unbelievable ride, you will not be able to put this book down! Trust me, just go read this book! I’m looking forward to see where the other books in the series will take us! Hopefully this won’t be the end of hearing from Billie and her family!! Great job, until next time!!
By D.L. Pitchford
⅘ Stars
If We Had No Winter by D.L. Pitchford is a contemporary romance novel with a bit of drama flare mixed in. It’s a book you’ll enjoy from beginning to end! I know I sure did! This is my first time reading this author, but it won’t be my last! Story flow smoothly, with relatable and unforgettable characters!
Billie Dixon is a really believe able relatable character. Especially , students just starting off at college, will have a lot in common with her. I did, in the aspect of her being such an introvert, like myself!!
This is quite the journey for Billie. Lots of ups, downs, twists and turns !! It’s an unbelievable ride, you will not be able to put this book down! Trust me, just go read this book! I’m looking forward to see where the other books in the series will take us! Hopefully this won’t be the end of hearing from Billie and her family!! Great job, until next time!!
katie_83's review
5.0
If We Had No Winter
By D L Pitchford
5 stars
I thought that this story was a really well written contemporary romance novel. It is the first that I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I liked that this was a slower paced story than I am used to. I wasn’t quite sure whilst I was reading it but since finishing it I think it suited the main character, Billie, perfectly. Had the author rushed her story, pushed her into situations quickly then I don’t think it would have been as good as it was. Billie had so many emotional issues to deal with, I really felt for her. Although there were times when she irritated me slightly I felt her growth over the story was really good, the author was spot on with her character development. I learnt so much about her over the story that I began to understand why she was the way she was. The secondary characters in the story were good, I liked Jimmy (Billie’s best friend) and I couldn’t help but love Xander! Yes he got on my nerves slightly but there was clearly so much sexual tension between him and Billie! Jimmy really did care about Billie, he loved her as a friend even if it did seem at times that enabled her.
I loved the ending – even though I was wishing for much more!! I can’t wait to read whatever is next for these characters!
A really well written story, yes it is slow paced but it’s perfect for the characters. There are some sensitive issues discussed in this story but the author did a good job with writing about them respectfully.
By D L Pitchford
5 stars
I thought that this story was a really well written contemporary romance novel. It is the first that I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I liked that this was a slower paced story than I am used to. I wasn’t quite sure whilst I was reading it but since finishing it I think it suited the main character, Billie, perfectly. Had the author rushed her story, pushed her into situations quickly then I don’t think it would have been as good as it was. Billie had so many emotional issues to deal with, I really felt for her. Although there were times when she irritated me slightly I felt her growth over the story was really good, the author was spot on with her character development. I learnt so much about her over the story that I began to understand why she was the way she was. The secondary characters in the story were good, I liked Jimmy (Billie’s best friend) and I couldn’t help but love Xander! Yes he got on my nerves slightly but there was clearly so much sexual tension between him and Billie! Jimmy really did care about Billie, he loved her as a friend even if it did seem at times that enabled her.
I loved the ending – even though I was wishing for much more!! I can’t wait to read whatever is next for these characters!
A really well written story, yes it is slow paced but it’s perfect for the characters. There are some sensitive issues discussed in this story but the author did a good job with writing about them respectfully.
bwagner's review
4.0
If We Have No Winter (Billie Dixon Book 1) by DL Pitchford is the first book in her Billie Dixon series. This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more of her. Her writing skills just flow easily and her characters will feel more like friends then just characters. This story is told in the first person which is different then I am use to reading and I enjoyed the change. This story is about how life changes when you go to college and the future you want to make but then when it all comes down around you, what are you left with. This is Billie's story. She is in her first year of college and her family life has crashed. Her major is in the Math department which just happens that her father who she don't know well is the head of. Her best friend lives across the way but the only problem with that is she can't stand his roommate. She uses art to work out her frustration which is how she decided to tutor others. A problem with this is that one of her students has feelings for her. On top of that she is still trying to figure out how to deal with her relationship with her father. Billie is a person that has her own issues with insecurities. She does have a passion and I loved that we got to see inside of her head. Sometimes, the personal inside helps makes a better connection with the character. In this case, you just want to give Billie a hug because of everything she is going through. The secondary characters in this story are supportive and easy flowing. They all really just jive together to make the story engaging. I for one, can't wait to read the second book in this series so I can see what happens to Billie next. I highly recommend this book as I know you will want to see what happens to Billie and her struggles and how she can survive her life.
angelahayes's review
4.0
4 Stars
If We Had No Winter is the first book in the Billie Dixon series and debut novel by D.L. Pitchford. It is a college romance, coming of age, new adult story that explores the issues that are part of early adulthood and college life.
Wilhemina (Billie) Dixon is an insecure, introverted, artistic, and mathematically minded first year college student. She is a little overwhelmed with adulthood and college life. She has unresolved issues with her absentee father, and her parents divorce. So, attending college where her father works is an added stress for her. Billie is somewhat closed herself off from people as a way to avoid being hurt, or dealing with feelings. She tutors maths as a way of helping make ends meet, and the guy she’s been tutoring develops a crush on her. Her best friend lives next door, which is great- but his roommate is hard to deal with. Billie thought she had everything planned out, but life had other ideas. This story explores how life happens and sometimes the best laid plans go awry. Billie learns about mistakes and consequences. About love, relationships and friendship. And, about herself.
The story is told from a first-person perspective, Billies- so we see the story through her eyes. We get front row seat to her inner dialogue and this gives us an insight into her as a person. I found it hard to like Billie to begin with, I wanted to know more about her- her back story, family situation etc. The story was also a little slow to get going, while the author laid the foundations to the story- so that may have also played a part in me taking a while to invest in Billie and her story.
The characters are authentic, complex, believable and over-all, likeable. They are the real gems in this story. I also appreciated the character growth and development that occurred over the course of the story.
I loved how the author used ‘winter’ as a metaphor for adversity. Quite clever. I was left with questions at the end, which I hope will be addressed in the next book.
An enjoyable, honest, slightly sarcastic, and interesting story from this debut author.
Thank-you, Ms. Pitchford!
If We Had No Winter is the first book in the Billie Dixon series and debut novel by D.L. Pitchford. It is a college romance, coming of age, new adult story that explores the issues that are part of early adulthood and college life.
Wilhemina (Billie) Dixon is an insecure, introverted, artistic, and mathematically minded first year college student. She is a little overwhelmed with adulthood and college life. She has unresolved issues with her absentee father, and her parents divorce. So, attending college where her father works is an added stress for her. Billie is somewhat closed herself off from people as a way to avoid being hurt, or dealing with feelings. She tutors maths as a way of helping make ends meet, and the guy she’s been tutoring develops a crush on her. Her best friend lives next door, which is great- but his roommate is hard to deal with. Billie thought she had everything planned out, but life had other ideas. This story explores how life happens and sometimes the best laid plans go awry. Billie learns about mistakes and consequences. About love, relationships and friendship. And, about herself.
The story is told from a first-person perspective, Billies- so we see the story through her eyes. We get front row seat to her inner dialogue and this gives us an insight into her as a person. I found it hard to like Billie to begin with, I wanted to know more about her- her back story, family situation etc. The story was also a little slow to get going, while the author laid the foundations to the story- so that may have also played a part in me taking a while to invest in Billie and her story.
The characters are authentic, complex, believable and over-all, likeable. They are the real gems in this story. I also appreciated the character growth and development that occurred over the course of the story.
I loved how the author used ‘winter’ as a metaphor for adversity. Quite clever. I was left with questions at the end, which I hope will be addressed in the next book.
An enjoyable, honest, slightly sarcastic, and interesting story from this debut author.
Thank-you, Ms. Pitchford!
kirchersmiles's review
5.0
If We Had No Winter: A Slow Burn College Romance (Billie Dixon Book 1)
By D.L. Pitchford
5 Stars
I have so much to say about this book and have no idea where to begin. After reading the synopsis I was curious which is why I chose to read it, but I was worried I wouldn't be able to grab a hold of it after reading some of the reviews. Well, let me just say that not only did I grab a hold of it, I couldn't put it down. When it finished I think I actually yelled out loud..NO!! Then pulled her up on Amazon checking for a book 2, and find that its coming soon!! Thank goodness!
I will be first in line for the 2nd part of this story, the subtitle of this book contains the words Slow Burn and how very true that is, there was no major action scenes in this story, it was as real life as it gets, I seriously felt as though I was standing right next to Billie in this entire story, it didn't move fast, yet it moves smooth enough to make it feel like it did. The character development was AMAZING, I feel like I completely understood and know Billie personally. The only person in the book Id have liked a bit more history on is Xander, but I do believe there will be a lot more to come for his character, I loved Jimmy..His and Billie’s relationship was real and uncomplicated in my opinion, and I seriously hope there is a lot more to come for him as well. I have mixed feelings on the character of Zane, my emotions were all over the place with him and I found myself even mad at Billie sometimes where he is concerned.
I loved the storyline with Billie and her father, that hit home with me personally and feel that that was written beautifully! There was only one part of this whole book I had an issue with and that is only because it is something I have a problem with, but I will say it was handled in a way that I could accept and move on. This is my third book completed this year, and is definitely going to be in my favorites list of the year no matter what else I read, and not only will I be grabbing the second in this series but will be watching for any and everything this author writes.
Amazingly awesome!! I Loved Loved Loved it!!
By D.L. Pitchford
5 Stars
I have so much to say about this book and have no idea where to begin. After reading the synopsis I was curious which is why I chose to read it, but I was worried I wouldn't be able to grab a hold of it after reading some of the reviews. Well, let me just say that not only did I grab a hold of it, I couldn't put it down. When it finished I think I actually yelled out loud..NO!! Then pulled her up on Amazon checking for a book 2, and find that its coming soon!! Thank goodness!
I will be first in line for the 2nd part of this story, the subtitle of this book contains the words Slow Burn and how very true that is, there was no major action scenes in this story, it was as real life as it gets, I seriously felt as though I was standing right next to Billie in this entire story, it didn't move fast, yet it moves smooth enough to make it feel like it did. The character development was AMAZING, I feel like I completely understood and know Billie personally. The only person in the book Id have liked a bit more history on is Xander, but I do believe there will be a lot more to come for his character, I loved Jimmy..His and Billie’s relationship was real and uncomplicated in my opinion, and I seriously hope there is a lot more to come for him as well. I have mixed feelings on the character of Zane, my emotions were all over the place with him and I found myself even mad at Billie sometimes where he is concerned.
I loved the storyline with Billie and her father, that hit home with me personally and feel that that was written beautifully! There was only one part of this whole book I had an issue with and that is only because it is something I have a problem with, but I will say it was handled in a way that I could accept and move on. This is my third book completed this year, and is definitely going to be in my favorites list of the year no matter what else I read, and not only will I be grabbing the second in this series but will be watching for any and everything this author writes.
Amazingly awesome!! I Loved Loved Loved it!!
writeramyshannon's review
4.0
Compelling
This book definitely brings to late a time of self-exploration, and where better to do it than in college, when someone is just starting their adult life. Billie is the main character that breathes life into this story, while trying to figure out her own. Ups and downs, and a lot of emotional twists, but it's a very strong, and exceptional story.
This book definitely brings to late a time of self-exploration, and where better to do it than in college, when someone is just starting their adult life. Billie is the main character that breathes life into this story, while trying to figure out her own. Ups and downs, and a lot of emotional twists, but it's a very strong, and exceptional story.
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